The plume of ash and smoke stretches miles
into the atmosphere
The eruption of the San
Cristobal volcano on Wednesday December 26th, 2012 caused the Nicaraguan authorities to order the evacuation of
several hundred people living near it –most of them famers.
Officials declared an
amber alert for five sq. km (two sq. miles) around the volcano, which began
spewing ash and gas two and a half miles
into the sky. The plume affected the eastern
communities located within the 10 miles from the crater. Most of these
communities suffered ash rain fall affecting not only the animal fodder
availability, but damaging their seasonal crops, especially peanut and sorghum-
an an important world
crop, used for food.
The 1,745-metre volcano (5,700-foot) is the
highest mountain in Nicaragua and one of the most active along the Pacific
Coast. It is located about 135 km north-west of Managua and last erupted
in September covering farm lands and pastures with volcanic debris; creating a
lack of food, water and grazing land.
Livestock in
the aftermath of the eruption
The Nicaraguan army
has sent rescue teams to the area and the First Lady and government spokeswoman
Rosario Murillo has urged families to follow evacuation routes as a precaution
as the ash rains down.
Communities
are suffering from mild throat and lip irritation and skin burns- especially on
their feet and arms- due to the toxic nature of the gases. Their animals are
suffering from mild starvation and respiratory problems, plus lack of
water and pastures.
A local farmer with his working horse
The repercussion of volcanic ash on humans
is terrible, but for animals the situation can be so much worse. Settling volcanic
debris creates a cement-like mud, sticking to grass and agriculture lands.
Because it is toxic and glass-like, if ingested by animals it can cause huge
digestive and intestinal problems as well as grinding down their teeth.
The
estimated number of affected families is approximately 1180, but
could potentially reach up to 20,000 people. Local authorities have
reported the following animals being present in the affected area:
- 2000 cattle
- 200 pigs
- 150 horses
- 3000 poultry
They also
describe an estimated 150-400 companion animals being left behind after people
were evacuated. Horses though, are a
main area of concern for the World
Society for Protection of Animals (WSPA), as they are used as a tool of work
for farmers. If we do not intervene the
number of causalities due to injury or ailment could have lasting effects on
livelihoods.
WSPA’s disaster
management veterinary officer, Sergio Vasquez on the ground near the volcano
The WSPA Disaster response team are
assessing the situation to see if they
can intervene and provide useful support for animals on the ground, if so, we
hope to:
-
Provide emergency feed and water to pets and
farm animals
-
Create radio spots with tips on preparedness for
future ash-falls
-
Provide assessment to Nicaraguan government with
recommendations on how to cope with continued volcanic activity
-
Have a veterinary team on standby
All images are © WSPA/Tomas
Stargardter
