Keonjhar, Sept 5: After the water level in Baitarani River at Erendei village near Patana increased suddenly due to heavy rainfall for last two days, a herd of eight elephants are stranded in the river since Sunday night.
After the local residents informed the officials, rescue operation has been launched by the forest department to rescue the elephants. Food like paddy, bamboo and coconuts have been provided to the animals by the forest officials with the help of the villagers.
As per sources, while the elephants were trying to save a calf which was swept by the river current yesterday, they got trapped in the river due to the high water level. Reportedly, the elephants are from Similipal area.
