Supporting communities and animals through crisis

Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the devastating floods in Mbaula Village and the surrounding areas. What began as heavy rainfall has rapidly escalated into a humanitarian and animal welfare emergency, leaving families displaced, communities cut off, and lives tragically lost.

HAART’s role within the community

HAART  support entire communities, not just animals, not just animals. Their work extends beyond rescue to include education programmes in local schools, food parcels and clothing for families, and ongoing support wherever it is needed. Mbaula is home to HAART’s Animal Warrior team, who live and work within the community every day.

That close connection makes the impact of this flooding deeply personal.

The reality on the ground

Over the past seven days, the situation has deteriorated rapidly. Roads and bridges have collapsed, cutting off access to large areas. Emergency supplies are having to be brought in where possible, but many routes remain flooded and impassable. Even Kruger National Park nearby has evacuated staff and visitors due to the severity of the conditions.

In Mbaula and surrounding villages, homes have been destroyed and families displaced. Livestock and dogs have been lost. People have been rescued from trees by helicopter. Many families are now sheltering in the local church, relying on each other and on organisations trying to reach them under extremely difficult circumstances.

Protecting animals under extreme pressure

At the HAART Centre itself, the team has been working through the night as floodwaters surged through the site. Dams have overflowed and animals have had to be moved repeatedly to keep them safe. The force and volume of the water has been frightening, and the physical and emotional exhaustion is real.

Although rainfall has eased slightly, more is forecast. Supplies are running low, and the team remains land locked, adapting day by day under constant pressure.

A long road to recovery

Even when the water finally recedes, the impact will not simply disappear. Recovery will take months, if not longer. Homes will need rebuilding. Basic necessities will need replacing. Communities will need time, resources and support to regain any sense of normality.

For HAART and the communities they support, this is not a short term crisis, but a long term challenge.

How you can help

We are sharing this to raise awareness of the scale of what HAART, their team, and the people and animals of Mbaula are facing right now. Support in any form genuinely matters.

If you are able to donate or help amplify their fundraiser, it will make a real difference:
GoFundMe link: https://gofund.me/18ff7498e

If you are local and able to donate items, HAART can be contacted via WhatsApp on 060 621 2038 once access becomes possible again.