Floods affect a shelter for 88 dogs in Chone: one pet remains missing
A dog shelter in Chone, Ecuador, has been severely affected by flooding, prompting urgent pleas for help from its leader as one dog remains missing.
On the night of March 11, Mayra Santos, the president of the Callejeritos foundation in Chone, captured a desperate video as heavy rains caused significant flooding in the area. The water level had reached Santos' knees while she highlighted the dire situation inside the dog shelter, where 88 dogs were struggling to stay afloat. Her cries for help went viral on social media, emphasizing the urgent need for assistance as the floodwaters engulfed the refuge, creating a life-threatening scenario for the animals.
Santos' footage showcased not only the chaos of the flooding but also the emotional turmoil she experienced while attempting to save the dogs. She repeated her urgent requests for help, describing her inability to maneuver through the rising waters and mud to rescue the trapped animals. The situation highlighted the vulnerability of the shelter and the dire need for support from the community and animal welfare organizations as they faced the looming threat of losing precious lives due to the flooding.
By Thursday morning, it became evident that the shelter had suffered severe damage, with Santos confirming the extent of the destruction. The community is now tasked with rallying support for both the shelter and its remaining dogs as they work through recovery efforts, addressing the immediate needs of the animals while hoping for the return of the missing pet. This incident underscores the impact of natural disasters not just on human lives but also on vulnerable animals, calling attention to the need for disaster preparedness in animal welfare.