Severe flooding in northern Colombia left communities in the Córdoba region struggling to recover after days of heavy rain and the collapse of the Urrá hydroelectric dam. Entire neighborhoods were submerged as the Sinú River overflowed, forcing families to flee and leaving hundreds of animals without food, shelter, or medical care.
Lady Freethinker sponsored an emergency response to help animals caught in the disaster. The effort was led by Proyecto ALA, a trusted animal protection group that mobilized a small team to reach some of the hardest hit towns.
Photo Credit: Proyecto ALA
The team included a veterinarian from the regional capital of Montería and activists from five affected communities. They traveled by road and river to displacement camps, municipal shelters, and rural areas that had been cut off by rising water. Their goal was to provide feed, medicine, kennels, and veterinary treatment to animals who survived the flooding but had nowhere to go.
Many of the animals in need were stray or community dogs and cats who had depended on local residents for food before the disaster. Others belonged to families who lost their homes and were living in temporary shelters. Small livestock producers were also devastated, with many losing the animals they relied on for their livelihoods.
Photo Credit: Proyecto ALA
Senator Andrea Padilla supported the relief effort by requesting in‑kind feed donations to help stretch resources and reach more animals.
Proyecto ALA estimated that at least 200 dogs, 200 cats, and many other farm animals required immediate assistance. The group shared photos from the ground showing animals standing in deep water, families carrying pets through flooded streets, and volunteers preparing supplies for distribution.
LFT contributed $4,215 to ensure the operation could move forward. The support paid for the essentials that kept animals safe and cared for, including feed, medicine, kennels, local transportation, room and board for the team, and airfare to reach the region.
The situation remained unpredictable as rain continued in parts of northern Colombia. Proyecto ALA focused on the towns with the greatest need and continued documenting conditions as they reached more communities.
Photo Credit: Proyecto ALA
LFT is grateful to the supporters who make rapid response efforts like this possible. When disasters strike, animals are often overlooked, yet they face the same dangers and hardships as the people around them. This relief mission ensured that vulnerable animals received food, care, and comfort during an incredibly difficult time.
