Chinese authorities initiated a search operation to capture the more than 70 crocodiles who fled after a commercial lake overflowed in a deluge around the city of Maoming in Guangdong province.

Chinese media reported that the authorities warned villagers in Peng Cun at one point to stay indoors after crocodiles were seen in the area.

A spokesperson from the local emergency management office told the AFP that the officials were working to deal with animal runaways.

However, he did not make it clear how many animals have been caught so far, and what’s the number of animals which were still missing.

An image showed on state back news several two-metre-long crocodiles lying on the road, their jaws bound tight with red tape.

“Crocodiles are still in the water, and several government departments are working to catch them,” the state-affiliated China National Radio (CNR) reported, citing the local agriculture bureau.

“The specific situation is still under investigation … [including] the specific number of crocodiles,” CNR said.