Floods subside; life returns to normal!
By Rich Crook, Best Friends Rapid Response Team
Rich Crook wrote this report prior to his return from Mexico. The Best Friends team has now successfully concluded the transfer of relief operations to the Mexican group, APTA, who will continue to feed animals in need. Local vets have taken over the care of sick and injured animals. We apologize for the few days delay in our reports. There were a few logistical snags. One more update from Mexico will follow!Today we went to Goviotos and Soloya, (the two areas that were similar to the lower Ninth Ward in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina). These two areas are on opposite sides of town. Neither area had much in the way of water left today. Today was my first trip to Soloya, and I was quite shocked to be able to drive thru pretty much most of the streets with no problems.
No sooner had we made it back to the hotel than we had to meet a group of folks at the airport arriving from Mexico City with food and supplies. Pam and Troy were also on the same flight. It took us until 1 am to get all the people, supplies and food back to the hotel and stored for the night. It’s been like this since I got here, non-stop.
While Jessica and I were in meetings and reassessing flooded areas, Karen and Corolla were up in a helicopter doing another aerial survey. From what they said, the rivers had clear edges once again, and pockets of stranded livestock were non-existent. All good news!
Operations here are moving much quicker than anyone had anticipated. people are already going back to their homes, businesses are restocking their stores (not sure I recommend that just yet) and the water is all but gone. I see continuing to distribute food throughout the week and possibly turning it over to APTA to wrap up by Monday.
The operation has shifted continuously almost since day one. The only consistency I’ve been able to establish is sending food into the field on a regular basis. No additional volunteers will be needed, and I see no reason to send any vets in from the states. Unless we already have a company willing to donate a large quantity of food, I see no need for breaking our backs trying to get food shipped in. We received two tons today and have another five tons coming down on Friday, Dr Thomas Tellez is shipping any donated food to the campus this week for distribution.
Photo: Troy Snow / providing for horses too