Recent torrential rains across Central America have seriously impacted animals, prompting WSPA assessments in Guatemala, El Salvador and Costa Rica.
At least one and a half million animals and half a million people are thought to have been affected, with Guatemala the worst hit by the most serious flooding in recent years. As a matter of urgency, three Disaster Assessment Response Teams (DARTs) are leaving today for each of the three countries to assess the animal need on the ground and to determine whether an intervention is needed.
We will know more once the teams have compiled a Disaster Assessment Needs Analysis (DANA) for each country, but it is estimated that both livestock and companion animals are in need in all three nations, with Guatemalans especially dependent on livestock for their livelihoods.
As the urgency of the situation requires simultaneous assessments, the DART teams will comprise a combination of both WSPA staff, local partners and Veterinary Emergency Response Unit (VERU) members and leaders, in co-ordination with government officials.
We are also launching Public Service Announcements (PSAs) on radio stations in El Salvador and Guatemala to advise local people on how to assist their animals following such a disaster. We will be keep you updated on the outcomes of the assessment .
