As Assam floodwaters recede, focus on relief for animals

GUWAHATI

The focus in flood-hit areas of Assam has turned to animal welfare.

As the floodwaters recede, animal protection organisations have joined hands with Assam’s Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department to conduct medical camps for more than 10,000 traumatised livestock and pets.

The floods, considered the worst in 60 years, have affected more than 7.5 lakh people and claimed 68 human lives so far, mostly in eastern Assam’s Charaideo, Jorhat, and Sivasagar districts.

According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority, the floods affected 8.82 lakh farmed and companion animals, while 26,512 animals, including fowls and pets, were washed away. 

The Humane World for Animals India and local NGO Just Be Friendly partnered with the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department to start emergency relief efforts and support animals and the communities that depend on them.

The organisations have begun conducting veterinary medical camps, providing treatment and essential medicines to injured and sick animals. Relief teams are also distributing tarpaulin sheets to vulnerable cattle-owning families to help protect livestock from ongoing exposure to rain and harsh weather.

The relief operation is expected to reach more than 10,000 animals with emergency veterinary care and critical relief support.

“As we move through the flood-affected villages in Sivasagar, we see cattle that have spent days standing in floodwaters while having nothing to eat; animals with untreated wounds, and families doing everything they can to save them despite losing fodder, shelter, and access to veterinary care,” Jaihari A.K., disaster response senior specialist at Humane World for Animals India, said.

“From previous flood responses, we find that the greatest challenge often begins after the waters recede. Timely veterinary care can mean the difference between recovery and further suffering,” he said.