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In late summer 2008, weeks of monsoon rainfall and the collapse of a Nepalese damn caused severe flooding in parts of India. Millions of of people and animals were affected. Humane Society International (HSI) deployed a disaster response team to the most severely affected area—the state of Bihar. There the team worked with the Indian army and Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) to provide food and veterinary care to animals affected by the disaster.
September 19, 2008
Rushing Ahead of Receding Waters
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| Checking the health status of livestock. © HSI |
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Now on the ground in Madhepure District, Bihar, India—the area most severely affected by recent flooding—Humane Society International's (HSI) disaster response team is working closely with the Indian army to reach villages surrounded by water and cut off from regular travel or communication.
With reinforcements added yesterday, the team currently encompasses four veterinarians and four paravets. They have already treated close to 750 animals for issues such as anorexia, skin infections and worm infestations, plus other contagious diseases noted especially in goats. Meanwhile, 5,000-10,000 animals are still stranded and HSI hopes to help many of these over the course of the next week.
Fodder has started to arrive regularly, thanks to the Bihar government. Meanwhile, intermittent rains have kept the water level constant until now, but are expected to begin receding. HSI's goal is to reach animals by boat as quickly as possible with food and medical attention so that they will not suffer during the period of isolation before roads are passable again. The team will spend the next week trying to help marooned livestock in Murliganj, Pratapgarh, Triveniganj and Shankarpur.
The disaster response team is slated to work in Madhepura through the last week of September; HSI Asia's Rahul Segal will be returning again to Bihar on September 22 to review the situation and plan an exit strategy. In addition to logistical support, HSI is also contributing financially to address the aftermath of this disaster.
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September 12, 2008
HSI Team Heads to Bihar After Flooding
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| HSI's Rahul Sehgal tends to a malnourished calf. © HSI |
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By Carly Ikuma
Humane Society International's (HSI) disaster response team has deployed to the northern state of Bihar, India, after weeks of monsoon rainfall left several districts deluged. Millions of people and animals have been affected.
Confronting Obstacles
Shortages of fodder and the refusal of some to leave their animals have complicated rescue efforts by government officials, prompting a collaborative animal disaster relief effort between HSI and the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI).
Risk of disease is also a concern. The HSI/AWBI team will concentrate on supplying fodder for livestock, moving abandoned animals to safer locations, and providing medical care and vaccinations.
Worse Situation Than Usual
Heavy rainfall occurs annually in this part of India. But the collapse of a dam in the Kosi River in Nepal, which spilled over the border in to Bihar, has made this monsoon season catastrophic.
It has been reported that more 100,000 hectares of land were destroyed. Over a third of Bihar state depends on agriculture to maintain its economy. Though there have been no official statements on how many animals perished in the floods, media reports are that the damage to Bihar's cattle herds is extensive.
The HSI/AWBI team of veterinarians and disaster relief specialists will remain on site to provide relief to those who stayed with their animals and care for animals who were left behind.
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Updated Nov. 26, 2008.
