In July 2026, southern China experienced severe flooding. As water levels rose, residents faced a double problem: their homes were damaged, and hundreds of venomous snakes escaped from a local breeding farm. The facility in Hengzhou was flooded between July 6 and July 7, releasing about 900 snakes. Among them were dangerous king ratsnakes and cobras.
The flooding was caused by Typhoon Maysak, which brought heavy rain that overwhelmed the area's infrastructure. Two reservoirs, Liulan and Yunbiao, collapsed, causing massive floods that affected farms and homes. The situation became dangerous as flooded streets made it difficult to get help. Sadly, one woman in Yunbiao township died from a snakebite because she could not reach medical care in time. Another person was bitten and needed to go to the hospital.
Videos showed people in deep water trying to protect themselves from snakes. Officials warned the public not to catch the snakes themselves. Instead, special teams were sent to capture the animals. Hospitals prepared for snakebite victims by increasing their supply of antivenom, especially for cobras. Emergency clinics were also set up.
This event highlights the region's large reptile industry. The Guangxi Zhuang region farms millions of reptiles for different industries. The snake escape is part of a larger disaster, with floods displacing many people and causing damage across southern China. President Xi Jinping has asked local governments to improve warning systems. Climate experts warn that climate change could lead to more such dangerous events.