Elephant Padayappa enters residence in southern India, authorities respond swiftly
by Aditi VermaIn a rare incident, an elephant named Padayappa entered the premises of a home in southern India’s Kerala early morning, prompting a swift response from local authorities.
The incident took place at Devikulam, located in the Idukki district on October 13.
Visuals showed the elephant stood outside the gate for a while, quietly observing its surroundings. Its large frame loomed over the entrance, casting a shadow in the dim early morning light. After a few moments, it raised its massive foot and, with a powerful push, broke the gate open with ease. Once inside, the elephant remained still for a brief period, standing calmly, as if assessing the area, before eventually moving further into the property.
According to reports, in the early hours approximately 3 AM, an elephant named Padayappa ventured into the residential property of George’s house in Mukkam. The elephant pushed through the property’s gate but did not cause significant damage, much to the relief of the residents.
Following the intrusion, the Forest Department’s Rapid Response Team (RRT) arrived on the scene to assess the situation. Their immediate inspection confirmed that while the encounter was alarming, it resulted in no harm to the residents or the elephant.
Authorities are now evaluating the area to ensure the safety of both the residents and the local wildlife. Measures will be reinforced to prevent similar incidents in the future, with the Forest Department urging residents to remain cautious and report any wildlife sightings.