Mumbai, MAHARASHTRA—Animal protection organization Humane World for Animals India (formerly called Humane Society International India) has launched emergency relief operations for animals affected by the devastating floods in Maharashtra.
In collaboration with Sahyog Foundation, the Humane World for Animals team is on the ground conducting rapid needs assessments and providing relief in some of the worst-affected areas. Initial relief is being prioritized in flood-impacted villages along the Savitri River, including Mahad town, Birwadi and Gondale, to identify and meet the most urgent needs of companion and farmed animals, including emergency cattle feed and food for companion animals, along with veterinary treatment as needed.
Over the next two days, the team aims to support more than 5,000 animals and distribute approximately 55 tonnes of emergency cattle feed across the affected communities.
Praveen Suresh, manager of disaster preparedness, response and relief team at Humane World for Animals India, said: "The situation on the ground is extremely grim, and our priority is to ensure that animals and the communities who depend on them receive timely, lifesaving assistance as they begin to recover from this disaster. In several villages we have visited, small farmers have lost their entire stock of stored fodder to the floods, forcing their animals to graze in the hills. At the same time, we are deeply concerned about the risk of disease outbreaks if preventive veterinary care and medicines are not made available quickly. These are just some of the immediate challenges we, alongside our partners, will be addressing as we work to deliver effective relief to affected animals and communities. Where we are unable to access the worst-affected areas directly, we will support local organizations and government authorities already on the ground to ensure help reaches those who need it most."
Humane World for Animals responds to disasters in India and around the world to assist animals and communities in need. The team has stepped in to provide emergency relief to animals affected by volcanic eruptions in Guatemala; deadly earthquakes in Nepal, Ecuador, Mexico and Türkiye; hurricanes, flash floods and cyclones in India, Haiti and Mozambique; and wildfires in Australia and Chile; as well as helping refugees and their pets fleeing the war in Ukraine. `
Over the last seven years, Humane World for Animals India has gained a notable presence in Kerala through its disaster response, preparedness and relief efforts. Along with partner organizations, Humane World for Animals India is striving to make Kerala a disaster-resilient district for both humans and animals, by strengthening the capacity of communities, local governments, and grassroots humanitarian organizations. As part of this effort, the organization has conducted flood preparedness training for communities and local organizations to safeguard animals and the families that depend on them during disasters such as floods and landslides.
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