This Bull Rescued Amid Yamuna Flooding Costs More Than A BMW X5

Animals stranded in Noida due to floodwater from the overflowing Yamuna have got a helping hand from disaster rescue teams, and one of the notable evacuees is a bull from the coveted 'Pritam' bloodline, which costs an eye-popping Rs 1 crore. 

Posting photos and videos of the team rescuing cattle and goats, the 8th Battalion of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) in Ghaziabad tweeted, "Team @8NdrfGhaziabad has rescued 3 cattles including India's No.1 Bull "PRITAM" costing 1 Cr. from Noida. NDRF teams are working hard to save lives in flood affected areas."

One of the videos posted by the team shows two buffaloes, with ring buoys around their bodies, being held up by personnel on either side of a boat as it makes its way through floodwater. 

Water from the Yamuna has inundated nearly 550 hectares of land along the river's banks in Noida, displacing more than 5,000 people and impacting eight villages, news agency PTI reported. 

Nearly 6,000 animals, including cattle, dogs, rabbits, ducks, roosters, and guinea pigs, have also been moved out of submerged areas to safety since Thursday, the report quoted officials as saying.

The water level in the Yamuna, which has shattered a 45-year-old record this year, has come down to 207.68 metres, which is still two metres over the danger mark. 

In neighbouring Delhi, the Army was called in yesterday as the water submerged key areas of the city, including ITO and Rajghat.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said work is on to open the five gates of Yamuna Barrage to help drain out floodwater. "The first jammed gate of the ITO Barrage has been opened. Soon all the five gates will be opened," Mr Kejriwal said.

"The water level in the Yamuna is receding. The situation will be normal soon if it doesn't rain. If it rains, then it may take a bit longer," he added.