As the floods in Kerala continue to wreak havoc, causing loss of life and property, let us not forget that they have also had a devastating effect on the flora and fauna of the state.
It is therefore heartening to know that people are stepping up to help their four-legged friends. For example, recently in Thrissur, locals, forest officials and wildlife lovers came together in a rescue operation to save a stranded wild elephant. Read more about it here.
Now, there is additional help. As reported in the Hindustan Times, the India chapter of Humane Society International—one of the largest animal protection organisations in the world—has dispatched a team of six people to the state, who are doing their best to save the animals affected in the floods.
These six animal experts are stationed in Nilambur and Tirur, Kerala’s worst affected regions, for the past four days, and are working alongside the State Government as well as the National Disaster Response Force, to locate and rescue dogs, cats and other animals left behind.
In Kerala, HSI volunteers worked on ground zero, to help stranded animals. Image Credit: HSI
The members of the team are ensuring that there are enough medicines and food for sick and injured animals, and have also risked their lives to save stranded pets and other animals from submerged houses, and landslide-affected areas, and provide them with a safe shelter.
Two instances mentioned by HSI India in India Today are truly heartwarming. The first incident is about how the team members rescued two puppies, Wally and Eva, just in time.
In another incident, a woman from Thrissur refused to leave her home without ensuring that her 25 dogs would also be rescued. The quick-thinking team arranged for a temporary shelter for the dogs, at a veterinary hospital nearby, so that the dogs and woman could be safe.
We continue to be in #flood inflicted #Kerala helping as many #animals as possible. Help us to continue providing essential #rescue , veterinary medicines & #support . Donate to us at https://t.co/w7ydqnN1gf. Read here to know more: https://t.co/3hcUw8zAta #animalrescue pic.twitter.com/BHy2PhO6PV
— HSI/India (@IndiaHSI) August 17, 2018
“Kerala is at a standstill right now, with many areas experiencing total devastation. Our team is encountering many animals who have perished. However, we are still finding abandoned dogs and were recently able to rescue 13 dogs and a tiny kitten who we found trembling as the floods raged around him,” HSI India said in a statement.
The floods in #Kerala have left many homeless. Near the Eranhimangad #Relief camp, Malappuram district, has seen almost 80% of #animal deaths. Our Disaster Relief Team is working to #RESCUE as many #animals & people as possible. Click here to support us. https://t.co/w7ydqnN1gf pic.twitter.com/67cgVbLkI2
— HSI/India (@IndiaHSI) August 14, 2018
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The organisation is also coordinating with district collectors and government veterinary hospitals, in their efforts to save animals stranded across Kerala.
(Edited by Gayatri Mishra)