Following the powerful Typhoon Maysak, which caused widespread flooding in the city of Hangzhou, thousands of venomous snakes—including cobras, bamboo pit vipers, and many-banded kraits—have escaped from flooded reptile farms.
Searching for dry ground, the reptiles have been mass-invading residential homes. According to local media reports, at least one death from a snakebite has already been recorded.
China is a global leader in snake farming, with some villages generating multi-million dollar revenues from the industry. Currently, rescue services and city authorities are taking urgent measures: additional supplies of antivenom have been sent to hospitals, and residents are strongly advised not to attempt to catch the snakes themselves and to thoroughly check their homes for security.
The death toll from Typhoon Maysak and the subsequent flooding stands at at least 39 people, with another 9 individuals reported missing.
