Major Rescue Operation Underway for Animals Stranded by Floods in Kerala

Pathanamthitta, August 7: Rescue and relief efforts continue for families affected by floods in Kerala. A humanitarian mission is also underway to save thousands of stranded animals in Pathanamthitta, one of the worst-hit districts.

‘Humane World for Animals India’ has launched an emergency relief operation in Pathanamthitta, where continuous rainfall and severe flooding have left livestock and pets struggling for survival.

The organization is collaborating with the Kerala Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department to distribute emergency feed and veterinary supplies. Approximately 20 tons of dry animal feed will be delivered to flood-affected areas, while veterinary teams will provide treatment and medications for injured and sick animals on-site.

Initial estimates indicate that the floods have severely impacted over ten villages in Pathanamthitta district, affecting more than 1,500 livestock and other large animals. This relief operation is expected to benefit over 2,500 animals.

Animal husbandry is a crucial source of income for families in Pathanamthitta. The district has been one of the hardest hit by the current monsoon rains. Large areas remain submerged, forcing many families to seek refuge in relief camps while leaving their livestock and other animals in waterlogged enclosures.

Praveen Suresh, manager of the disaster response team at ‘Humane World for Animals India,’ stated, “The situation is far worse than we anticipated. In many areas, floodwaters are waist-deep, and in some places, they reach nearly six feet. Animals are trapped on roads or standing in stagnant water with no way to escape. Continuous rainfall will worsen their condition.”

Residents have reported that seasonal flooding is common, but they have not witnessed such extensive waterlogging since the devastating floods of 2018. Unlike previous years, when floodwaters receded within a day or two, many villages have been submerged for nearly five days.

‘Humane World for Animals India’ has previously conducted similar animal rescue and relief operations during floods in Assam, Maharashtra, Punjab, and Kerala.

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