In a tragic turn of events, a four-year-old female wild elephant calf lost its life after being struck by lightning in Tripura’s Khowai district on Friday, May 30. The incident occurred amid intense thunderstorms and heavy rainfall that have battered the region in recent days.
Locals residing near the Baramura hill range alerted the Forest Department after discovering the lifeless body of the elephant calf. Forest officials quickly arrived at the scene and found the calf’s body in a charred state, confirming suspicions of a lightning strike.
A veterinary team from Teliamura Animal Hospital, led by Dr Viswabharati Debbarma, conducted a post-mortem examination on-site. By afternoon, the team confirmed that the cause of death was indeed a lightning strike.
The Forest Department has raised concerns over the recurring deaths of wild elephants in the region, particularly due to natural calamities. Officials stated that a review of wildlife monitoring and safety measures is being considered, especially during periods of extreme weather.
In a separate but equally tragic incident, 16-year-old Tanmoy Debnath from Mandalpara in Jirania, under West Tripura district, drowned in floodwaters following days of relentless rain and storm activity.
The region has been grappling with severe thunderstorms, lightning, and flooding over the past three days, leading to widespread damage and loss of life.
As authorities assess the impact of the extreme weather, both incidents serve as a grim reminder of the devastating effects of climate events on humans and wildlife alike.
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