More than 70 crocodiles escaped in Guangdong province when floods caused a lake to overflow, Chinese media reported on Tuesday (September 12).

Authorities have asked residents around Maoming city to stay indoors as severe flooding has hampered the search.

“The crocodiles are still in the water and some government agencies are trying to catch them. The specific situation is still under investigation,” China National Radio (CNR) quoted the local agricultural bureau as saying.

Emergency services were dispatched to locate the crocodiles with the help of ultrasound equipment, the Beijing News reported.

The Chinese government said rising water levels were making the search difficult and asked people to stay indoors.

Alligators are farmed in China for their skin and meat, which is sometimes used in traditional medicine.

Hoang Ton (according to DW)