This is the dramatic moment a baby elephant was spotted wading through a raging current after heavy rain triggered floods.

Footage shows the juvenile pachyderm struggling to cross the wobbly, murky flow of the Chalakudy River in Kerala, India.

Local media reported that the tusker was stuck in the middle of the stream and had been attempting to escape for several hours on June 27.

Eyewitnesses said the elephant had been separated from its herd.

Concerned residents called forest rangers for help, fearing the animal might be swept away.

Animal rescuers sprang into action, tracking the creature and reportedly alerting dam authorities to lower the river's water discharge immediately to prevent the tusker from drowning.

Officers Akhil and Rajesh Kumar led the rescue operation from the riverbanks.

Moments later, the elephant reportedly managed to reach safety as the water level receded.

India is home to the largest population of Asian elephants in the world, estimated at over 27,000 individuals.

In Kerala, elephants are culturally significant and often seen near rivers and forest fringes, where they search for water and food, especially during the monsoon season when flooding is common.

India is currently experiencing its southwest monsoon season, which begins in June and continues until September or early October, bringing heavy rainfall and thunderstorms.