Mainland China heavy rain | In Guangxi, large numbers of snakes escape with the water, rumors say “anti-snake venom serum is in urgent shortage”

Typhoon Maysak brought unprecedented torrential rain. In Liulan Village, Hengzhou City, Nanning, Guangxi, there was a breach in the dam of the Liulan Reservoir, triggering severe flooding and waterlogging. In Dengxu Village, Yunbiao Town, Hengzhou City, Guangxi, a snake farm in the village was destroyed by floodwaters. A large number of snakes, including king cobras, escaped. Some villagers who were trapped were bitten and injured, and there are also reports that some villagers were bitten by venomous snakes and died. Online rumors claimed “Hengzhou antivenom serum is in urgent shortage.” Hengzhou People’s Hospital responded that serum reserves and supplies are sufficient.

About 800 to 900 snakes escaped

According to reports by domestic media outlet “Xiaoxiang Morning Post,” on Monday (the 6th) morning, the snake-breeding farm of a person surnamed Li in Dengxu Village, Yunbiao Town, Hengzhou City, was destroyed by floodwaters. The village committee initially estimated that about 800 to 900 snakes scattered with the water and escaped. The main snakes raised locally include king cobras, Bungarus multicinctus (wangjin snakes), and water moccasins (shuilu snakes); among them, king cobras have extremely venomous venom. Villagers confirmed that one resident had already been bitten by a venomous snake and was taken to the hospital for treatment.

Villagers interviewed said that within the town there are low-lying areas and snake farms spread across the hillsides. Many small-scale breeding operations’ snakes flowed into villages and water-accumulation areas; some trapped people were unable to seek medical care in a timely manner because flooding and water immersion blocked access. Local breeders said that after large numbers of escaped snakes have been immersed in floodwaters for a long time, they will most likely be unable to survive; currently, only a small number of snakes can be seen coiled on top of floating debris on the water surface.

After the dangerous situation emerged, nearby villagers spontaneously formed a grassroots snake-catching team and entered the village to search and capture snakes using tools such as fishing gear. The village committee immediately issued a statement reminding residents that those without professional experience must not catch snakes on their own. If snake tracks are found, they should report immediately and let trained personnel handle it to reduce the risk of bites.

Domestic media: A woman bitten by a snake died

According to domestic media outlet “Beijing News,” after verification through multiple channels, it was learned that a woman who was bitten by a snake in Yunbiao Town, Hengzhou City, has died. Villagers who took part in the rescue said that because roads were cut off, the woman had to be transferred several times before being sent to the hospital for treatment; when they saw her, she had already lost consciousness. Another villager who was bitten told reporters that the woman was in her 40s or 50s and was bitten on the evening of the 6th. The admitting hospital reported that indeed, one person bitten by a snake unfortunately died.

“Nanning Refutes Rumors” released a statement. Recently, the online rumor that “Hengzhou antivenom serum is in urgent shortage” has sparked discussion on the internet. After verification, the relevant information is untrue. Hengzhou People’s Hospital responded that the hospital, as one of the snake venom treatment network centers, has sufficient antivenom serum reserves and supplies, and that in particular the antivenom serum for king cobra venom is a key reserve medication. At the same time, antivenom suppliers in Nanning can reallocate supplies at any time within 24 hours. If someone is bitten by a snake, medical personnel are stationed at the settlement points set up in all townships, and victims can seek help from the rescue team and go to the settlement points to receive injections.