Relief Efforts for Animals in Venezuela Post-Earthquake
Humane World for Animals has been active in treating numerous animals in Venezuela following the tragic twin earthquakes that struck the country on June 24, according to reports shared with Breitbart News this week.
On that fateful evening, Venezuela experienced two significant earthquakes, registering at 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale. The destruction was particularly severe in the northern state of La Guaira, which was formerly known as Vargas state. As of the latest updates from the Venezuelan government, the death toll stands at around 4,829, with approximately 16,740 individuals reported injured.
The earthquakes resulted in the collapse of 190 buildings, and the estimated damage extends to over 60,000 structures, leaving at least 20,857 people without homes. Many are currently residing in temporary evacuation centers and camps.
Humane World for Animals has deployed a disaster relief team to Venezuela, aiming to assist hundreds of animals affected by this calamity. As of now, their teams from the U.S., Mexico, and Costa Rica have treated around 550 animals in La Guaira. This includes a variety of species such as dogs, cats, turtles, rabbits, birds, and others.
The support provided by this organization encompasses vaccinations, deworming, and other preventive health measures. Their veterinarians are addressing various issues including skin irritations, ear problems, wounds, fractures, and other injuries.
Animals are being cared for in emergency camps set up across La Guaira, such as at the Jose María Vargas Sports Complex and the local baseball stadium, where more than 3,000 people have been evacuated. Additionally, the organization is utilizing a closed fast-food restaurant that has turned into a hub for local veterinary services, along with more informal shelters for care.
Humane World for Animals recently indicated that unfortunately, the chances of rescuing any more animals from the rubble of collapsed buildings are quite slim. It seems that the possibility of finding live animals is diminishing rapidly.
“Most of the animals we treat come from families, but we continue to receive unclaimed animals brought in for assistance,” shared Felipe Marquez, the disaster response manager for Latin America at Humane World for Animals. “We can’t definitively say whether the injuries were the result of the earthquake or subsequent accidents, but we are treating every case that comes in.” He mentioned that many families are returning to the camps for veterinary care for their pets, finding solace in the safety and care provided to their loved companions amid such loss.
In discussions with Humane World for Animals regarding logistical challenges in La Guaira, considering the ongoing difficulties Venezuela faces—like lack of clean water and frequent power outages—the organization reported that sourcing most necessities was manageable with local partnerships and support from the United Nations. This collaboration helped streamline their operations despite the prevailing obstacles.
The organization emphasized the critical nature of veterinary care alongside aid for the earthquake victims, underscoring that animals without access to such services are often severely affected in disaster situations like the one experienced on June 24.
“Ensuring animals receive vaccinations and preventive treatments beforehand can significantly bolster their resilience when disasters strike,” the organization elaborated.
This month, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) highlighted the challenges posed by Venezuela’s precarious health system, alongside chronic shortages of medical supplies and necessary services that complicate ongoing disaster relief efforts. They addressed the importance of emergency medical assistance and coordination in the face of such crises.
Although there are concerns about possible infections among victims, PAHO noted that most pathogens do not linger beyond 48 hours after death, reducing the risk of disease spread due to improper handling of deceased individuals.
In light of everything, the repercussions of the earthquake have heightened the demand for immediate medical supplies and trauma care within the country.
