EXCLUSIVE: **NO NEW YORK POST, NEWS CORP OR RTL USAGES** Story from Jam Press (Elephant In Flood) Pictured: Video grab - An elephant gets trapped in flood water while trying to cross a river. VIDEO: Shocking moment ELEPHANT gets trapped in river as water level rises ??" before being hauled to safety by rescue team An elephant was hauled to safety today (September 24) by a team of 20 people after it became stranded in a river ??" amid rising water levels. The incident took place in Odisha, eastern India, in a town called Mundali Barrage. The beast became trapped during the daytime when it crossed the river with its herd, and was at risk of drowning as the water rose. In a video taken from the scene, a large crowd can be seen gathering to watch as the elephant appears helpless in the water. It attempts to wade through the gushing stream but appears unable to make much headway. Luckily, a team of 10 people from the fire service came to the rescue ??" attaching ropes around its body to bring it to safety. The terrified mammal was hauled to land, completing the rescue mission ??" dubbed ???Operation Gaja???. 17 members of the herd had successfully crossed the water earlier in the day, but there have been reports of two other elephants being taken by the heavy current while trying to save the stranded beast. ENDS Pictured: GV,General View World Rights, No Australia Rights, No Netherlands Rights, No Russia Rights, No United Kingdom Rights