Authorities in a city in southern China are working to capture more than 70 crocodiles that escaped from a commercial farm due to severe flooding.
This incident has led to concerns for the safety of residents in the area.
These crocodiles were originally kept at a crocodile farm in Maoming, located in the southern province of Guangdong.
However, the recent heavy rainfall caused a local lake to overflow, allowing the crocodiles to escape.
At one point, there were approximately 69 adult crocodiles and six juveniles roaming near the village of Peng Cun, as reported by the Hai Bao News, based in Shandong.
Local authorities advised residents to stay indoors to avoid any encounters with the crocodiles.
To recapture the escaped crocodiles, an emergency team was deployed, equipped with sonar detection devices, as reported by The Beijing News.
However, the operation was complicated due to the deep floodwaters, leading authorities to urge residents to remain in their homes.
A member of the emergency team mentioned to Nanfeng Plus that capturing the crocodiles might be challenging, and they might have to consider euthanizing them.
Videos shared on Chinese social media platforms showed some crocodiles lurking near a submerged road behind a road sign.
Members of the emergency team, wearing helmets and high-visibility vests, were seen searching for the reptiles on boats.
Some videos also depicted the capture of several crocodiles, with their mouths and limbs secured to limit their movement, while local residents watched from the shore.
In China, crocodiles are highly valued for their skin, and their meat is believed to have medicinal properties in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Guangdong is a favored location for crocodile farms due to its relatively warmer climate.
Southern China and Hong Kong have experienced heavy rainfall following the passage of Typhoon Haikui in the region last week.