In Kerala’s Chalakudy River, a wild elephant was caught battling fierce floodwaters for hours—its massive frame no match for the swelling monsoon currents.

Locals watched in shock as the elephant, believed to be separated from its herd, tried crossing the flooded river, slipping and stumbling in the powerful flow.

Credits: Economics Times  Representational purposes 

With water levels rising by the hour, forest officials feared the elephant might be swept away. The scene quickly turned from unusual to urgent.

The forest team swung into action. They tracked the elephant’s struggle and alerted the dam authorities to lower the river’s water discharge immediately.

Video source: Hook Online

It was a race against time. Officers Akhil and Rajesh Kumar led the rescue from the riverbanks, keeping a close eye on the tusker’s movements.

As the water level dropped, the elephant finally found its footing. Slowly, it pushed ahead—step by step—towards the distant, safer shore.

People across Kerala prayed and watched. Online, videos of the tusker’s fight for life sparked a wave of emotion, awe, and support for the forest team.

After more than three hours in the water, the elephant finally reached land. Exhausted but alive, it walked back to the forest, guided by hope and a helping hand.