Floods endanger wildlife: animals drown in northeastern India, 44 rescued
by Aditi VermaDue to severe flooding in northeastern India’s Assam, numerous animals are being swept away and drowning, with 44 already rescued as efforts continue to save more wildlife.
The incident took place at Kaziranga National Park, situated in the Golaghat district and the video went viral on July 3.
Visuals showed after continuous and heavy rainfall, a flood-like situation emerged, submerging the area in water. Various animals could be seen swimming in the floodwaters, with some unfortunately drowning. Only their heads were visible above the water’s surface. The rescue team worked tirelessly, saving many dogs and other animals, and transporting them to a safe location. The scene was a mix of chaos and hope, as rescuers navigated the murky waters to bring the animals to safety.
Heavy rainfall over the past few days has resulted in extensive flooding in Kaziranga National Park (KNP) and Tiger Reserve, submerging most parts of the park. On Tuesday, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma visited affected areas to take stock of the situation.
As of Wednesday morning, officials reported that 178 out of 233 forest camps within the park, home to the world’s largest population of endangered one-horned rhinos, were under at least five feet of water. In particular, 80 camps in the Agratoli and Kaziranga ranges have been inundated, leading forest guards to abandon nine camps inside the park.
The floods have claimed the lives of eight wild animals, including a rhino calf, primarily due to drowning and exhaustion, according to KNP Director Sonali Ghosh. While the full list of species affected was not disclosed, officials confirmed that hog deer were among the casualties.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been deployed to assist in the rescue operations. “Flood waters have entered most parts of Kaziranga, affecting the wild animals. Personnel from NDRF and the forest department are engaged in rescuing animals and ensuring their safety,” stated Chief Minister Sarma on X (formerly Twitter).
In a related incident, Education Minister Ranoj Pegu reported that a tiger, likely displaced by the flooding, had reached Totoya village on Majuli Island in the Brahmaputra River. Efforts are underway to ensure the safety of both the animal and the local residents.
As rescue operations continue, the situation remains critical with the park and its inhabitants facing significant challenges due to the ongoing floods.