Republished with full copyright permissions from The Washington Daily Chronicle.

Southern China has been hit by relentless rainstorms, leading to devastating consequences. Tragically, the severe weather conditions have resulted in the loss of several lives and other unexpected events, such as the escape of a significant number of crocodiles. This article sheds light on the impact of these rainstorms, including the crocodile escape incident, as well as the ongoing efforts to address the situation.

The Crocodile Escape Incident:

In the wake of the rainstorms, reports emerged from Maoming, a city in Guangdong province, regarding the escape of over 70 crocodiles from a nearby farm. Local authorities advised residents to remain indoors as efforts were made to recapture the escaped reptiles. According to the latest information, rescue teams have managed to capture some of the crocodiles, but the task remains challenging due to the depth of a nearby lake that the reptiles are inhabiting.

Casualties and Landslides in Yulin:

Regrettably, the destructive power of the rainstorms extended beyond the crocodile escape incident. In Yulin, located in the Guangxi region, multiple landslides triggered by heavy rain claimed the lives of seven individuals, with three others still missing at the time of reporting. The landslides serve as a stark reminder of the dangerous consequences of such extreme weather conditions.

Hong Kong’s Battle with Flash Floods:

Even Hong Kong, a bustling metropolis known for its infrastructure and preparedness, was not spared from the devastation caused by the torrential downpours. Last week, the city experienced flash floods that resulted in the loss of two lives. Unfortunately, the heavy rain continued, leading to further flooding and debris accumulation in various areas following a subsequent downpour.

Government Response and Relief Efforts:

In the face of these challenging circumstances, the Hong Kong government has taken swift action to assist those affected by the floods. Hong Kong leader John Lee announced the establishment of an emergency assistance fund aimed at providing support to individuals and communities impacted by the torrential rain and resulting flooding. This decisive action demonstrates the government’s commitment to helping those in need during times of crisis.