Humane World for Animals India Aids 12,000 Animals in Odisha Floods
• Over 35,000 kg of emergency feed distributed in Baliapal and Bhogarai blocks; goats and cattle among primary beneficiaries
Balasore, July 25 (Krushna Kumar Mohanty): In a significant relief intervention during the recent floods in Odisha, Humane World for Animals India (formerly Humane Society International), in collaboration with Yuva Vikas Foundation, extended emergency aid to over 12,000 animals across the worst-affected areas of Baliapal and Bhograi blocks.
The organization distributed more than 35,000 kg of animal feed, helping to sustain goats, cows, and other livestock whose regular food sources had been destroyed by floodwaters. The initiative not only ensured the survival and welfare of the animals but also supported the livelihoods of affected families, many of whom rely on livestock for their daily sustenance.
Field reports revealed a disturbing situation where many animals had developed diarrhea, skin infections, and pox, conditions likely worsened by unsanitary and overcrowded shelters resulting from the floods.
Jaihari AK, Senior Coordinator of the Disaster Management Team at Humane World for Animals India, who is currently stationed on-site, noted,
> “When we reached the flood-affected regions, we found cows, goats, and other animals in dire conditions with limited access to fodder, shelter, or veterinary care. With three back-to-back floods in just two weeks, communities haven’t had the time to grow grass or restore fodder. Many animals were confined to waterlogged shelters without clean feed or grass. Our intervention aims to bridge this critical survival gap.”
He further expressed gratitude to the Animal Husbandry and Disaster Management Authority for providing early support to affected animals and communities.
The recent floods, triggered by heavy rainfall and water discharge from Jharkhand, affected over 100 villages in the Bhograi, Baliapal, Jaleswar, and Basta blocks. While several relief organizations responded to the human impact of the crisis, Humane World for Animals India stood out for prioritizing animal welfare during this period of intense need.
Gobinda Dalai, Director of Yuva Vikas Foundation, commended the efforts, saying:
> “While most relief organisations rushed to address human needs, HWAI’s support for cows and goats greatly aided animals during the critical hours of crisis caused by waterlogging and widespread submergence.”
This timely and compassionate response is being seen as a model of inclusive disaster relief, acknowledging the intertwined well-being of humans and animals during natural calamities.
