In the ongoing devastating floods in Assam, Kaziranga National Park has reported the death of 137 wild animals, including six rhinos, amidst the deluge, officials confirmed.
Sonali Ghosh, the field director of Kaziranga National Park, revealed that among the casualties, 104 Hog Deer, 6 Rhinos, and 2 Sambar lost their lives due to drowning in floodwaters. Additionally, 2 Hog Deer were fatally struck by a vehicle, while one Otter pup succumbed to other causes. Further, 22 animals passed away despite receiving care efforts.
The park authorities have undertaken significant rescue operations, successfully saving 99 animals, which includes two rhino calves, two elephant calves, 84 Hog Deer, 3 Swamp Deer, and 2 Sambar.
Currently, 70 out of the park’s 233 forest camps remain submerged due to the ongoing flood situation, complicating rescue and relief efforts.
The broader flood scenario in Assam has worsened, with recent reports confirming six additional fatalities on Monday, raising the overall death toll to 72 as of July 8, 2024. Over 2.774 million individuals across 28 districts continue to grapple with the aftermath of the floods, which have severely impacted regions including Goalpara, Nagaon, Kamrup, and Dibrugarh.
The response to the crisis has involved extensive efforts from various rescue teams, including the NDRF, SDRF, Indian Army, paramilitary forces, and local administrative bodies. These teams are actively engaged in rescue operations and providing assistance to affected communities.
The floods have resulted in widespread destruction of infrastructure, road closures, extensive damage to crops, and loss of livestock, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis with hundreds displaced and rendered homeless.
