Assam Floods: 84 Dead, Kaziranga National Park Animals Affected

In Assam, floods have claimed 84 lives in the last 24 hours, affecting nearly 14.39 lakh people across 27 districts. The Brahmaputra River’s water level is above the danger mark in Neamatighat, Tezpur, Guwahati, and Dhubri. The flood waters have submerged 2580 villages under 86 revenue circles, and 1.57 lakh people are taking shelter in 365 relief camps and distribution centres.

At Kaziranga National Park, 159 wild animals, including nine rhinos, have died due to the floods. The park’s Field Director, Sonali Ghosh, reported that 128 hog deer, 9 rhinos, 2 swamp deer, and 2 sambar drowned, while other animals died under care or due to accidents. Rescue teams have saved 133 animals, with 111 released after treatment. Seven animals, including two rhino calves and two elephant calves, are still under treatment.

The flood situation in Kaziranga is improving slightly, but 62 forest camps remain underwater, and 4 camps have been vacated. The park, home to over 2600 one-horned rhinoceros, spans 430 sq km. Rescue teams from NDRF, SDRF, Fire & Emergency Services, and local administration are actively engaged in rescue efforts.