Tropical Cyclone Idai: Animal rescues overlooked in this climate disaster
While rescue missions focus on human life, non-human beings are rarely accounted for and considered. They may be aware of what is happening but remain at the mercy of humans to save them.
PRISCA DAKA: ‘Between March 4-16, 2019, tropical Cyclone Idai swept through Southern Africa including Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, and parts of South Africa… In times like these, where the focus is on saving human life, rescue missions often overlook the conditions of animals. But the cyclone’s devastation did not discriminate and climate change affects the most vulnerable, including animals… Cyclone Idai highlights the need for rescue teams to consider the lives of animals during disasters of this magnitude. Over the last few weeks, wild animals, farm animals, aquatic animals and pets were affected by the disaster. Marooned animals had to go without food or water for long periods and faced disorientation over the loss of their natural habitats. They may be aware of what is happening but remain at the mercy of humans to save them. While rescue missions focus on human life, non-human beings are rarely accounted for and considered…
Animal activists encourage citizens to remember not to leave animals behind during evacuation or rescue operations and remember to look for injured and distressed animals in the aftermath… In Zimbabwe, local organization Twala Trust Animal Sanctuary has responded by helping with emergency veterinary care and feeding of livestock and other animals affected by this disaster. The aim is to assist with animal welfare and to work together with the Zimbabwe Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ZNSPCA) emergency response team in the affected area. They desperately need items such as dry or tinned dog and cat food, feed, bandages and blankets. In the midst of the disaster, Zimbabweans took to social media to express concern for animal welfare and many agreed that animals should also be evacuated and rescued’. SOURCE…
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