Flood Relief Underway In Indonesia

Flood Relief Underway In Indonesia  

IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare) has sent an Emergency Relief team to help animals affected by the devastating mudslides and floods on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi.
 
Torrential rains have wreaked havoc in low-lying farmlands. The rising waters are displacing people and animals alike, with many affected areas remaining out of reach.
 
“With more rain expected, over 1,000 livestock face disease and starvation,” said Tania Duratovic, IFAW Asia Pacific Emergency Relief Campaigner.
 
“IFAW is working closely with local group, CARE (Centre for Animal Rescue and Education). Staff will conduct vaccination and de-worming campaigns and will provide food and vitamins to cattle and other farm animals in Sulawesi’s Toili region,” said Ms Duratovic.
 
According to Dr. Aditya from CARE there is deep concern for these animals and the communities they help support.
 
“The situation in Sulawesi is awful. Many farms are destroyed and everything from cows and chickens to goats and pigs need immediate aid in the form of food and medication,” Dr Aditya said.
 
“Many roads on this massive island have been washed away. The only way to access the worst-hit areas like Morowali is by helicopter.
 
“We are receiving reports of large numbers of agricultural and domestic animals impacted by the storms. Our team is prepared for any water-related rescue operations and anticipates being very busy for the next two weeks,” said Dr. Aditya.
 
Deforestation in Indonesia has increased the impact and magnitude of flash floods and mudslides. With trees gone, heavy rains pour down unobstructed – penetrating and dislodging soil which results in massive landslides.
 
“Destruction from the recent flooding and mudslides in Sulawesi brings back memories of the devastating flooding that IFAW responded to just five months ago near Jakarta. We anticipate a similar devastation and impact on the human and animal communities,” said Ms Duratovic.

ENDS

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