Cobra emerges near Manila: Snake spotted slithering in flooded area

Manila: Floods are a familiar sight every rainy season in the Philippines—but add a slithering surprise and it’s a different story.

As Malolos, Bulacan (north of Manila) found itself once again submerged in waist-deep floodwaters due to torrential monsoon rains, residents got an extra shock: a cobra was caught on CCTV, gliding breezily through the flood in Barangay Longos.

In a viral video shared by resident Rose Anne Kho and aired by local news channels, the long, dark serpent can be seen navigating the murky water with eerie grace. 

“Natakot talaga kami (we’re really scared),” said resident Mang Romy. 

“I was about to check on my neighbour’s house when we all saw the snake swimming past. Parang siya pa ang may-ari ng daan (It looked like it owned the road.” 

Several residents, fearing for their safety, decided to stay indoors until the coast was clear.

The floods, made worse by the recent high tide and dam water releases, submerged much of central Luzon, including large parts of Malolos, with some barangays (villages) reporting thigh-deep inundations. 

For locals, dealing with unexpected wildlife like snakes during floods is not unheard of, but a cobra sighting so close to homes had everyone extra jittery. 

One resident quipped, “Baha na, may bonus pa—parang nature documentary, pero live (The flooded came with a bonus – it’s like a nature documentary, but live).”

Local news channels picked up the footage of the cobra, reminding residents to be vigilant not just of rising waters but also of displaced wildlife. 

Local authorities have advised everyone to avoid wading in flood-prone areas and to keep an eye out for other potentially hazardous animals forced out by the floods.

As post-flood cleanup and repair efforts continue, the residents of Malolos now have a wild story to tell — not just of braving the storm, but of the day they almost shared their road with a cobra in the flood.