Tierhilfe Gusental: Use in Valencia after devastating floods

Tierhilfe Gusental: Use in Valencia after devastating floods

After the devastating rains in Valencia, Spain, which resulted in severe flooding, not only the human population is under pressure. Many animals are also affected by the disaster. From Pichl at Wels, the Tierhilfe Gusental has set off to help these animals. On November 8, Gregor Finster and his colleague traveled to the crisis region to take action on site.

The effects of the flood are dramatic. Gregor Finster describes: "Although the flood was almost three weeks ago, the damage is still devastating. The water line is visible on many walls, and in some streets you can see how the river rushed through the alleys with a height of up to two meters." The tremors of the water masses have negatively affected many structures, making the situation on site extremely challenging.

Use in the crisis region

Already on November 6th, the Tierhilfe Gusental team was sent to Valencia due to the extent of the destruction. "After the arrival we went to the veterinary clinic immediately to support various work," said Finster. Then the path led to the "red zone", the most affected areas.

The team met with numerous challenges. On their way to the southern part of Valencia, they have already brought many animals to safety. The rescue from a partially collapsed building was particularly challenging. The helpers not only needed a lot of skill, but also a great portion of courage to act in such a chaos. "In addition, we were able to distribute urgently needed food to affected animal owners," says Finster.

Hurdles in assistance

The aid actions were often difficult. The only access road was washed away in a remote mountain village. The team was forced to only drive the last piece with off -road vehicles and to walk the last kilometers on foot. However, they did not give up and visited several places where animals were reported. Among other things, they discovered a goat with a broken leg that was immediately brought to the clinic.

On the fifth day, the helpers were busy securing the chickens left behind, and could then bring them to safety. "Unfortunately, we also had to recover some dead animals," Finster had noticed. In addition, feed was organized to supply a foster home with several horses.

The team worked tirelessly to provide veterinary help and to alleviate the consequences of the natural disaster. "We visited the most affected areas, despite the new rain reports," explains Finster. With the necessary animal feed in their luggage, they traveled to Paiporta and Massanassa.

Until the return last Saturday, the members of Tierhilfe Gusental continued to provide essential support. They were able to unload several saddle tractors with donations in kind and ensured that animal welfare work in the region did not stand to stand.