Shillong, June 15: A herd of wild elephants damaged a house in Meghalaya’s South West Garo Hills district, forcing a family to flee to safety, while authorities continued to monitor elephant movement across several parts of the state.
The incident took place on the night of June 13 at Joyfar village under the Betasing C&RD Block near the India-Bangladesh border. Officials said the elephants entered the residence of Ketaki Hajong and caused extensive destruction to the property.
According to reports, the herd broke into the kitchen area, damaging cooking utensils before ransacking a room where food grains and other essential household items had been stored. Although the house suffered significant damage, all six members of the family, including four children, managed to escape without injuries.
In another incident reported from the state, an elephant died after being electrocuted in the Bordu area under the Mawsynram C&RD Block on June 11, officials said.
Authorities noted that herds of wild elephants have been moving through different parts of the Mawsynram region after reportedly migrating from the Nankor area. The animals are believed to have originated either from neighbouring Bangladesh or from the South Garo Hills region.
Forest and district officials are closely monitoring the situation and have advised residents living in vulnerable areas to remain alert as elephant movement continues in several parts of Meghalaya.
