Photos from Bloemfontein SPCA, Facebook
The devastating collapse of a dam wall on September 11th at an abandoned Jagersfontein diamond mine in South Africa’s Free State province has killed at least three people and an unknown number of animals.
“Words fail to exactly describe the crisis unfolding in front of our eyes,” the Bloemfontein SPCA team shared in a heartbreaking post on its Facebook page, further explaining that nothing could really prepare them for the tragedy that took place. “So many people and animals were unable to escape the force of the mud and water that overwhelmed the small community in a matter of seconds.”
The organization, which was assisted by the Virgina SPCA and Kimberley SPCA, noted that as its inspectors, field assistants, and officers made their way through the tons of mud, “desperate animals in despair were omnipresent.”
While they were able to assist 69 dogs, 39 cats, three pigs, 102 chickens, two cows, and 19 geese on the day of the tragedy, many already succumbed to the disaster, especially wildlife.
As of today, they have saved 588 animals from the mud and rescuers are continuing to find animals hiding in homes, roofs, trees, and other hard to reach places.
“There are so many left that still need us,” continued the organization. “We cannot even try to attempt to do this on our own and really need the support of our animal warriors to help cover our fuel and veterinary expenses. There is also a need for food for dogs, cats, and farm animals, as well as blankets.
