Crocodile scare grips Nakhon Sawan after flood alert issued
Officials urge caution as reptiles may roam submerged rural zones
Terrified locals have been put on red alert after officials warned that crocodiles could be lurking in floodwaters across Nakhon Sawan province.
The Nakhon Sawan Provincial Fisheries Office issued the warning as parts of the province continue to suffer from heavy flooding and waterlogging this year. One of the most affected areas is Bueng Boraphet, Thailand’s largest freshwater swamp and a well-known natural habitat for crocodiles.
Officials are concerned that crocodiles may have escaped either from Bueng Boraphet itself or from other crocodile enclosures and farms damaged by the flooding.
“There is a real possibility that crocodiles have made their way into flooded zones. People must exercise extreme caution and should not attempt to go near these animals under any circumstances.”
Residents living in flood-hit areas are strongly advised to stay away from natural water bodies or submerged areas where crocodiles may be hiding. If anyone spots a crocodile, they are encouraged to take a photograph from a safe distance and report the sighting immediately.
Sightings can be reported directly to the Nakhon Sawan Provincial Fisheries Office by calling 056-803-547.
Bueng Boraphet, located in Mueang district, is home to a variety of wildlife, including fish, birds and reptiles — among them, freshwater crocodiles. During severe floods, it’s not uncommon for animals to be displaced or escape from their natural habitats and enclosures.
The warning comes as floodwaters continue to impact several central and northern provinces across Thailand. Emergency services remain on standby, and residents are advised to follow updates from local officials.
While crocodile sightings outside of designated habitats are rare, officials are not taking chances. The Fisheries Office has also dispatched patrol teams to monitor flooded zones near Bueng Boraphet and nearby communities for any signs of movement, reported KhaoSod.
In similar news, residents in Rayong’s Nikhom Phatthana district were left shaken after a two-metre crocodile was seen crossing a road last night as floodwaters receded. Persistent rainfall in recent days has triggered flash flooding across the province, with residential areas near the Makham Khu spillway among the hardest hit.
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