Heavy rains caused by Cyclone Asna have led to severe flooding in Vadodara, India, bringing with it an unexpected danger: crocodiles! The Vishwamitri River, home to hundreds of crocodiles, overflowed due to the heavy rain, pushing these reptiles into nearby residential areas. Between August 27 and 29, the Gujarat Forest Department rescued 24 crocodiles and other wildlife like snakes, turtles, and a porcupine from waterlogged parts of the city.
The river hosts a population of more than 400 crocodiles.
Vishwamitri River, Vadodara. Image credit: Image credit: Manoej Paateel/shutterstock.com
An enormous 14-foot-long crocodile captured during the rescue efforts was found in Kamnath Nagar. Two additional crocodiles, both measuring 11 feet, were retrieved from EME Circle and near the Zoology Department of MS University. Local residents played a crucial role by alerting authorities when they spotted these creatures in their neighborhoods.
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#Vadodara is grappling with an unprecedented flood crisis as the #VishwamitriRiver has surged to 9 feet above the danger mark. The situation has taken a dire turn, with locals sharing alarming visuals on X of crocodiles entering the flooded colonies. ðŸŠ#GujaratFlood#Crocodilepic.twitter.com/IKflJgLVqw
Vadodara Range Forest Officer Karansinh Rajput stated that the Vishwamitri River harbors approximately 440 crocodiles. The flooding was exacerbated by the overflow from the nearby Ajwa dam, displacing reptiles and other wildlife into areas near human settlements.
#Gujarat rains: 15-feet long crocodile ventures into #Vadodara locality
Residents of Kamnath Nagar near Fatehgunj area in Vadodara woke up to a 'huge' surprise after a crocodile waded through the flood waters and reached a house in the colony Knoe more 🔗 https://t.co/AR22pll4GUpic.twitter.com/qGrTJcR3CX
Fortunately, no incidents of crocodile attacks on humans have been reported, though there have been sightings of crocodiles preying on dogs in the floodwaters.
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Over 12,000 people have been saved from Cyclone Asna so far.
Cyclone Asna, causing heavy rainfall in Vadodara and other parts of Gujarat, is predicted to move away from the Indian coast within 24 hours. However, the damage has already been significant, with streets and homes flooded, and wildlife wandering into populated areas. The Indian Army deployed six columns to assist with rescue operations, and over 12,000 people have been saved so far, with more than 5,000 relocated to safer places.
Social media is buzzing with videos of crocodiles inside homes, on rooftops, and dragging animals through the flooded streets. In one particularly alarming video, five crocodiles can be seen in the Vishwamitri River, with one holding a dog in its jaws. Such incidents are common during the monsoon season, as the flooding river forces crocodiles to move out of their habitat and into nearby neighborhoods.
Although no crocodile-human conflicts have been reported, authorities continue their rescue efforts, returning the animals to the river as water levels recede. The forest department has reassured the public that they are closely monitoring the situation, and residents are encouraged to report any further sightings of crocodiles or other wildlife.
