In normal circumstances, the only animal shelter in Bethel, Alaska, is run by two full-time staff members with the help of rotating volunteers and a contract veterinarian. Our Pets for Life program has partnered with this small but dedicated organization, Bethel Friends of Canines, for 10 years to provide veterinary and wellness services to the Yukon–Kuskokwim Delta communities of southwest Alaska.
Earlier this month, disaster struck the region, as the remnants of Typhoon Halong destroyed an estimated 90% of structures in the village of Kipnuk and caused widespread flooding throughout the region, displacing an estimated 1,500 people. State personnel estimate that many residents may not see their homes, or what remains of them, for many months—the destruction is that extensive.
The town of Bethel, which serves as a hub for relief and resources, is usually only accessible via the Kuskokwim River or single-engine planes. Over the last week, Bethel Friends of Canines has provided temporary shelter to more than 170 dogs, reuniting most of them with their families; the shelter will continue to serve this role moving forward, as the community works to heal from the devastation.
Jessica Johnson/Humane World for Animals
Our Animal Rescue Team arrived on Tuesday in Bethel to assist local responders, and team members are participating in calls to help with coordination and information sharing. There are heartbreaking stories coming in about animals initially left behind as people were being evacuated because of the complicated nature of helicopter evacuations.
The animal shelter has already chartered a small plane to evacuate animals from storm-ravaged Kipnuk. Such rescues are complex and expensive, so we are reimbursing them for their flight costs. We expect there will be more small, chartered flights necessary.
Jessica Johnson/Humane World for Animals
We have also purchased dog food and supplies such as leashes, collars and bowls that arrived in Bethel via air cargo on Monday. An order of crates is on the way.
So far, 157 homes have been reported as destroyed in this part of the state, with more than 150 people being evacuated to a Red Cross shelter at the Alaska Airlines Center in Anchorage, about 400 miles away.
At the core of our disaster response work is the acknowledgement that the well-being of people is closely tied to the well-being of animals. This is just as important in an emergency as it is in everyday life. Everyone should have the resources and help to care for their animals in good times and in bad. To make such support systems a reality is up to all of us.
Your support makes efforts like this possible.
Kitty Block is president and CEO of Humane World for Animals. Follow Kitty Block on X.
