Authorities in southern China are dealing with an unusual challenge after widespread flooding in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region resulted in hundreds of snakes escaping from commercial breeding facilities.

According to Chinese media reports, nearly 900 snakes have fled flooded farms as rising water levels swept through villages and agricultural areas. Officials have warned residents to remain cautious, as some of the escaped reptiles are believed to be venomous, including cobras.

The flooding has also reportedly claimed at least one life linked to a snakebite. Local reports said a woman in Hengzhou died after being bitten and was unable to receive timely medical treatment because flooded roads delayed her journey to a hospital.

Videos circulating on social media show snakes swimming through floodwaters while residents attempt to capture them in waist-deep water. The footage has drawn widespread attention as emergency teams continue efforts to locate the escaped reptiles.

Authorities have deployed specialised teams to recover the snakes and established temporary medical facilities to provide immediate treatment for anyone bitten. Public advisories have also been issued, urging residents in affected areas to avoid floodwaters unless absolutely necessary.

Guangxi is considered China's largest hub for commercial snake farming, with millions of snakes raised annually for use in traditional medicine, leather products and the food industry. Regional officials confirmed that snakes had entered floodwaters after several breeding facilities were inundated during the heavy rains.

The region has been battered by powerful storms that caused reservoirs to overflow and rivers to breach their banks, flooding towns and rural communities. According to local authorities, at least six people have lost their lives, while around 130,000 residents have been evacuated from affected areas. Thousands of rescue personnel and boats have been deployed as emergency operations continue.

Beyond the snake escapes, the floods have caused extensive damage to farms, timber operations and jasmine plantations across Guangxi. Floodwaters also breached enclosures at a local zoo, allowing more than 100 animals—including alpacas, miniature pigs and zebras—to escape before rescue teams began recovery efforts.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation as rescue operations, flood relief work and efforts to capture the escaped snakes remain underway across the region.