VIET NAM NET (Hanoi) 11 November 07 Mother Nature lets hundreds of crocodiles loose on Central Vietnam
Heavy flooding yesterday flushed away hundreds of crocodiles being farmed in central Viet Nam’s Khanh Hoa province. The water is still rising to alarming levels in major rivers around the region.
The farm was breeding approximately 5,000 crocodiles in Vinh Khanh district. It is not known exactly how many crocodiles escaped from the Yang Bay Alligator Farm, and where they have gone.
Authorities have warned locals to be cautious with rivers and ponds in the area. These dangerous animals belong to the state-owned Khanh Viet Corporation which specializes in tobacco, textile, garment, paper and crocodile-leather bags.
In related news, during the past 24 hours, a low tropical pressure pattern has produced heavy rain in provinces from Thua Thien-Hue to Binh Dinh-Gia Lai. The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasts said in the next 24 hours, the region from Quang Binh to Khanh Hoa will continue to have severe storms.
Yesterday evening, water in major rivers around Quang Ngai, Binh Dinh and Gia Lai reached alarming levels; 0.2-0.5m and still rising.
At least 5 cracks approximately 20 meters long by 20 centimeters wide were discovered around Violac Pass in Quang Ngai’s mountainous Ba To district, on National Highway No 24. With this new information, hundreds of families are facing the possibility of a landslide.
In Khanh Hoa, the Provincial Route No 9 connecting Cam Ranh Town to Khanh Son had large sections blown off and submerged underwater. This completely blocked traffic. Two electricity poles collapsed, causing a total blackout since 8am yesterday.
In Khanh Son district, 20 hectares of fruit crops, 5 buffaloes and 24 cows have been washed away. The area also saw 128 people from 34 households evacuated.
Floods triggered by severe storms have been striking the central region since the middle of last month, and so far have claimed over 50 lives.
Mother Nature lets hundreds of crocodiles loose on Central Vietnam