Approximately 75 crocodiles broke free from a breeding farm in southern China due to flooding caused by Typhoon Haikui, creating an unusual and potentially dangerous situation for local authorities and residents.
The escape occurred in Maoming, located in the Guangdong province, when the floodwaters caused a lake to overflow, allowing the reptiles to make their getaway.
Escape of the Crocodiles: Flooding Unleashes Dozens in Southern China
Although efforts have been made to recapture some of the crocodiles, a significant number remain at large, prompting local authorities to take drastic measures for safety reasons, which include shooting or electrocuting the escaped reptiles.
As of now, eight crocodiles have been successfully rounded up, but dozens still roam free, causing concern among nearby villagers who have been advised to stay indoors as a precaution.
Typhoon Haikui, which has wreaked havoc across South Asia for over a week, has impacted regions in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Japan.
The typhoon, now downgraded to a tropical storm, has resulted in tragic consequences in southern China, including seven reported deaths and three individuals still missing.
Landslides and flooding have been the primary causes of these incidents.
According to Maoming’s Emergency Management Bureau, a total of 69 adult crocodiles and six juvenile crocodiles escaped during the floods.
While there have been no reports of casualties among the human population, authorities acknowledge that some of the reptiles are still in deep water.
In response, emergency services have been employing sonar equipment to locate and secure the escaped crocodiles.
It is currently under control, but there are a lot of crocodiles that have escaped, according to a district emergency bureau employee, underscoring the difficulty in which the authorities are having to deal with this unusual situation.
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Most Recaptured Reptiles Meet a Tragic End
Most of the recaptured crocodiles have been put down, according to one firefighter who spoke to Chinese media.
These reptiles are identified as Siamese crocodiles, which are freshwater species that can grow to lengths of around 3 meters or nearly 10 feet, as described by Crocodiles of the World, a UK zoo.
The adult crocodiles captured so far weigh approximately 75 kilograms and measure over 2 meters in length, adding to the complexity of the situation.
Maoming in the Guangdong province is known for housing several crocodile farms, where these reptiles are bred for their skin and meat.
The unexpected escape of these formidable creatures serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable consequences that natural disasters like Typhoon Haikui can bring to communities and the environment.
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