Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Guwahati: Eastern Assam struggles to recover from major flooding. The disaster leaves thousands of families desperate to save their cattle, buffaloes, goats, and poultry. These animals provide the primary income for local households. The state Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department is now rushing fodder and medical aid to the hardest hit areas.
Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Minister Nilima Devi pledged total government support. Teams focus on Sivasagar district. The minister praised NGOs like Ahimsa Helping Hands for Paws Foundation and Parvah for their work. These groups treat cows, dogs, cats, goats, and pigs stranded in the mud.
Humane World for Animals India partnered with the state and Just Be Friendly to open emergency camps in Sivasagar. Relief teams report animals in Gaurisagar and Nazira suffer from dehydration and malnutrition. They graze on contaminated sludge because floodwaters destroyed safe land. Jaihari A. K., Senior Specialist for Humane World for Animals India, stated: "Relief teams found animals in Gaurisagar and Nazira suffering from dehydration, malnutrition and prolonged exposure to floodwaters."
Current state aid provides 1.5 kg of feed per animal every day. Experts say this falls short. Large animals need 3 to 4 kg of dry feed plus green fodder to survive. Many families refuse to move to relief camps. They stay near their homes to guard their animals. This choice prevents them from finding safe, dry shelter.
Damp conditions and mosquitoes trigger disease. Veterinarians report cases of diarrhoea, respiratory infections, and hoof rot. Teams now provide fluid therapy, wound dressing, and vitamin supplements. Ongoing disease surveillance and better feed supplies remain the top priorities for the state recovery effort.
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