Elephant attack exposes perilous life of tribespeople in Malappuram

In a elephant attack in Vaniyampuzha Hamlet, a Munderi in Pothukal Panchayat near Nilanbur on Wednesday evening, the death of a tribe left the harsh facts of the misery of the dozens of tribal family along the Chaliyar River.

Since there was no bridge to cross the river, hours after it became the target of a wild elephant, he could not get any help to the tribe. Firefighters and Rescue Services Aid team’s attempts to reach the victims failed because their boots were sweeping at strong currents and a group of savior could not reach the victim for hours.

Firefighters in clothes, high authorities intervened after the intervention was rescued late at night. Billy’s body can only be taken to the Government Medical College Hospital in Manager on Thursday morning. After the postmortem, the body was brought back to Vaniyampuzha in the afternoon.

The newly selected Nilanbur Mla, Ariya, Shoukath, accompanied Billy’s body, faced a sad experience. The Dinghy engine failed, it and a few more people on the forested island other than its regularity. It was rescued by a National Disaster Response Power (NDRF) team sent by the regional collector VR Vinod.

Wednesday night of the fire and efforts to rescue rescue personnel.
| Photo Loan: Sakeer Hussain

Apart from Mr. Shoutath, Pothukal Alt-Corculant Mohandas and several forest officers found themselves stranded along the swollen Chaliyar River. The strong currents that challenge rescue efforts were a constant reality for tribal communities living in the region.

The ordeal on the island gave a definite idea to the struggles of tribal families, especially during the monsoon. While waiting to save, a bridge and support systems to provide security and accessibility for the tribal hamlets became clear.

On Thursday morning, the rescue personnel carrying Billy’s body from Vaniyampuzha. | Photo Loan: Sakeer Hussain

The situation of Vaniyampuzha tribal families continues to be terrible. Since the 2019 floods destroy their homes and bridges, the elephant lives in the temporary target shelters in the middle of the invaded forests. Single lines of life, a bamboo raft, when the river swells, becomes dangerous during monsoon. The government’s bridge construction project remains incomplete. They are almost burgundy during the rain season.

Despite the intervention of the Supreme Court, which led to some basic opportunities such as a temporary toilet and well, Vaniyampuzha’s tribal families continue to live in pathetic conditions. They are constantly faced with threat of wild animals and harsh elements. It requires urgent attention and support to ensure situations, safety and welfare.