Deadly Escape: Over 900 Cobras Loose in Flood-Hit China
At least one person has been killed and several others bitten after more than 900 cobras escaped from a snake farm in southern China during catastrophic flooding, local officials reported on July 9, 2026. The incident occurred in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, where heavy monsoon rains have submerged large areas, causing widespread destruction.
The escaped snakes, primarily Chinese cobras (Naja atra), are highly venomous. Authorities have issued urgent warnings to residents in the affected villages to stay indoors and avoid flooded areas. Search teams, including snake catchers and emergency personnel, are working around the clock to recapture the reptiles.
Details of the Incident
The snake farm, located in a rural part of Guangxi, housed approximately 1,000 cobras. The floods breached the farm's enclosures, allowing the snakes to swim into nearby villages and fields. According to the Guangxi Forestry Bureau, the farm owner reported the escape early on July 8, but the full scale of the incident became clear only after a day of search operations.
One victim, a 65-year-old farmer, died from a cobra bite while trying to secure his livestock. Several others are hospitalized, with at least three in critical condition. Local hospitals have been stocked with antivenom, but supplies are reportedly running low due to the high number of bites.
Impact and Response
Residents have been advised to wear rubber boots and long pants when outdoors and to use flashlights at night. The local government has deployed drones with thermal cameras to locate the snakes. As of July 9, around 200 cobras have been recaptured, leaving over 700 still at large.
"This is an unprecedented crisis. We are doing everything possible to ensure public safety," said a spokesperson for the Guangxi Emergency Management Department. The incident has sparked debates about the regulation of snake farms, which are common in the region for their use in traditional medicine and cuisine.
The floods, caused by days of torrential rain, have also displaced thousands of people and damaged infrastructure. The snake escape adds to the misery of the affected communities, who are already struggling with waterborne diseases and property loss.
