Cattle stranded on Mahanadi riverbed after sudden rise in water level in Banki

At least 15 cows have been stranded near the banks of the Mahanadi River in the Kushpangi area under Banki, Cuttack, after venturing out to graze, officials said.  The incident occurred late on Saturday night when the cattle went to the riverbed in search of fresh grass. Sudden swelling of the river due to increased water flow left them trapped on the partially submerged riverbanks.

Local residents immediately alerted authorities, prompting the Dumpada Fire Service team to launch rescue operations. Firefighters and local volunteers are working tirelessly to ensure the safety of all the stranded animals. 

Given the rising water levels, the rescue is challenging and requires careful coordination to prevent injuries or casualties.

“The cows moved toward the Mahanadi for grazing, but the sudden surge in river water trapped them. Our team is working round-the-clock to rescue them,” said a senior official from the Dumpada Fire Service.

Also Read: Sans Ayushman card, Odisha girl struggles with pain and poverty; parents seek help

So far, no casualties have been reported, and the team is cautiously moving forward with the operation. 

Earlier on Friday evening, a similar incident unfolded in Cuttack. A sudden surge in the Kathajodi river water level left more than 20 cattle, including calves, stranded on a sandbed near Kajipatana, close to the Trisulia bridge.