Authorities in Huoi Mot Commune, Son La Province, have issued an urgent public warning after a wild elephant broke through a perimeter wall and entered the grounds of the Huoi Mot Secondary Ethnic Minority Semi-Boarding School during the early hours of August 1.
According to local officials, the incident occurred at around 1 am, when the elephant smashed part of the boarding school's boundary wall before wandering into the campus.
The animal remained on the school grounds for about an hour before leaving at approximately 1.50 am and heading towards Pan Village. No injuries were reported, although part of the school's perimeter wall was damaged.
Following the incident, the Huoi Mot Commune People's Committee, in coordination with forest rangers, issued a public safety alert and introduced measures to reduce the risk of further encounters.
Local authorities instructed the school's management and boarding supervisors to inspect the premises and urgently repair and reinforce the damaged sections of the perimeter wall to improve safety.
Residents, particularly those living in Pan Village and surrounding areas, have been advised to remain vigilant, avoid travelling at night and in the early morning, keep their homes securely closed, and protect livestock and property in case the elephant returns.
The commune also warned residents not to approach the animal out of curiosity or attempt to drive it away using stones, fire, explosives or other methods. Officials said such actions could agitate the elephant and significantly increase the risk of an attack.
Anyone discovering signs of the elephant or identifying its direction of travel has been urged to notify village leaders, the Huoi Mot Commune People's Committee, or local forest rangers immediately so that appropriate measures can be taken.