On September 23, Hurricane John impacted the coast of Guerrero, causing significant damage to homes and families in local communities, as well as affecting animals in shelters in Chilpancingo and Acapulco. In response to this situation, Humane Society International (HSI) deployed a disaster response team that worked tirelessly for six days to provide assistance to those affected.
During the emergency, the HSI team cared for 996 animals, including dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, a goat, and a pig. In the past, HSI has provided support to animals affected by natural disasters in Mexico and Guatemala. Veterinary care was provided, essential supplies were distributed, and 1,700 kilograms of food were given to ensure the nutritional needs of the animals were met.
Felipe Márquez, manager of the disaster response program for HSI in Latin America, emphasized the collaboration with state agencies and local authorities that made the swift action of the team possible. Animal welfare brigades were organized to provide veterinary care and supplies that supported the well-being of the affected animals.
HSI's efforts were supported by volunteers from Chiapas and Jalisco, as well as local veterinarians, who came together to assist hundreds of people in temporary shelters with their hurricane-affected animals.
The HSI disaster response team operates not only in Mexico but globally to help animals and communities in critical situations in different parts of the world, such as in Poland and Romania. They have provided support to refugees with pets and to animals affected by natural disasters such as the earthquake in Turkey last year.