Photo courtesy: Valeriya | Pexels
TWO dogs were separated from their furparents due to a flashflood that occurred in Sampaguita Street, Villa Corazon Subdivision, in Naga City, Camarines Sur.
If you or anyone you know is near the area, keep your eyes peeled for two medium-sized Aspins named Whiskey and Digong, as seen in this photograph posted by Facebook user Daniel Crisostomo.
If you happen to see any dogs that look like those in the photo, be sure to send Crisostomo a message to help these dogs find their way back home.
Since posting, Crisostomo has received a flurry of support in looking for his lost pets. At present, his post has over 1,000 comments and 3,900 shares.
He has also edited the post in response to people calling him an irresponsible owner.
“My sister and my two elderly parents were caught in the flash food, being pulled towards the river even while inside the house,” he stated.
“It was a terrifying situation, and we did everything we could have to keep everyone safe.”
He added that his family has a total of five dogs and 3 cats, and the rest are safe; it was only Whiskey and Digong that got caught in the flood.
Since the flood happened the night prior, Tuesday, his family has been trying their best to salvage what’s left of their home while also searching for their lost pets.
He also stated that he is not in the Philippines, so he’s been relying on his sister for updates on his family’s situation, despite having no electricity or a stable mobile network.
He said: “My family is doing everything they can to search for our dogs while trying to recover from the damage.”
People in Crisostomo’s comments have since said that they would pray for the safety of his dogs, hoping that he will be able to find them eventually.
Amid heavy rains, many local non-government organizations and animal shelters have posted reminders to social media for the public, reminding everyone that animals rely on humans in trying times like these.
The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) has reminded all pet owners to take immediate action to protect their pets by being prepared and resourceful.
“Know your evacuation plan and have an emergency pet go-kit ready. Ensure you know how and where you can safely transport your pets,” they wrote on Facebook.
“Everyday items like laundry baskets or basins can be lifesavers as makeshift carriers.”
Another local NGO, the PAWSsion Project, wrote on Facebook that your emergency pet kit should include a sufficient supply of food, a pet first aid kit with eye drop solution, topical burn / cut cream / wound spray, a week’s worth of medication your pets may be taking, dextrose powder, and immune boosters, as well as towels / plastic bags for clean up.
This should also include an extra collar / leash, a soft copy of your pet’s vaccine / medical records, water, a collapsible feeding / drinking bowl, and a toy to help alleviate your pet’s stress / anxiety.
PAWS also stated that if you cannot evacuate with your pets, you should at least uncage and unchain them so that they will still be able to survive.
They recommended readers to help any pets lost in the floods to reunite with their owners, and reminded everyone to stay safe, look out for one another, and be kind and compassionate during these particularly difficult times.
The PAWSsion Project recommends always having an updated photo of your dog in your wallet or phone, as well as attacking an ID tag to their leash or collar with your contact details, to more easily get them home to you if ever you get separated.
PAWS also posted to Facebook a reminder to city pounds that impounded animals should not be left behind. One such example of this was in July 2024, wherein animals at the San Juan City Pound were left to drown in their cages during Typhoon Carina.
They wrote: “PAWS urges City Pound officials and staff to uphold their duty to ensure the welfare of impounded animals even and especially in times of crisis.”
This is also in consideration of the Animal Welfare Act, which states that animals in the care of these facilities must always be kept safe from harm.
“We call on LGU pounds to always consider the animals in their care during times of disaster and crisis,” they said.
“In such dire events, the impounded animals must be evacuated alongside the pound’s staff or, if for any compelling reason evacuation with them is not possible, the humane option is to set these animals free from their cages so that they can swim to safety, rather than just leaving them trapped in danger.”
Currently, many residents in Naga City are stranded due to several areas being submerged in floodwaters.
According to the Naga City Government’s post on social media, made Wednesday morning, the city is currently under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2.
Clases for all levels in all schools, as well as work in government and private establishments, have all been suspended.
Residents are trying their best to either salvage their homes, keep themselves safe, or evacuate from the city altogether. Many houses have already been submerged completely by the flood.
The Naga City Government has since posted to their social media an urgent call for trucks to be used in rescue operations.
“We are urgently in need of trucks and assets from [the] government and private sectors that can navigate floodwaters between 3 to 6 feet deep,” they wrote.
“If you have vehicles capable of assisting in these conditions, please proceed immediately to the Incident Management Team at the Public Safety Office, City Hall Compound.”
They reminded the public: “Your help can save lives. Let’s come together as a community and support our rescue efforts. Time is critical.”
For further help, you can contact the following numbers:
In the event of a flash flood, be sure to get yourself and important items to high ground, avoid going outside, and if you have signal, stay updated on social media with regard to the current situation.
If you are currently residing in Naga City, you can check this Facebook post for the Naga City evacuation center directory, as well as phone numbers you can call for help.
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