Bhubaneswar: A herd of about 20 elephants was washed away in the Mahanadi River in Athagarh area in Cuttack district early this morning, according reports.

About 15 to 20 elephants were trying to cross the Mahanadi at Megha to go to the Chandaka jungle during the wee hours when heavy currents washed away them.

On being informed by locals, forest personnel have reached the spot and are trying to rescue the elephants, said reports.