Jhapa, March 31
Six people have lost their lives in elephant attacks over the past five months in Jhapa. The victims were individuals who were either collecting fodder, on morning walks or were asleep at home when the incidents occurred.
Meghraj Rai, the Chief of the Division Forest Office in Jhapa, said that two more fatalities resulted from wild elephant attacks just this week. The latest victims are Khadgamaya Mabo, 58, from Kamal Rural Municipality-5, and Pabitra Bhetuwal, 60, from Shibasatakshi-11.
These recent incidents have left the local community in fear and unease. Ruma Subba, a resident of Kamal Rural Municipality-5, said they constantly live in fear of potential wild animal attacks in the aftermath of the incident in the locality.
All 15 localities within the district are deemed vulnerable to elephant encounters. The fatalities over the past five months include one in Damak Municipality, two in Shibasatakshi, two in Haldibari, and one in Kamal Rural Municipality.
The tuskers have unleashed terror in the neighbouring districts of Morang and Sunsari as well. It is said that a herd of 29 wild elephants entered Nepal from India through the Bahunadangi point and is yet to move back. The Division Forest Office estimates that over 60 wild elephants are spread across the Jhapa, Morang, and Sunsari districts.
