Romania's worst floods in forty years have left hundreds of people homeless and thousands of animals at risk of starvation and disease.
The World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) and VIER PFOTEN International are facilitating disaster relief work in the Moldavia province, by co-financing WSPA Member Society VIER PFOTEN Romania who are delivering animal aid in the worst hit areas.
Relief work moved from the west of the country to Moldavia province, in the east, where flash floods devastated communities from Bacau to Galati and Bazau after the River Siret burst its banks and flooded large areas of agriculture land.
Philip Russell, WSPA's Director of Operations, said: "VIER PFOTEN Romania is distributing fodder for livestock, providing veterinary treatment and vaccinating against Leptospirosis and Rabies. They are also working hard to re-home abandoned and displaced animals and provide food for domestic pets in communities isolated by the floods."
Tess Sprayson, WSPA's Disaster Relief Veterinary Technical Advisor, added: "Animals injured or affected as a result of the floods are in need of broad veterinary care ranging from vaccinations to treatment for broken limbs and infections, in some cases the result of shock and distress."
Other organisations working in the region include Rolda and WSPA Member Society Noah's Wish. Rolda is based in Galati, and as the only local animal welfare society on the spot from the outset, bore the brunt of the disaster, rescuing animals stranded by the flood. A Noah's Wish team arrived soon after from the USA and is also delivering much needed emergency relief aid for animals.
The force of the floods destroyed railway tracks and major road bridges in the Focsani area. Fields of crops have also been contaminated and winter hay stores spoiled, leaving scores of farmers financially ruined. Villages on tributaries to the east of Baccau were among those worst hit, with farms and communities completely cut off. Limited access has also left it impossible to access food for animals.
Further relief work is due to take place between Focsani and Galati where roads are blocked and hectares of land still submerged.
For further information, pictures and interviews contact: Sarah Pickering on 020 7587 5000 or mobile 07921 124583.