Rescuing Animals After Devastating Floods in Jakarta

Following a CNN report that at least 100,000 people had been affected by floods in Jakarta, Indonesia, IFAW’s ER team immediately began to monitor the situation.

Initial contact was difficult as much of the communication infrastructure was down. We were finally able to make contact via CARE (Center for Rehabilitation and Education), a local organisation in Indonesia with whom we have worked extensively in the past year during other responses, including an earthquake, volcano and tsunami that affected the area.

There were many images of abandoned animals, including cats trapped on roofs. Since thousands of people were stranded without shelter, the humanitarian relief began immediately and took priority over animal rescue.

IFAW sent a USD 3,000 grant to CARE to assist with accommodation expenses, medicine, transportation, pet food, and other equipment as needed. Two IFAW staff were sent to the field to assess how we could further assist in the relief efforts.

The biggest initial concern for both human and animal rescuers was the possible spread of water borne diseases including leptospira, which causes hepatitis in humans and kidney failure in animals. Dr. Mona, a veterinarian who is working closely with CARE, was readying a stock of vaccines for the rescuers.

There are several immediate needs that have to be dealt with for both humans and animals, the most important being the lack of shelter, food and fresh water.

CARE established a “command post” at a clinic in Depok (south of downtown Jakarta), staffed with 3 doctors, 1 paramedic and 2 CARE members. They started a feeding program, administering medication in the areas of Cipinang (East Jakarta) and Ciledug (West Jakarta).

The ER team also plans to provide pet food to owners who are struggling to find food even for themselves, as well as providing free medical check-ups, de-worming, vaccinations, and other veterinary care as needed.

In addition, the team is hoping to initiate an animal welfare campaign to educate the public about how to manage animal diseases. This is designed to prevent the random killing of animals because of fears of the spread of disease, similar to what was seen during the outbreaks of Avian Influenza.

The work of the ER team will be doubly important considering that the rains are expected to continue until the end of March, so the possibility of further flooding is very high.