Keonjhar: A herd of 30 wild elephants has been stranded on an island in the Baitarani River near Turumunga village under the Khireitangiri section of the Patna Forest Range in Keonjhar district.
Forest Department officials are closely monitoring the situation.
According to reports, the elephants became stuck while attempting to cross the river near Dumuriguda on Friday night. The herd was reportedly moving towards the Mayurbhanj district after crossing National Highway 49 when they were trapped on a river island due to rising water levels.
Local residents have gathered along both banks of the river to witness the stranded elephants. The Forest Department has expressed concern over the animals’ safety, especially with the herd having gone without food for several hours.
In response, Forest officials have arranged food for the elephants, including sugarcane, bamboo leaves, and bananas. Efforts are ongoing to ensure their safety and to assess when it will be possible for them to move forward safely.
Forest officials continue to keep a strict vigil on the animals’ movement as water levels remain high in the area.
