Stay Indoors! GD Issues Warning as Over 70 Crocodiles Escape

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In the wake of Typhoon Haikui's relentless downpour, which caused severe flooding in Peng village, Maoming, Guangdong Province, South China, more than 70 crocodiles were swept onto the streets after a crocodile farm was damaged during heavy rains, according to media reports on Tuesday. Local authorities are employing sonar equipment in their efforts to capture the escaped reptiles, while urging residents to remain indoors.

A video circulating online on Monday captured several crocodiles spotted near the village lake, with a road sign pointing towards Maoming. Residents were advised to steer clear of the water, and fishing activities were prohibited.

Local villagers, who had previously observed the crocodiles at the nearby farm, estimated that each reptile weighed at least 100 kilograms. Security officers reported that the animals are currently submerged in deep water, and they are using sonar equipment to locate and capture the escaped crocodiles, which will be euthanized due to safety concerns.

"We are working to control the situation, but the number of escaped crocodiles is quite substantial," stated an official. According to available data, there are 69 adult crocodiles and 6 juvenile crocodiles on the loose.

Multiple departments have been deployed to the scene to ensure the safety of residents. However, capturing the crocodiles has proven challenging, prompting authorities to advise residents to stay indoors, as reported by the media.

As of press time, no casualties have been reported, according to the emergency management bureau of Maoming.

The heavy rainfall brought by Typhoon Haikui has inflicted significant damage on rural areas where villagers rely primarily on fish farming and raising poultry and livestock for their livelihoods. Numerous fish ponds and breeding farms have been flooded, resulting in substantial property losses, as reported by China Newsweek.

The person in charge of the crocodile farm in Maoming informed China Newsweek that the breeding area is typically secured by a 3-meter high wall and wire mesh. He speculated that the heavy rains may have caused flooding that breached the enclosure walls, and the wire mesh failed to prevent the crocodiles from escaping.