Jorhat, Aug. 3: A herd of around 100 wild elephants, wreaking havoc in upper Majuli for the past 15 days, destroyed around 15 huts and cowsheds in saporis off the island last night.

The herd has also killed several cows in a few saporis on the Tekeliphuta side of the island bordering Lakhimpur.

At the moment, the forest department is keeping it away from the island, as this could threaten human life and crops.

Majuli beat officer Atul Das said killing of cows was a new phenomenon, and must have happened because the cows came in the herd’s way.

“As of now, we are seeking the cooperation of the islanders to keep the herd confined to the saporis so that it does not reach the island and attack villages,” Das said.

Forest employee Deepak Dutta said, “The area is very remote. We have given the villagers crackers to ward off the elephants at night,” he said.

Dutta said within a day or two, they would be better equipped to go to the part where the cowsheds had been destroyed and also make an assessment of their own.”