When devastating floods hit Mbaula Village and surrounding areas in South Africa, the destruction was immediate. Homes were damaged, communities were displaced and countless animals were left vulnerable.

Although the water has now receded, the impact is still being felt. For many animals, the crisis did not end when the floods stopped.

Star’s Story

Recently, HAART shared the story of a dog named Star.

He was missing for twelve days after the floods. During that time he endured hunger, illness, exposure and the chaos left behind by the disaster.

When he finally returned home, he was severely underweight, jaundiced, covered in sores and critically unwell. He has since been diagnosed with Babesia and Ehrlichia, both serious tick borne diseases, and his liver is badly compromised.

Star received emergency veterinary treatment and is now undergoing ongoing care and rehabilitation with HAART. He is not yet fully recovered, but the fact that he survived long enough to receive help is remarkable.

The Ongoing Crisis

Since the flooding, HAART has reported seeing double the number of severe cases requiring urgent veterinary care and surgery compared to any other month in their history.

Animals weakened by contaminated floodwaters, starvation, injury and disease continue to arrive at their clinic every day. These are the long term victims of the disaster. The suffering continues even when public attention fades.

Natural disasters do not end when the headlines move on. The aftermath can last for months.

Why Support Matters

Rescue organisations such as HAART are often the only lifeline available to animals in crisis. Without their intervention, many would not survive.

Support during this post flood period helps provide:

• Emergency veterinary treatment
  
• Medication and specialist care
  
• Food and nutritional support
  
• Rehabilitation and ongoing monitoring
  
  

Even small contributions help sustain this work at a critical time.