Wild elephant injured in Teknaf landslide

A female Asian elephant was injured after falling into a ditch following a landslide in the hilly Uthonti area of Teknaf in Cox’s Bazar today (11 July).

The incident occurred around 12:30pm in the Shiyailagona area of the Uthonti hills, according to local residents and the Forest Department.

Forest Department and the Teknaf Upazila Livestock Office officials rushed to the spot after being informed.

Assistant Conservator of Forests (Teknaf-Ukhia) Md Monirul Islam told The Business Standard that continuous heavy rainfall had softened the soil, triggering the landslide.

“The elephant was descending the hill when the ground beneath it collapsed, causing it to fall onto a slope and sustain serious injuries. It is an approximately 10-year-old female Asian elephant,” he said.

He said no elephant herd was found near the injured animal, adding that it may have strayed close to the locality in search of food due to the prolonged rainfall.

“The elephant is still alive but has sustained severe injuries. Two parts of its abdomen have ruptured and one of its hind legs has been badly injured. Its condition and treatment plan will be determined after a thorough examination,” Monirul said.

He added that the Teknaf Upazila Livestock Officer had already reached the site, while a wildlife veterinarian from the Dulahazra Safari Park was on the way to assist with treatment.

The Forest Department said it remains unclear whether the elephant had become separated from a herd, noting that solitary elephants occasionally wander close to human settlements from nearby forested hills.