Floods in Guangxi release about 900 snakes and alligators

Severe flooding triggered by Typhoon Maysak in southern China has led to the escape of hundreds of snakes and several alligators from commercial breeding facilities, creating a dangerous secondary crisis for residents already grappling with submerged homes and deadly floodwaters. The incident occurred in and around Hengzhou, a county-level city under the administration of Nanning, the capital of the Guangxi region, after record rainfall caused reservoirs to breach earlier this week.

Local officials reported that floodwaters damaged the perimeter walls of a commercial snake-breeding facility and an alligator farm, allowing an estimated 900 snakes and an unknown number of alligators to escape into surrounding neighborhoods and waterways. Videos circulating on social media showed the reptiles swimming through flooded streets. Wu Zhi, a local official, stated that floodwaters swept away most of the snakes from the farm in Dengwei village after the facility was overwhelmed on July 6.

Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and avoid attempting to capture the animals themselves, warning that both venomous and non-venomous species are among the escapees. While initial...