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| © GEPDA |
| Loading an animal for rescue. |
When the Mexican state of Tabasco flooded last month, the first images to make the headlines were of a flooded city reminiscent of New Orleans. Villahermosa, the capital of the state, was flooded up to the rooftops, and more than 300,000 people were displaced—many of them with their pets. Humane Society International responded in conjunction with Gente por la Defensa Animal (GEPDA), our partner organization in Mexico City. Together, we distributed food and treated animals of all kinds throughout Villahermosa and the surrounding areas.
However, Tabasco was not the only state affected. Just to the south, the state of Chiapas also experienced heavy flooding and landslides, with thousands of people displaced. As recovery continued in Villahermosa, HSI-funded teams led by GEPDA headed south to assess the damage. What they found was disturbing: The situation was just as critical as in Tabasco, but few organizations had responded. The teams went to work immediately, arranging for more supplies and volunteers, and sending responders into the field. Over two weeks, teams of veterinarians and emergency responders fed and treated hundreds of animals, including dogs and cats, horses, cattle, pigs, poultry, and even parrots. Although this disaster is no longer in the headlines, our teams are still active today.
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| © Jessica Higgins/HSI |
| Comforting a dog. |
The Mexican state of Tabasco is suffering through the worst flooding its citizens have endured in the past 50 years, with more than 900,000 people affected. Seasonal floods were exacerbated by rains generated by a tropical storm. At the height of the disaster, 80 percent of Tabasco was underwater and in the state’s capital city of Villahermosa, floodwaters reached up to the second story of buildings. Bodies of animals drowned in the flood have contaminated drinking water and put humans in danger of water-borne diseases. The neighboring state of Chiapas also saw a huge mudslide.
Animals in Need
While the Mexican government and humanitarian groups organized to respond to the needs of the people, animal protection organizations, including Humane Society International (HSI), began planning for the animals. The greatest concentration of companion animals was in Villahermosa, with approximately 40,000 owned animals and 20,000 strays, according to the Department of Health. Because few people chose to evacuate, the majority of these animals had to weather the flooding. In addition, the Department of Agriculture estimates that the Tabasco region is home to approximately 1.8 million head of livestock, 90 percent of whom were not evacuated before the storm.
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| © Jessica Higgins/HSI |
| A hungry horse scavenges. |
A Collaborate Relief Effort
Animal relief, which commenced almost immediately after the rains slowed, has been a collaborative effort between Mexican and international organizations. Working with Dr. Jorge Tomas, a local veterinarian appointed by the Health Department to oversee animal operations, HSI and The Humane Society of the United States have teamed up with Best Friends Animal Society, with advisory support from the International Fund for Animal Welfare, to assist local relief groups. Gente por la Defensa Animal (GEPDA), Universidad Juarez Autonomia and Asociacion Protectora de Animales de Tabasco are among those helping out, along with others. Three field teams are canvassing the area, and two teams are working on logistics, including supplies and communication. Each field team includes veterinarians and veterinary students from Mexico and the U.S., as well as animal handlers, Emergency Medical Technicians, and bilingual guides.
The water level in Villahermosa has receded quickly, though the outlying areas remain flooded. Unfortunately, many stores were damaged, and pet food is not easily accessible. HSI and our collaborators are bringing food and medical attention to animals throughout the region. HSI has been vaccinating and de-worming companion animals, distributing pet food to remote communities, treating hoof rot, rescuing animals for future adoption, and freeing animals from tethers to lead them out of wet areas. Teams also visited the only area that still has significant flooding, where they fed and medically treated the animals they found there.
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| © Jessica Higgins/HSI |
| A stray cat waits for help. |
Companion animal needs were already great before the floods, and the disaster has made the situation worse. We are fortunate to have the help of local residents, who are already cleaning up and rebuilding—even restocking the shelves of stores that have barely dried out. Recovery is well on its way.
Local Help Invaluable
HSI and our international collaborators are thrilled that local nonprofits and volunteers are stepping forward as part of this response. We have assisted with initial organization and infrastructure, and we will provide ongoing support as needed. We are grateful to the local people who have shown concern for animals even in the midst of dealing with their own troubles and we are confident that their competency and compassion will help Tabasco move forward, not only in the wake of this particular event, but toward an increased sensibility to animal welfare throughout the community.
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Updated November 20, 2008.
