On Friday, March 13th at 7pm local time what is being described as a “once in a lifetime” storm – Cyclone Pam - made landfall on the South Pacific Island of Vanuatu leaving devastation in its wake. Vanuatu is among the world's poorest countries and over an estimated 100,000 people have been affected, struggling to find shelter, food and water. Food is predicted to run out for both people and animals by the end of March and that, along with shelter and emergency care are the priorities for helping survivors.
Humanitarian aid agencies are on the ground helping people, but as you know, these events are catastrophic for the animals as well. We are already hearing initial reports through the United Nations of unprecedented damage to the country’s farm animal sector. Cows, hens, pigs, goats, chickens, dogs and cats are all in urgent need of help. Just like people their lives are in danger.
“Animals are important to the people in Vanuatu like everywhere else. They love their pets and more than most places, depend on livestock for transportation, economic and food security. We are focused on helping animals with urgent needs as well as protecting entire communities.” -- Steven Clegg, Disaster Response Team Leader, Asia Pacific
Please, can you donate now and help animals caught in this devastating disaster?
$56 could buy life saving feed for 7 animals for one week helping them survive the disaster
$160 could provide 10 injured working animals with a first aid pack
$320 could fund emergency life saving medical treatment for 10 injured animals
A dog and his owner stand amidst the damage of Cyclone Pam.
As I write to you, our disaster response team is on its way to Vanuatu to assess the damage and help the animals that have been injured or left without shelter, access to clean water or food. Most local farms would not have been prepared to handle a disaster of this magnitude. Working with local veterinarians and agriculture officials will be important to help the animals with the greatest need.
By making a gift today, you will be helping animals caught in the path of destruction and will allow our team to act quickly to bring immediate relief to animals in need whenever and wherever a disaster occurs.
Thank you for standing with the animals in times of disaster.
