Elephant herd creates panic in Malayalappuzha

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Residents of Puthukkulam region, near Malayalappuzha, were on high alert on Wednesday after a herd of wild elephants entered the area and caused widespread panic..

According to local residents, nine elephants were initially spotted in the area. While most of the herd moved away, two elephants were still reported to be roaming near houses and agricultural land until the evening. A rapid response team (RRT) under the Forest department was monitoring the animals and attempting to prevent them from moving deeper into populated areas.

Residents say wild elephant incursions have become a frequent occurrence in Puthukkulam, causing extensive damage to crops and property. The continued presence of elephants has also severely affected the daily lives of people living in the area, including elderly residents and families with young children.

They also noted that elephants enter the area primarily around midnight, but are now being spotted even during the day hours. They say this has made farming and normal daily activities increasingly difficult and dangerous.

Locals acknowledged the efforts of the RRT and forest officials but pointed out that their intervention is limited and temporary. They have urged the Forest department to deploy additional personnel and implement long-term measures, including stronger fencing and elephant-proof trenches, to prevent wild elephants from entering residential areas.

The area, which includes homes, farms and schools, remained on high alert. Although the elephants reportedly moved into nearby vegetation for a time, residents fear they could return at any moment.