Deadly Floods in China Leave 39 Dead as Hundreds of Snakes Escape from Farm

At least 39 people have died following Typhoon Maysak and the severe flooding that affected parts of China’s Hangzhou region, according to foreign media reports.

CNN reported that around 900 snakes escaped from a snake farm in the area after floodwaters damaged the facility. Authorities have warned that many of the escaped snakes are highly venomous.

Chinese state media reported that a woman died after being bitten by one of the escaped snakes. Local authorities have issued strong warnings urging residents to avoid contact with the reptiles and report any sightings.

The flooding has also severely affected the Guigang Zoo, where several animals reportedly escaped from their enclosures, including two zebras, three horses, and two donkeys.

Zoo officials issued an emergency notice asking residents to report sightings of escaped animals, including ostriches and birds, warning that some animals could become aggressive when frightened.

The zoo’s owner said staff members risked their lives to secure cages containing dangerous animals as floodwaters continued to rise.

However, foreign media reported that three lions at the zoo drowned during the flooding.

Meanwhile, Chinese media outlet Shanyu reported that more than 16,000 pigs were swept away by floodwaters in the affected areas, adding to the scale of the agricultural losses caused by the disaster.