Floods in Assam Devastate Kaziranga National Park, Claiming Lives of 174 Animals

Floods in Assam's Kaziranga National Park have claimed the lives of 174 animals, including 10 rhinos. While the situation is improving, parts of the park remain submerged. Efforts continue to rescue and treat affected wildlife.

Floods in Assam have taken a toll on Kaziranga National Park, resulting in the deaths of 174 animals, including 10 rhinos, as reported by park officials. Despite gradual improvements, 46 forest camps and sections of the park are still underwater.

Field Director Sonali Ghosh confirmed, 'We have lost ten rhinos and 164 other animals to the floodwaters this year.' Among the deceased are 144 Hog Deer, ten rhinos, two Swamp Deer, and two Sambar; two Hog Deer were also killed by vehicles. Additionally, 13 animals, including nine Hog Deer, one each of Swamp Deer, Otter(Pup), Rhesus Macaque, and a Scops Owl, perished under care.

Ghosh highlighted the rescue efforts, stating, 'We rescued 135 animals during the flood, including two rhinos and elephants. After treatment, 116 animals were released, with six still undergoing care.'

The park has witnessed significant losses in previous floods: 291 animals, including 24 rhinos, in 2017; 223 animals, including 21 rhinos, in 2019; and 157 animals, including 19 rhinos, in 2020. Recent floods saw 26 animal deaths in 2021, 19 in 2022, and 29, including seven rhinos, in 2023.

Vehicle accidents also remain a threat, with three fatalities in 2017, 17 in 2019, 22 in 2020, 11 in 2021, and nine each in 2022 and 2023. Kaziranga is home to over 2,600 one-horned rhinoceroses.

Elsewhere, the flood situation in Nagaon district remains severe, impacting numerous residents. The state's deluge has claimed 84 lives so far. Rita Sahani, a local from Jakhalabandha, shared her struggles, living in a makeshift tent for ten days after floodwaters submerged her home. ASDMA reports that nearly 79,000 people, including 20,612 children, are affected in Nagaon district alone, with floodwaters inundating 184 villages and 18,231.8 hectares of crops.

With 84 deaths statewide, the floods in Assam continue to pose significant challenges. (ANI)