In a tragic incident on May 30, a four-year-old female wild elephant calf was struck and killed by lightning in the Khowai district of Tripura. Local residents in the Baramura hill range alerted the Forest Department about the elephant’s death, prompting immediate action from forest officials.
Upon arrival, the officials discovered the elephant’s remains in a charred condition. A veterinary team from the Teliamura Animal Hospital, led by Dr. Viswabharati Debbarma, conducted a post-mortem examination and confirmed that the calf died as a result of the lightning strike.
The Forest Department has voiced concerns regarding the increasing number of elephant fatalities in the area and plans to reassess its monitoring and safety protocols for wildlife, particularly during harsh weather conditions. Over the past few days, the region has experienced severe thunderstorms and lightning strikes, causing significant flooding and damage.
In a separate incident, floodwaters claimed the life of 16-year-old Tanmoy Debnath from Mandalpara in Jirania, part of West Tripura district. Reports indicate that heavy rainfall has damaged over 106 homes in the area, leading to the establishment of four relief camps in West Tripura and Khowai districts, offering shelter to 207 individuals from 67 affected families.
The meteorological center in Tripura issued a red alert on May 29 for West Tripura and Khowai districts, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall. In light of these developments, Tripura’s Chief Minister Manik Saha reviewed the state’s disaster management readiness and evaluated current flood control measures.
