Snakes escape flooded farms after heavy rainfall in Guangxi's Hengzhou

Snakes have escaped from flooded breeding farms following days of heavy rainfall in Hengzhou, South China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, according to media reports on Tuesday.

Xiaoxiang Morning Herald reported that, citing online posts, a snake farm in Dengwei village, Yunbiao town, had been hit by floodwaters, prompting warnings for nearby residents.

A resident told the newspaper that some small snake farms in low-lying areas had been inundated, allowing the reptiles to escape into surrounding areas. Villagers said the animals on the run included commonly farmed species, with some reports mentioning venomous snakes such as cobras.

The Hengzhou emergency management bureau said it was aware of reports of damaged snake farms and villagers being bitten by snakes. Rescue personnel have been dispatched, while further details are pending an official update.

The incident came amid severe flooding in Hengzhou. Xinhua News Agency reported that the Liulan and Yunbiao reservoirs experienced overtopping and breaches on Monday morning, leaving villages in several towns surrounded by floodwaters.