KATHMANDU: A wild elephant attack has claimed the life of Chandra Kumari Limbu, 61, of Gurung Tole in Sundarharaincha-5. Limbu, a daily wage earner, was attacked in the Namuna Community Forest while returning home after cutting firewood, said Krishna Khatri, Chief of the Area Police Office, Belbari.
Limbu’s family grew concerned when she didn’t return home by evening. During a search, her lifeless body was discovered in the forest.
Ward Chairman of Sundarharaincha-5, Ganesh Chaudhary, expressed concern over the persistent threat posed by wild elephants in the Namuna Community Forest. He said more than a dozen elephants inhabit the area, forcing locals to stay alert throughout the night in fear of attacks.
This death comes just two weeks after a similar incident claimed the life of Ganga Shrestha, 40, in the Srijana Community Forest, also in Sundarharaincha Municipality.
Bishnulal Ghimire, Chief of the Division Forest Office, Morang, reported that wild elephants have been causing extensive damage in Koshi Province, particularly in the districts of Jhapa, Morang, and Sunsari. In the past year, three wild elephants were found dead in Morang.
“These elephants are not only attacking people but also destroying crops and demolishing homes,” Ghimire said.
Police and forest officials have urged locals to exercise caution, as elephant herds have recently been spotted in Belbari and Sundarharaincha.
According to police, Jhapa and Morang have suffered the most significant human and material losses due to elephant attacks.
Despite mitigation efforts, the damage to lives and livelihoods continues to rise, leaving local communities in fear and uncertainty.
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