Hundreds of snakes escaped from a breeding farm in Hengzhou city of China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region after floods triggered by Typhoon Maysak damaged the facility. According to Chinese media outlet Global Times, around 800 to 900 snakes fled into surrounding areas, causing widespread alarm. The flood began on July 6 when heavy rainfall broke a local reservoir dam, inundating the farm. Initial reports suggest most of the escaped snakes are nonvenomous.

Local authorities confirmed that one villager was hospitalized after a snakebite, while many snakes were swept away by floodwaters. Residents formed volunteer teams to capture snakes using fishing nets, but officials urged people not to attempt this themselves. The Hengzhou administration strengthened emergency medical services, increased antivenom supplies, deployed additional rescue teams, and set up temporary clinics for bite victims.

Public awareness campaigns through loudspeakers, WeChat groups, and home visits advised residents to avoid risky areas, especially at night. Local media also issued safety guidelines, warning against traditional but unsafe snakebite treatments and urging immediate medical attention.