Who was breeding cobras who escaped into China's floodwaters revealed

Hundreds of snakes, including venomous cobras, escaped into flood-hit areas of southern China after severe flooding destroyed a commercial snake breeding farm, alarming residents and triggering a large-scale emergency response.

The facility, located in Guangxi province, was breeding snakes for multiple commercial purposes, including the production of anti-venom, use in traditional Chinese medicine and human consumption. Authorities said floodwaters breached the farm, allowing the reptiles to escape into nearby villages.

Emergency teams were deployed to recapture the snakes using nets and other specialised equipment, while hospitals increased anti-venom supplies and advised residents not to approach or attempt to catch the reptiles. At least one person was reportedly hospitalised after a snakebite.

The incident occurred amid widespread flooding caused by torrential rain and Typhoon Maysak, which forced mass evacuations and caused extensive damage across the region. Videos showing snakes moving through floodwaters quickly went viral on social media, intensifying public concern.