Assam: As floods continue to wreak havoc in Assam, Kaziranga National Park has reported a significant loss of wildlife. According to the park authorities, 131 wild animals, including six rhinos, have perished due to the inundation.

Sonali Ghosh, the Field Director of Kaziranga National Park, confirmed the tragic toll, stating that among the deceased are six rhinos, 100 hog deer, and two sambar, who drowned in floodwaters. Additionally, 17 hog deer, along with one each of Swamp deer, Rhesus Macaque, and Otter (Pup), passed away despite efforts to care for them. Tragically, two hog deer were fatally struck by vehicles.

Despite ongoing rescue efforts, which have successfully saved 97 wild animals, the flood situation remains challenging. As of now, 69 out of 233 forest camps across various ranges of the national park are submerged. Specifically, 22 camps in Kaziranga range, 20 in Bagori range, 14 in Agratoli range, and 4 each in Burapahar, Bokakhat, and Nagaon Wildlife Division are currently underwater. Additionally, one camp in the Biswanath Wildlife Division has also been affected.

The park authorities have had to evacuate four forest camps, including two each from Kaziranga and Bokakhat ranges, due to the rising waters.

The overall flood situation in Assam has intensified recently, claiming eight lives in the past 24 hours, bringing the total death toll to 66 this year. The Assam State Disaster Management Authority's latest report reveals fatalities from Dhurbi, Nalbari, Cachar, Goalpara, Dhemaji, and Sivasagar districts.

With over 27.74 lakh people across 28 districts still affected by the floods, rescue operations continue with the efforts of NDRF, SDRF, Fire & Emergency Services, and local authorities.

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