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Every year, thousands of animals are affected
by increasing numbers of natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes,
cyclones, earthquake and drought, while others find themselves in crisis,
without food, water and shelter following man-made events.
Wherever possible and with thanks to the
wonderful support of our many members, HSI is able to provide Emergency
Relief assistance to local non-governmental organisations working on the
ground in affected areas to provide relief to wildlife, livestock and
companion animals.
HSI responds to recent devastating
natural disaster events
China: Assisting wildlife and affected communities' animals
On May 12 2008, a 7.9 magnitude earthquake hit north of Chengdu, China,
killing more than 40,000 people, injuring hundreds of thousands and
leaving millions homeless. The earthquake has also had an untold impact on
wildlife populations, with up to 1,600 wild pandas still missing including
a number from the World famous, Wolong Panda Research Institute, located
just 20 miles from the quake’s epicentre, while concern is also being
raised for the thousands of companion animals and livestock in the
affected area. HSI is offering aid in the form of grants to support the
Wolong Panda Research Institute (where hundreds of pandas are missing) and
to assist in the humane management of dog populations in areas affected by
the earthquake. To learn more about HSI’s efforts
click here
Myanmar: Devastation for people and animals
Cyclone Nargis plowed through Myanmar on May 3, killing thousands of
people and leaving many more homeless. Few reports on the cyclone's
effects on animals in the country have emerged, but we are certain
wildlife, companion animals, and farm animals are -- like the people of
Myanmar -- in dire need of assistance. HSI's India office has a disaster
response team standing by, waiting for admittance to the country. As soon
as we are permitted, HSI will provide veterinary care, food, and water to
the animals who play such an important role in the lives of Myanmar's
residents. We will post further information about HSI’s efforts to
assist with these efforts as soon as we are able.
Chile: Animals left behind as people are forced
to flee eruption
Since the initial eruption of the Chaiten volcano on May 2, HSI has kept
in close contact with Chilean animal welfare organisations about the
condition of animals in the region. The evacuation forced residents to
leave behind thousands of companion and farm animals who have to fend for
themselves. HSI disaster responders have been on the ground working with
the government, local officials, and groups to provide food, shelter, and
veterinary care to these animals. To learn more about what HSI is doing to
help click
here
Past disaster relief efforts HSI has been
involved with include:
Hurricane Katrina
Indian Floods
Asian Tsunami
Donkeys in Sudan
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