In the early hours of 30Th July 2024, Wayanad, a hill district in South India, was rocked by terrible landslides, the likes of which locals had never experienced before. Heavy rains in the regions resulted in hillsides collapsing, sending torrents of muddy water and boulders cascading down onto villages, burying homes in piles of debris. Hundreds were reported dead, while many more were injured, but out of the tragedy rose a heartwarming story of a family guarded by elephants till they were rescued to safety.
A Mother’s Story
Sujatha, a resident of the now-devastated region of Wayanad in Kerala, recounts the harrowing night she and her family faced the fury of nature. The relentless rain had transformed their serene village of Chooralmala into a chaotic and dangerous landscape. The flood waters hit Sujatha’s home whilst everyone was asleep “It was like an ocean around me—water, trees, everything was submerged,” Sujatha recalls with a shiver.
Trapped With No Way Out
As the water rose and the ground crumbled, Sujatha’s instinct to protect her family kicked in. Her granddaughter’s terrified cries echoed in her ears: “I’m locked here, help me.” The memory of seeing her granddaughter’s little finger reaching out for help is forever etched in Sujatha’s mind. Summoning all her strength, she pulled the child out and wrapped her in a cloth, determined to keep her safe. Sujatha, including her son Gigesh, his wife and children were all injured. Yet, they somehow decided to survive.
A Fight for Survival
Their ordeal was far from over. Sujatha and her family sought refuge in a neighbor’s apartment, only for it to collapse under the strain of the landslide. Forced to navigate through a treacherous terrain of wells and other hazards, they finally reached a hill. It was here, amidst the chaos, that they encountered an unexpected guardian.
The Elephant Guardians
Amid the devastation, it was the last thing someone like Sujatha expected to see. There, standing tall and majestic, was a tusker accompanied by two female elephants. For Sujatha and her family, the presence of the magnificent creature was both awe-inspiring and comforting. Recounting the incident while sitting in a relief camp hours later, Sujatha recalled how the tusker seemed to realize their fear and stood at a distance.
It was pitch-black darkness all around, and yet the elephants stood calmly over Sujatha. Speaking to reporters of leading dailies, Sujatha said, “The elephant looked as terrified as us, but I mumbled a request to the tusker not to harm us. We had just survived a disaster, so spare us and let us rest the night till someone rescues us.”
Silent Sentinels
Throughout the night, the elephant remained close, as if understanding the plight of the human family. Sujatha describes the surreal experience: “It was as if the elephant knew we needed protection. It didn’t leave our side until dawn.” The family’s fear was palpable, but the presence of the gentle giant gave them a glimmer of hope in the darkest of times.
As dawn broke, Sujatha and her family were exhausted but alive. They made their way to the Mepadi relief camp, where they finally found some semblance of safety. “I can hardly believe I survived,” Sujatha reflects. The memory of the elephant’s watchful eyes and its protective stance remains a source of gratitude and wonder.
Wayanad, One of India’s Top Tourist Destinations
Wayanad is one of India’s top tourist destinations located on a picturesque plateau nestled among the mountains of the Western Ghats on the Eastern portion of North Kerala in South India. Situated at a height between 700-2000 meters, Wayanad is prone to landslides during the Indian monsoons. The recent disaster is the worst Kerala has seen since deadly floods wreaked havoc on the area in 2018. The recent landslides that occurred one after the other hit the villages in the dead of night, washing away entire towns and stranding hundreds. Currently, rescue missions by the Indian army are underway.
A Community Rebuilds
Now, in the aftermath of the disaster, the community of Wayanad is coming together to rebuild. The tale of Sujatha and the protective elephant has become a symbol of hope and resilience. It serves as a reminder of the profound connection between humans and nature and the unexpected ways in which help can arrive in times of need.
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