District officials, working since daybreak, had earlier visited and warned people living near river banks of the rising water level.

However, the information was disregarded as farmers from Sevilimedu village in the district had sent their cows grazing into the river bed. The stranded cattle were soon spotted by passer-bys.

However, they also spotted a drunk man passed out on the sand spit.

The fire brigade and police were informed of the situation who then sprung to task and lifted 10 cows and also rescued the man.

A few members of the fire brigade descended into the bed to tie the cattle with ropes to be pulled from above.

The police and fire brigade then issued a stern warning to the cow owners who had sent the cows to graze in the lake in defiance of the government warning, and to the 35-year-old man who had fallen asleep in the lake intoxicated.

Meanwhile, the public that had gathered in large numbers to view the fiasco caused severe traffic congestion on the flyover.