GUWAHATI : A domesticated elephant was swept away from the Nagaland hills to the Brahmaputra Valley due to the raging floods, and it has been rescued and is being treated, Assam Forest Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah said on Saturday.
The 53-year-old elephant was swept by the Dikhow River, a tributary of the Brahmaputra, from Namsang in Nagaland and it washed ashore at Bihubor in Assam’s Sivasagar district. The pachyderm was safely rescued on Friday and veterinary care was provided to it, the minister said.
“As we continue to strengthen disaster response and animal welfare, our focus remains on ensuring that every life — human or animal — receives timely care during emergencies,” he said.
The minister said the rescue reflected the dedication of frontline personnel, who work tirelessly during floods to safeguard wildlife and domesticated animals displaced by rising waters.
Following the rescue, the elephant safely made its way to Balighat in Simaluguri, where it is currently resting under the supervision of the authorities.
A veterinary team from the Nazira Veterinary Dispensary, supported by the Nazira Mobile Veterinary Unit, promptly reached the site to conduct a comprehensive health examination and provide immediate medical treatment.
Veterinary experts have confirmed that the elephant will remain under continuous observation to ensure a full recovery from the physical stress caused by the flood.
Baruah said, “Every monsoon presents immense challenges for both people and animals across the Northeast. Timely rescue operations, professional veterinary care and coordinated efforts by government agencies play a crucial role in reducing the impact of natural disasters on vulnerable wildlife and domesticated animals, reflecting Assam’s growing capacity for compassionate and effective disaster management.” He said that the state government’s vision is to build an Assam where disaster resilience goes hand-in-hand with compassion for all living beings.
“Every successful rescue strengthens our commitment to protecting the state’s rich natural heritage while reaffirming that humanity is at its best when it extends care to those who cannot speak for themselves,” he added.
The flood situation in Assam remained grim on Saturday even as the water level has started to recede in some parts. A total of 61 people have died due to the deluge and over 7.05 lakh people have been affected in nine districts, officials said. (Source: PTI)
