Flood-ravaged southern China is facing an unusual new threat after hundreds of snakes escaped from breeding farms submerged by heavy rains in the Guangxi region.

According to Chinese state media, at least 900 snakes have gone missing after floodwaters swept through snake farms in Hengzhou and nearby areas. The escaped reptiles reportedly include venomous species such as cobras, prompting authorities to launch large-scale search operations and issue public warnings.

Videos circulating on social media show snakes swimming through flooded streets while residents attempt to capture them as they move through waist and thigh-deep water.

The situation turned tragic after a woman in Hengzhou reportedly died following a snakebite. Local reports said flood-hit roads delayed her arrival at a hospital, preventing timely treatment.

Authorities have deployed special teams to track down the escaped snakes and have set up temporary medical clinics to provide immediate care for snakebite victims.

Guangxi is China's largest commercial snake farming hub, home to nearly 30 million snakes bred for traditional medicine, leather products and meat.

Officials confirmed that snakes were spotted in floodwaters after several villages were inundated.

The region has been battered by severe storms that have killed at least six people and forced around 130,000 residents to evacuate.

More than 8,000 rescue personnel and nearly 5,700 boats have been deployed as flood relief operations continue.

The flooding has also devastated farms and businesses, damaging pig farms, timber production, and jasmine plantations.

In a separate incident, more than 100 animals, including alpacas, zebras and miniature pigs, escaped from a local zoo after floodwaters destroyed their enclosures.