Typhoon Maysa Causes Floods, Landslides, Tornadoes in China; 38 Dead, Snakes Attack Residents

(CNA Taipei, 8th) Typhoon Maysa recently hit Guangxi, China, bringing heavy rainfall that caused a reservoir to breach and floodwaters to spread. Nearly 1,000 snakes were washed out by the floodwaters and injured residents. In addition, Gansu and Hubei provinces experienced landslides and tornadoes. According to official reports, landslides in Dangchang County, Gansu Province, have confirmed 21 deaths. The death toll from the floods in Guangxi has risen to 6, with 11 others missing. Tornadoes in Hubei Province have resulted in 11 deaths and 1 disappearance.

According to reports from Chinese media, the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region stated last night that as of last night, 63 counties and districts in Guangxi were affected, with 375,000 people impacted. Among them, 6 died and 11 are missing due to the disaster, and 130,000 people have been urgently relocated and resettled. The affected area of crops is 12,900 hectares, and other economic losses are still being calculated.

The Longnan Municipal Government, which administers Dangchang County in Gansu Province, announced today that a landslide occurred in Ren Zang Village, Nanhe Town, Dangchang County, at nearly 7 a.m. on the 7th. After mobilization and rescue efforts by relevant units, the search and rescue work at the scene has concluded, resulting in 21 deaths and 12 people rescued.

From the 6th to the 7th, severe thunderstorms and strong winds occurred in Huangshi, Huanggang, Ezhou, and Xianning in Hubei Province, with maximum wind speeds reaching level 13. Some areas even experienced tornadoes. As of noon on the 7th, 11 people had died, 1 was missing, and 331 were injured. 14,600 people were affected, 246 were relocated and resettled, and nearly 4,900 houses were damaged or collapsed.

According to a report by Xiaoxiang Morning Herald, a snake farm in Yunbiao Town, Hengzhou City, Guangxi, was washed away by floods on the morning of the 6th. Preliminary estimates suggest that about 800 to 900 snakes were washed out by the floodwaters and scattered. The snake species on the farm include cobras, king rat snakes, and water snakes. Cobras are highly venomous, raising concerns.

Some local villagers confirmed that a resident near their homes had been bitten by a venomous snake and was rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment. Another villager revealed that low-lying areas and hillsides in Yunbiao Town are dotted with snake farms. Many small farms' snakes were washed into flooded villages by the floodwaters, and some trapped residents were bitten and could not receive timely medical attention due to the flood.

A person in charge of a local snake farm stated that snakes that escaped after prolonged immersion in floodwaters are unlikely to survive. Currently, only a small number of snakes are likely to be found clinging to debris floating in the water.

The report mentioned that some local villagers formed snake-catching teams and entered the village with fishing gear and other tools to search for them. However, the local village committee immediately issued a notice reminding people without professional experience not to catch snakes themselves and to report them immediately to specialized personnel to avoid being bitten. (Editor: Qiu Guoqiang / Zhou Huiying) 1150708

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