New Delhi, Sept. 5 -- As the Yamuna swelled and residents were evacuated from its banks, a parallel rescue effort was kicked off by volunteers, NGOs and citizens: to save stranded animals.

From dogs perched on rooftops to buffaloes surrounded by floodwaters, dozens of people waded through chest-deep water, carrying animals on their shoulders or ferrying them on boats to safety.

On Thursday, in the floodplains opposite Mayur Vihar Phase-1, a group of 30-40 people gathered to save marooned animals. Two rescue boats crisscrossed the waterlogged landscape, searching for dogs and cattle.

"People have been here since yesterday morning. We've brought food and medicines and are also sending some animals for sterilisation. All of this is being ...