Nearly 900 snakes escaped from a snake breeding farm after heavy storms and flooding in Hangzhou city of Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region in China.
Local authorities have started a search operation to capture the escaped snakes. According to Chinese media reports, heavy rainfall damaged a nearby reservoir embankment, flooding Dengwei village and destroying the enclosures at the snake farm.
Local officials said floodwaters carried away most of the snakes, while some became trapped on floating debris. Early reports claimed that venomous cobras had escaped, but officials later clarified that all snakes caught so far were non-venomous water snakes.
10-member team deployed to capture escaped snakes
A special 10-member team has been deployed to capture the escaped snakes. The team has been provided with nets and electric shock equipment, while volunteers from nearby villages are also taking part in the operation. Officials said one villager was bitten by a snake and is receiving medical treatment.
The incident is part of widespread damage caused by storms and floods across China. Around 130,000 people have been moved to safer areas due to the storm, while a reservoir embankment also broke in Nanning, the capital of Guangxi.
Official figures said at least six people have died in the floods, while 11 others remain missing. In separate flood-related incidents in Hubei province, another 11 people were killed. The Chinese government has sent more than 36,000 relief supplies to affected areas.
