Over 900 Snakes Escape Breeding Farms Amid China Floods, Woman Dead

More than 900 snakes have reportedly escaped from breeding farms after severe flooding struck southern China, creating an unusual emergency as authorities continue responding to deadly rain-related disasters. A woman has reportedly died after suffering a snake bite and reaching hospital late because flooded roads and blockages delayed her journey for medical treatment.

The snakes escaped as heavy rainfall submerged villages and damaged breeding facilities across the Guangxi region. Reports said the reptiles include venomous species such as cobras, raising concerns for residents already dealing with widespread flooding. Videos circulating on social media showed snakes swimming through floodwaters while people waded through thigh-high water in attempts to capture the escaped reptiles.

Authorities have deployed teams to search for and capture the snakes, while temporary medical clinics have reportedly been established to provide rapid treatment to people who suffer bites. Several people have been bitten, according to reports, as the reptiles spread through flooded areas. Regional officials confirmed that snakes had appeared in some bodies of water after multiple villages around Hengzhou were submerged.

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Guangxi is China’s largest centre for commercial snake farming, with around 30 million reptiles reportedly bred for traditional medicine, leather products and meat. The scale of the industry has made the flooding particularly challenging, as damaged farms have allowed large numbers of snakes to escape. Residents and emergency teams have been urged to remain alert while recovery and capture operations continue.

The wider flooding disaster has killed at least six people and forced around 130,000 residents to evacuate, according to regional authorities. More than 8,000 personnel and approximately 5,700 boats have been deployed in rescue operations. Reservoir breaches and overflowing water systems have sent torrents through towns and cities, while the storms have also flooded pig farms, disrupted timber production and damaged jasmine plantations.

The floods have also affected wildlife facilities, with at least 100 animals reportedly escaping from a zoo in Guangxi after their enclosures were damaged. The animals included alpacas, miniature pigs and zebras, adding another challenge for emergency teams. Authorities continue to respond to the flooding while searching for escaped animals and snakes, assisting displaced residents and providing medical care in affected communities.

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