Prince William and Kate Middleton on the ravages of flooding in Kaziranga

Guwahati:

Prince William and his wife Kate Middleton have expressed concern and distress over the devastation of Kaziranga National Park in Assam caused by heavy rains and flooding which have killed scores of animals and affected livelihoods of several people.

The park has been hit by three waves of flooding so far this year, with 92% of its area submerged in water that has killed 123 animals, including 12 rhinos.

In a letter to the park manager, P. Sivakumar, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge said they were heartbroken to learn of the appalling devastation of Kaziranga National Park and its wildlife caused by very heavy flooding from monsoon.

“We have the best memories of our visit to Kaziranga in April 2016 and are shocked by what happened,” Prince William wrote in the letter, which was made available to the press by the park authorities. Friday.

The deaths of so many animals, including the one-horned rhino, are deeply moving, he said.

“We know from our visit how dedicated all Kaziranga staff are to taking care of the park’s wildlife, and we can only begin to imagine how difficult it must be,” he said.

Expressing his appreciation for the park rangers, the Duke said: “Catherine and I very much admire all the work you and the Kaziranga guards do to risk your own safety, save the animals and contain the damage.”

The loss of lives and livelihoods in Assam as a result of flooding, which follows the coronavirus pandemic, is deeply distressing, he said.

“We offer our deepest condolences to all affected,” said the Duke.

The park director said they were deeply touched by the letter, full of compassion and concern for the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve.

“In difficult times like this, a message from the Duke is certainly a morale booster,” he said.

(Except for the title, this story was not edited by GalacticGaming staff and is posted from a syndicated feed.)