SHENZHE (China): More than 70 crocodiles escaped from a crocodile farm in southern China after severe flooding, authorities reported.
The animals escaped in the city of Maoming after the region was hit by days of heavy rainfall, German news agency (dpa) quoted the Chinese online news outlet The Paper and other reports on Tuesday citing local authorities.
A lake near the farm burst its banks, allowing the animals to escape.
At least 69 grown crocodiles and six younger ones were kept at the farm.
According to the newspaper Beijing News, emergency forces were sent to track down the escapees with the help of sonar equipment.
However, the widespread flooding made the search difficult, so the authorities asked residents to stay inside.
Video footage circulating on Chinese social media showed some of the crocodiles swimming in the waters. Emergency personnel wearing helmets and vests could be seen on boats searching for them.
Other images showed crocodiles already captured with their mouths and limbs tied together. – BERNAMA-dpa
