Heavy flooding and severe weather in southern China have led to the escape of hundreds of snakes, including cobras, from a breeding farm in Hengzhou county, Guangxi province. The snakes swam away after floodwaters breached the Liulan dam near the facility. Authorities reported that most of the roughly 900 escaped snakes are non-venomous, though warnings were issued against attempting to capture them without proper precautions.

The incident unfolded amid ongoing flooding in the region, which has already resulted in at least 39 fatalities in Guangxi province. The floods prompted the evacuation of approximately 130,000 residents. Efforts to contain the escaped snakes included mobilizing a volunteer team of ten individuals equipped with nets and stun guns to safely round them up. Meanwhile, some villagers were seen attempting to catch snakes using sticks, according to online footage, despite official advisories to the contrary.

The flooding across southern China has been intensified by Typhoon Maysak, which struck earlier in the week. The storm contributed to multiple dam breaches, with images circulating on social media depicting waves sweeping through towns and villages. In addition to Guangxi, the central regions of China have also suffered from extreme weather, with 11 deaths reported.

In the northwestern province of Gansu, a mudslide claimed the lives of 21 forestry workers engaged in a reforestation project designed to combat soil erosion and desertification. Twelve other workers survived, some with injuries. The mudslide underscores the risks facing environmental restoration efforts amid increasingly volatile weather patterns.

Looking ahead, Typhoon Bavi is projected to approach Taiwan and the mainland Chinese coast within hours, bringing with it even stronger winds that have already caused damage to the US Pacific island of Guam. Current forecasts indicate wind speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour, raising concerns over further flooding and potential damage across the region. Authorities in affected areas continue to monitor the situation closely as they respond to the cumulative effects of successive storms.