Floods in Assam’s Kaziranga National Park: Animals Move to Safety
Kaziranga National Park in Assam is experiencing severe flooding, with 75% of its forest camps submerged. Many wild animals, such as one-horned rhinoceroses, elephants, hog deer, and wild buffaloes, have moved to the nearby Karbi Anglong hills, crossing National Highway 715.
According to Arun Vignesh, the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Kaziranga National Park, the water level of the Brahmaputra river is receding, but the water inside the park remains high. He mentioned that 173 out of 233 forest camps are currently underwater, and staff from nine camps have been relocated.
Vignesh stated, “In the morning, 178 camps were inundated by flood waters, and it has now reduced to 173 camps. We are observing the situation and animals also. We have shifted the staff of nine camps to other camps due to the flood. Animals had started moving towards the Karbi Hills area from the first day of the flood. We have regulated the traffic movement also on the National Highway. We are really happy that people are also cooperating with us for the safety and security of wild animals.”
He also reported that 11 animals, including a rhino calf, have drowned. However, 45 animals have been rescued and released as their conditions were good. The latest flood report indicates that 65 animals have been rescued in total, and 11 have died due to the flood.
Forest guards and forest battalion personnel are working tirelessly inside and outside the park to ensure the safety and security of the wild animals during this challenging time.
