Floodwaters Unleash Serpent Danger on Villages

Following Typhoon Maysak, floodwaters from a breached reservoir levee near Hengzhou city in China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region destroyed a local snake farm. This catastrophic event released an estimated 800 to 900 snakes, encompassing venomous species like cobras, into downstream rural villages.

The receding waters presented a new peril for survivors of the flood. Dengxu village became the epicenter of a reptilian threat, with snakes, including cobras, king rat snakes, and non-venomous rat snakes, entering homes and public spaces. The fear of unseen dangers was palpable as residents grappled with the aftermath.

Tragically, the escaped serpents caused harm. At least two residents suffered snakebites. A middle-aged woman died after a cobra, swept into her home by the flood, bit her twice. Roads were impassable, and local antivenom supplies were lost, preventing timely hospital access.

In response, Dengxu village swiftly established a special patrol team. Multiple official and volunteer snake-catching squads were mobilized, equipped with essential tools like tongs and collection bags, to scour the area and mitigate the ongoing danger posed by the displaced reptiles.