Dozens of crocodiles broke loose from a farm in southern China amidst floodwaters brought by Typhoon Haikui.

The video was filmed in the city of Maoming in Guangdong Province on September 11.

According to the city's emergency management department, a preliminary count indicates that 69 of the escapees are adult crocodiles, with the remaining six being juveniles – all originating from the same farm. Sonar equipment is currently being utilised to track and recover these formidable creatures from within the lake.

A combined effort of local militia, police, and fire services has been initiated, with officers positioned at every possible exit in the villages. Any crocodile posing immediate danger will be dealt with either by immobilising or, if necessary, lethal means.

One firefighter from the Gaoliang Forest Fire Brigade in Gaozhou City shared, "Our sonar equipment is top-notch, capable of detecting objects up to 70 metres underwater." By last night, this advanced technology had helped locate eight of the escapees, including seven adults weighing approximately 150 kilograms and measuring over two metres in length.

A local resident, Mr Lai said a large number of firefighters, armed police, and speedboats were on the scene. Once captured, the crocodiles are bound with thick ropes to prevent any attacks.

Given the depth of the lake where the crocodiles are believed to be hiding, the capture mission is proving to be exceptionally challenging. Local authorities have stationed personnel around the clock, sealing off all exits and waiting for water levels to recede, which will facilitate the capture.

Reptile science blogger Kou Tianwei suggests that these escaped crocodiles are likely hybrid Siamese crocodiles, known for their aggressive nature. However, their chances of surviving the winter in these local conditions are slim.

Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities have been reported.

The video was provided by local media with permission.

近日，受台风“海葵”影响，残余涡旋持续影响我国华南部分地区，广东茂名连续遭遇多轮强降雨，多处出现内涝积水。
9月11日，彭村湖（茂名市郊最大的天然湖）附近，暴雨导致的洪水漫过了一鳄鱼养殖场防护网，70余条鳄鱼趁着洪水出逃。
卫星地图显示，彭村湖位于茂名市茂南区，系当地一个水库，周围散落着数个村落，村民已接到防范鳄鱼的紧急通知。
据茂名市应急管理部门介绍，初步统计的出逃鳄鱼为75只，其中69只为成年鳄鱼，6只为幼年鳄鱼，都来源于同一个养殖场。目前都在彭村湖中，正采用声呐设备全力搜捕。
事发后，当地民兵、公安、消防等合力出击，在村内各个道路围捕鳄鱼，出现危险时流出的鳄鱼将会通过击毙或者点击的方式处理。
参与现场抓捕的高州市高凉森林消防大队一名消防员介绍，“我们的声呐设备比较好，能探测水下70米的范围。”
截至昨晚9点左右，当地利用声呐设备搜寻到8条鳄鱼，8条鳄鱼中，包括7条成年鳄鱼，1条幼年鳄鱼，成年鳄鱼普遍在150斤左右，长度有2米多。
当地一位村民赖先生称，现场有大量消防员，还有持枪民警，同时出动了快艇抓捕鳄鱼，捕捉上岸后会用粗的麻花绳捆绑，以防鳄鱼攻击人。
由于鳄鱼出逃后所处的湖泊水深较深，致抓捕行动十分困难。当地部门已安排执勤人员彻夜蹲守，围闭各出口，等待水位下降以方便围捕，目前没有人员伤亡的报道。
爬行动物科普博主寇天巍分析称，出逃鳄鱼或为杂交的暹罗鳄，有一定的攻击性，但出逃鳄鱼大概率无法在当地过冬。
据了解，鳄鱼肉是广东茂名餐桌上的一道美食，当地也建有鳄鱼主题公园。同时，广东茂名也是全国最大的鳄鱼养殖基地，国内鳄鱼肉产地也多集中在广东等地。