GUWAHATI: The flood situation in Assam remains dire as the second wave of floods has affected nearly one lakh individuals, including the iconic Kaziranga National Park, a Unesco World Heritage site renowned for its one-horned rhinoceroses.
According to the latest update from the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), a total of 98,840 people are currently grappling with the flood aftermath in 371 villages across 13 districts. Thankfully, there have been no recent fatalities, and the total death toll for this year stands at 7.
The Dikhou and Brahmaputra rivers are currently flowing above the danger level at various locations in Assam. In Sivasagar, the Dikhou is surpassing the danger level, while the Brahmaputra is doing so in Dhubri, Tezpur, and Nematighat.
Simultaneously, continuous rainfall over the past few days has led to the inundation of sections of Kaziranga National Park.
Park authorities report that approximately 90 percent of the Agoratoli forest range in Kaziranga is currently submerged. "After days of rain, 68 forest camps in Kaziranga National Park have been inundated, and floodwaters have entered the park, affecting the majority of forest camps. Fifteen forest camps in the Kohora range, nine camps in the Bagori range, and six forest camps in Burapahar have also been affected. Thankfully, no animal casualties have been reported thus far, and two hog deer have been rescued and relocated to a rehabilitation centre for treatment," stated the park authorities.
As the water level in Kaziranga has risen significantly since Saturday, park authorities are closely monitoring the welfare of wildlife, although the situation is not yet critical.
