Assam floods: Kaziranga facing worst deluge in decade, claim lives of 10 Rhinos and 174 animals

Digital Desk: Kaziranga National Park (KNP), a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Assam, is currently experiencing its worst flooding in a decade, significantly impacting its rich biodiversity. Spanning 1,090 square kilometers, KNP is famed for its population of the endangered one-horned rhinoceros. On June 1, water levels at Nimatighat reached a historic high of 87.47 meters, surpassing the previous record from 2017.

The floods have already resulted in the tragic loss of 174 animals, including 10 one-horned rhinos. The hog deer population has been particularly hard hit, with 153 deaths attributed mainly to drowning, alongside two additional casualties from vehicle collisions on nearby highways. KNP director Sonali Ghosh emphasized the severity of this year’s flooding compared to past events, noting that in 2017, the park suffered 291 animal casualties, including 24 rhinos.

Despite these challenges, forest personnel have successfully rescued 135 animals under difficult conditions. Wildlife biologist Bibhab Kumar Talukdar highlights the dual nature of flooding; while the loss of wildlife is alarming, these seasonal floods are crucial for maintaining the park's ecosystem and supporting wildlife, including rhinos, along the Brahmaputra River.

Amidst the crisis in Kaziranga, the broader flood situation in Assam shows signs of improvement, although approximately 1.4 million people across 2,545 villages remain affected, with 83 reported flood-related fatalities this year. The resilience of both wildlife and communities will be essential in navigating this ongoing disaster.