Water shortage in Tamil Nadu forests drives elephant to dam for a drink, but she gets trapped in slush; rescue operation delayed

A female elephant was trapped in slush at the Gunderipallam dam in Tamil Nadu’s Erode district on Sunday, triggering a rescue operation by forest officials and fire and rescue personnel. Efforts were delayed after an earthmover got stuck in the muddy terrain. A veterinary team from Sathyamangalam was also mobilised to provide medical assistance and monitor the elephant’s condition amid water scarcity in the forest.