More or less than 15, 000 crocodiles escaped from a farm in South Africa, causing great alarm in the surrounding neighborhoods.

"Before, there were only a few crocodiles in the Limpopo River. Now there are plenty," said Zane Langman, the son-in-law of Rakwena Crocodile Farm's owner told Beeld, a local newspaper.

"We go catch them when farmers phone us and say crocs are around."

Rakwena is located north of South Africa in the province Limpopo, which had been hit by disastrous flood that left at least 10 people killed and many homeless. According to local reports, the farm opened its floodgate to prevent a storm surge.

A few of the crocodiles had already been recaptured. However, at least half of them are still at large. Some had appeared at a school rugby pitch, at least 120 kilometers away.

Most of the recapturing efforts are done at night, since its easier as the eyes of the crocodile shine.

During their efforts to recapture the crocodiles, Langman had to used a motor boat to rescue a family from their roofs where they had climbed to safety away from the crocodiles.

"When we arrived there, the crocodiles were circling them," he said.

Crocodile from Rakwena varies in size, but some can measure up as long as 18 feet.

The army and the police had already been called in to rescue residents from thousands of crocodiles that are currently roaming the area when the farm opened its floodgates due to the torrential rains.

"Police, the army, and people from the community are assisting,"said Hangwani Mulaudzi, spokesman fdor the South African police.

According to Mulaudzi, no crocodile attacks have been reported.