The World Society for the Protection of
Animals (WSPA) is helping the disaster relief effort in flooded South East
Europe by funding groups delivering animal aid to the worst hit areas.
Thousands of people and their farm animals
have been displaced and hectares of land flooded across Serbia and Montenegro,
Romania and Bulgaria. Initial estimates from the municipal governments
in Serbia and Montenegro place farm damage alone at $44m dollars.
In Romania 6,000 farm animals have been evacuated to higher ground, 73,000 hectares of land are submerged and losses in agriculture are estimated at $1.5m dollars. More than 400km of road is also flooded, making access difficult in some areas.
WSPA Member Societies assessing the damage and consequences on the animal population in the countries affected include, the Serbian Society for the Protection of Animals (SSPA) and ROLDA. Both groups are distributing veterinary treatment and supplies as well as helping to rebuild shelters and kennels.
Mark Yates, WSPA's Disaster Relief Director, said: "The recent events in South East Europe continue to reinforce the strength of the WSPA network. Member Societies sending information back to London quickly for assessment has resulted in the accurate and efficient deployment of aid to where it is needed most."
WSPA's funding to groups working in the disaster zone has been matched by its member society the Humane Society International (HSI).
Up-to-the minute information from Animal People, HSI, the Organisation for Respect and Compassion for Animals (ORCA), Relief Web, ROLDA, SSPA and Vier Pfoften - International, enabled WSPA to co-ordinate this rapid response.
WSPA's Disaster Management Team has been monitoring the floods since melting snow and heavy rain led to the River Danube bursting its banks on April 16, 2006.
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For further information, pictures or interviews please contact: Sarah Pickering on +44 20 7587 5000 or mobile +44 7921 124583.