UPDATE: Our disaster response veterinary team has been activated and is deploying to Nepal. Our first responder vets will be there for at least three weeks, with additional support to follow as needed. (April 27, 2015)
ALL UPDATES FROM THE FIELD ARE POSTED HERE
In the wake of the massive earthquake that hit Nepal earlier today, our rescue team is on standby and will be ready to deploy if local rescue groups or authorities need our help. The 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit near Kathmandu on Saturday causing massive destruction and casualties. It had been predicted that a huge earthquake would hit the region sometime in the coming years and because of that, World Vets and a local animal welfare group in Nepal had already been collaborating to prepare for such an event.
In addition to our ongoing veterinary aid programs around the world, World Vets provides disaster relief support and rescue teams for major international disasters where animals are impacted or public safety and health is impacted by animal related situations. World Vets has previously responded to disasters such as the Haiti Earthquake, Thailand Floods, Japan Tsunami, Philippines Typhoon, Bosnia Flooding etc. Our support includes such things as direct veterinary care and on the ground rescues, reuniting pets with owners, addressing public health and zoonotic disease issues and coordinating supply donations.
We are continuing to assess the situation and our teams will be ready to deploy if Nepal animal welfare groups seek our assistance. Donations are urgently needed to support the rescue efforts.
The development and gear for our disaster response rescue program was graciously funded by the Fondation Brigitte Bardot of Paris, France. We depend on the support of the public, foundations and individual donors to support each deployment and ongoing rescue efforts. Please consider making a donation to our international disaster response program that helps animals in these situations. DONATE HERE