Assam Floods Devastate Wildlife: 215 Animals, Including Rare Rhinos, Perish at Kaziranga National Park

The Assam floods have resulted in the deaths of 215 animals, including 13 one-horned rhinos, at Kaziranga National Park. The park's officials have rescued and treated 157 wild animals, while a high-level government team assessed the flood damage across affected districts.

The devastating floods in Assam have claimed the lives of 215 animals, including 13 one-horned rhinoceroses, at Kaziranga National Park, officials reported. Sonali Ghosh, the Field Director of Kaziranga, confirmed that 13 rhinos perished after drowning in floodwaters.

'A total of 168 Hog Deer, 2 Swamp Deer, 5 Wild Pig, 8 Porcupine, one Wild Buffalo, and one Sambar drowned in the floods. Additionally, 2 Hog Deer were killed in vehicle accidents, 18 animals died under care, and one Otter pup died from other causes,' Ghosh detailed. She also stated that during the flood, park authorities managed to rescue 157 wild animals, including two rhino calves and two elephant calves.

'Of these, 137 were released after treatment, and 7 are still undergoing treatment,' Ghosh added. On another note, only 3 out of the park's 233 forest camps are currently submerged, located in the Agratoli, Kaziranga, and Bagori ranges.

In a related development, an eight-member Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) from various Indian government ministries visited multiple districts in Assam from July 18 to 20 to evaluate flood-related damages. The team, led by Joint Secretary Mihir Kumar from the Ministry of Home Affairs, concluded their assessment after discussions with Assam government officials at Lok Sewa Bhawan, Dispur.

The IMCT, divided into two groups, visited the flood-stricken districts of Dibrugarh, Majuli, Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Nagaon, Cachar, Karimganj, and Hailakandi. They reviewed the damages to livelihood and property in these districts during their site visits and meetings with local officials.

Speaking on the flood impacts, Ajay Tiwari, Additional Chief Secretary to the Government of Assam, stated that Cyclone Remal triggered the initial wave of floods. The state has since faced two waves, severely affecting humans, livestock, and wildlife. Mihir Kumar commented on the comprehensive flood damage assessment conducted by the team and praised the preparedness and speedy relief efforts by Assam's districts and government.

(With inputs from agencies.)