Meghalaya: Elephant herd destroys 12 houses in overnight rampage in Ranikor

An overnight rampage by a group of elephants has left 12 families without a roof over their heads in the village of Kalapahar in South West Khasi Hills (SWKH), bordering Bangladesh.

The place of the incident falls under the Ranikor subdivision in SWKH.

According to local sources, the group of marauding elephants entered the village at about 2 am on October 12 and destroyed everything they came across. While there have been no reports of any physical harm from the incident, villagers fled from their houses in fear during the entire stampede.

“They were fearful for their lives and had to take shelter away from their homes. They could not even save many of their belongings as it took place when they were least prepared. Thankfully there were no casualties,” said President of a local NGO, United Achik Youth Federation (UAYF) from SWKH, Sangra Marak.

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Marak said that most of the villagers were extremely poor and requested the administration to work on helping them rebuild their lives.

“We request the administration to reach out to those affected as they need all the help they can get to rebuild their lives. They are currently homeless after what happened and fearful that another attack may happen soon. We urge the departments concerned, including the Wildlife department to look at ways to help them as they are in a dangerous situation,” added Sangra.

As per reports from villagers, the houses of Sahela T Sangma, Sohina T Sangma, Sorjina D. Shira, Pabina D. Shira, Sorjina D. Shira, Dukina T. Sangma, Tibina N. Marak, Sima Ch. Sangma, Orchona R. Marak, Teresa R. Marak and Kurinath Ch. Marak were destroyed.