Kerala Elephant Rampage Leaves 3 Dead, 30 Injured in Festival Chaos

Kerala - In a harrowing incident on February 15, 2025, two elephants, spooked by fireworks during a festival at the Manakulangara temple in Kerala, went on a deadly rampage. The terrified elephants caused chaos by crashing into walls, destroying a building, and injuring many attendees in their frantic escape. At least three people, including two women and a man, were killed, and thirty others were injured.

This tragedy underscores the escalating man-animal conflicts in Kerala, where wild elephants often venture into human settlements, leading to fatalities and property damage. Despite the government’s efforts to mitigate these incidents, including declaring man-animal conflict a ‘state-specific disaster’ to facilitate swift action, the frequency and severity of such events continue to rise.

The recent elephant rampage has intensified public outcry, with citizens demanding immediate and effective measures to prevent future tragedies. The government’s response, including the formation of multi-level committees and the allocation of funds for mitigation activities, has been met with skepticism. Opposition leaders argue that these steps are insufficient and call for more decisive action.

As Kerala grapples with this crisis, the need for a comprehensive and sustainable solution becomes increasingly urgent. Balancing wildlife conservation with human safety requires innovative strategies, community involvement, and a commitment to long-term planning. The recent tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the delicate coexistence between humans and wildlife and the critical importance of proactive measures to prevent such devastating incidents in the future.