MEXICO CITY—Humane World for Animals (previously called Humane Society International) has deployed a disaster response team to help animals and their communities in Oaxaca, Mexico that were impacted by Hurricane Erick, which hit the southern Mexican state as a powerful Category 3 storm on June 19, causing severe floodings and power outages.
Across Puerto Escondido, La Raya, Jicaltepec and Agua de la Caña, the charity’s team of veterinarians and disaster response volunteers has so far helped more than 1,000 dogs, cats, chickens and other farmed animals providing veterinary care, food and emergency supplies in heavily impacted communities. In Puerto Escondido, Humane World for Animals answered a call for help by a local dog shelter with 74 dogs suffering skin and other health conditions.
Felipe Marquez, Humane World for Animals’ Latin America disaster response manager who is leading the deployment, said: “We are reaching more remote communities badly impacted by Hurricane Erick who are in need of help. In every community we are visiting, we are greeted by people worried about the health and wellbeing of their beloved animals and so our provision of veterinary care, pet food and supplies means these impacted communities have one less thing to worry about. Community members care deeply about their animal companions, who are part of their family and who also provide much needed emotional support during disasters.”
Humane World for Animals responders are working closely with the National System for Integral Family Development in Oaxaca as well as the Oaxaca State Veterinary Association and Universidad de la Costa to ensure aid reaches the most vulnerable communities and remains committed to supporting communities and animals affected by Hurricane Erick. Updates will be provided as operations continue.
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