WSPA - Animals in Disasters Blog

Argentina relief work begins, under volcanic ash

Following WSPA’s assessment of the fallout from the eruption of Chile’s Puyehue volcano, our relief operations have begun in neighbouring Argentina.

The emission of ash from the volcano has diminished considerably since early June. However, over the last few weeks, Argentina has been badly affected by the substantial ash deposits, particularly in the provinces of Neuquén and Rio Negro, where a state of emergency has been declared. 

WSPA’s assessment found that small producers have been heavily impacted by the fallen ash on pastures and are in need of assistance. In addition, companion animals in the municipality of Villa la Angostura will also receive aid as WSPA plans to assist local animal protection groups currently working to shelter and feed the animals.

Around 40,000 livestock (mainly merino sheep and angora goats) and approximately 400 companion animals will be provided with feed as the ground remains covered with a thick layer of ash, preventing grazing and foraging. 

In addition, training will be provided to the most affected small producers on how to address the needs of animals affected by ash; WSPA will also be providing training on how to construct feeders using local materials. We expect the emergency relief work to continue until the end of August.  

Mariana Recalde from WSPA’s South America office will be travelling to these affected areas, initiating our emergency response in tandem with local animal shelters and INTA, Argentina’s National Agricultural Technology Institute.

WSPA to begin emergency and preparedness work in India

Following a WSPA assessment of the flood-stricken Indian state of West Bengal, disaster management staff from our India office will travel from New Delhi next week to begin emergency relief operations, and longer term preparedness work.

The situation remains critical in the eastern Indian state, with humanitarian agencies on the ground assisting the population. WSPA has found the greatest need for intervention in the district of East Medinipur and will immediately begin emergency operations to repair shelters, provide feed and veterinary care to the worst affected animals.

Following delivery of emergency relief, WSPA will then focus on helping local communities to prepare for future flooding, which is common in the region, including contingency plans and training in essential animal health during times of disaster.

This work will reach over 25,000 animals ranging from cattle, goats and poultry that are critical to the local economy and community recovery.

 

WSPA to assess India and Vietnam floods, Japan work continues

Severe floods hit nearby Bihar region in 2008

Recent heavy rain and flash floods across Vietnam and in India’s West Bengal State have made it a top priority for WSPA to assess the need for animals in the aftermath.

In southern West Bengal, flooding has affected hundreds of thousands of people, and, critically for livestock, most grazing land is underwater. A disaster assistance response team (DART) from WSPA India’s office is travelling to the region this weekend to meet with local partners and government officials to determine the potential need for animals in the coming days and weeks.

In Vietnam, 13 provinces have been affected by flash floods resulting from Tropical Storm Haima. In one central province, vaccinations of livestock for foot-and-mouth are already underway to prevent the spread of the disease. A DART from WSPA Asia, located in Bangkok, is leaving for Vietnam on 10 July. There, staff will meet with the government’s Department of Livestock Production to assess medical and food requirements in the immediate aftermath and recovery period.

In Japan, where 80,000 people are still living in evacuation centres following March’s earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster, WSPA’s ongoing assistance continues. There remains a need for temporary and longer-term shelters for companion animals despite the fact that the government has now built 12,000 temporary homes, where residents can stay with their pets.

The WSPA temporary shelter in Ishinomaki has been relocated to a new site where it can remain for as long as required, and has taken in its full capacity of 130 animals. WSPA has additionally provided six more radiation monitors to assist volunteers still working with animals in Fukushima’s 30 km exclusion zone.