Southern China Floods Unleash Hundreds of Venomous Snakes

Beijing. Following severe floods in China's southern Guangxi region, hundreds of venomous snakes have spread throughout the city, causing panic among local residents.

According to state media, 39 people have died so far in the floods that followed Typhoon Maesaak. It is estimated that about 900 snakes, many of them venomous, were washed away from a snake farm in Hengzhou city, Guangxi region. Officials stated that one woman died from a cobra bite, and several other individuals were also bitten by snakes, state media reported.

Videos released on social media show snakes swimming in floodwaters and roaming the streets. Following this, local authorities have urged the public to be cautious as there may be venomous snakes in the floodwaters. Authorities have deployed snake-catching teams, increased the stock of antivenom medicine in hospitals, and kept healthcare workers on standby to treat potential snakebite victims.

Other animals have also been swept away by the floods. Two zebras, one dromedary camel, three small horses, two donkeys, an ostrich, an emu, and raccoons have escaped from a private zoo. The zoo has urged the public to report any sightings of these animals immediately. According to zoo operator Yin Feifei, staff members secured the enclosures of dangerous animals at the risk of their own lives. However, he stated that three lions died due to the floods.

Local media reported that over 16,000 pigs were also washed away by the floods. Videos released on social media show pigs being rescued from the floodwaters using heavy machinery. Hengzhou is a popular location for tea and snakes. Over 100 species of snakes are found in the Guangxi region, bordering Vietnam. Guangxi Daily reported that as of 2020, there were approximately 20 million snakes and over 14,000 snake farms here. Currently, most snakes are raised for medicinal and biological research. The main species raised here are cobras and rat snakes. Rat snakes are not venomous, while cobra bites can be fatal.

According to Zhu, a member of the local snake-catching team, a team of seven to eight people caught two to three thousand snakes in just two days. He stated that most of them were rat snakes. According to him, after floods, snakes often take shelter in corners of houses and hidden places. The team catches snakes and hands them over to the relevant authorities after being informed by local residents.

The local government has advised the public not to go out at night, not to go near bushes or ponds, and to use snake-repellent items around their homes. According to Xinhua, there is sufficient antivenom available in local hospitals, but it will only be effective if treatment is received promptly after a snakebite. Officials stated that even though the floodwaters are receding, the risk of snakes spreading throughout the city still remains.