Several dozen crocodiles escaped in floodwaters, posing a danger to residents

On September 13th, in Maoming City, Guangdong, Chinese authorities reported that 75 crocodiles escaped from a breeding farm due to the impact of Typhoon Hai Kui, which resulted in the overflowing of a nearby lake. Local authorities notified that eight crocodiles have been recaptured and were shot or electrocuted for safety reasons while the search continues. The authorities have also acknowledged that the number of escaped crocodiles is quite substantial, and have urged nearby residents to prioritize safety and avoid swimming or going outdoors unnecessarily. Emergency services have been using sonar equipment to find them. As reported by the BBC, the breeding farm in Maoming City suffered flooding, leading to the escape of 75 crocodiles, comprising 69 adults and six juveniles. The Washington Post has noted that the escaped crocodiles are believed to be Siamese crocodiles. These freshwater reptiles can reach lengths of up to 3 meters, nearly 10 feet, and weigh approximately 165 pounds, 75 kilograms each. Typhoon Hai Kui has wreaked havoc across South Asia for over a week, affecting regions in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Japan. Seven people in southern China have lost their lives, and three others remain missing due to the typhoon's impact, which led to landslides and widespread flooding. The typhoon has since been downgraded to a tropical storm.