Heavy rains linked to Typhoon Maysak caused catastrophic flooding in Hengzhou, a city within the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. The surge overwhelmed a large commercial snake‑breeding farm, breaking its enclosures and releasing a mix of water snakes, king ratsnakes and highly venomous cobras into the surrounding neighborhoods.

Species Involved and Immediate Threats

State‑run footage captured locals wading through muddy floodwaters, attempting to capture the escaped reptiles with dip nets. In one striking shot, a cobra lifts its head above the water, underscoring the acute danger of venomous encounters in the chaotic environment.

Human Encounters and Bite Cases

Following the escape, several villagers reported snakebites. A resident told Beijing News that he was bitten by a cobra while clearing debris from the ground floor of his home after the flood receded. He recounted seeing “five or six” snakes in the area while receiving treatment at a local hospital. Doctors confirmed an influx of bite victims, many presenting with symptoms of severe envenomation.

Official Response and Medical Measures

Hengzhou authorities issued emergency guidance warning that cobras, kraits and green pit vipers could seek shelter in homes, stairwells, building corners and along riverbanks. Anti‑venom stocks were increased, and Hengzhou People’s Hospital was designated as a dedicated snake‑bite treatment centre with a fast‑track admission pathway. Additional medical stations were set up, and rescue teams were dispatched to high‑risk zones.

Wider Disaster Context

The flood also caused two reservoirs to overflow, isolating dozens of villages and claiming at least six lives in Guangxi, with many more missing. Landslides, thunderstorms and tornadoes hit other provinces, prompting President Xi Jinping to call for “all‑out” rescue operations across the country.

While snake sightings are not uncommon in flood‑affected southern China, a mass escape from a commercial breeding operation is rare. The incident highlights the vulnerability of animal‑farming enterprises to extreme weather events and adds another layer of challenge for communities already grappling with the aftermath of severe flooding.