LAOAG CITY, Sept. 1 (PNA) — The provincial government reiterated its call for residents to build shelters for animals as part of disaster mitigation efforts.
Provincial Veterinarian Loida Valenzuela said the construction of a shelter for animals was apparently violated by hundreds of beneficiaries. Thus, when typhoon “Ineng” came and brought unprecedented rainfall, a number of large and small ruminants were among the highest casualties as they were mostly drowned by raging flood waters.
Over Php 2.6 million worth livestock could have been saved if only beneficiaries of the animal dispersal program of the Ilocos Norte government strictly followed the terms and conditions earlier agreed during the distribution.
In November 2014, the shelter for animals in flood-prone villages was proposed in the province as it aims for a zero casualty incident, including animals during typhoon.
According to Valenzuela, many beneficiaries of the animal dispersal project took the measure for granted which could have saved their animals from drowning.
Aside from identifying evacuation centers for affected families, the Provincial Resiliency Office also included the provision of animal shelter to protect animals during typhoon.
Previously, a huge number of water buffaloes, cows and pigs in highly-vulnerable areas were among those primarily affected during typhoons. (PNA)