Disaster aid for animals + action for all hurt by greed, cruelty, hate.
NOVTABASCO, MX
Below Water
Scenes.
EXCERPTS FROM MEXICO FLOODHorses are dazed, standing amid submerged cars. Dogs cling to ledges just above flood lines or howl from rooftops. Cats watch the water from any high spot large enough to perch. Thousands are marooned as Villahermosa remains under water. Nov07LocationTabasco, Mexico
Press Notes“Just Like New Orleans,” Trapped By Tabasco Floods
More than 300,000 people are believed to be trapped in their homes after severe flooding hit the southern Mexican state of Tabasco. A huge rescue operation has begun after torrential rains caused widespread flooding in the region. One person has been confirmed dead so far but more than 1m are thought to have been affected by the floods. Dramatic rooftop helicopter rescues are being seen on television. Mexican President Felipe Calderon called it “one of the worst natural disasters in the history of the country.” Tabasco Governor Andres Granier described it as “just like New Orleans.” He said 70 per cent of the state was flooded and that they had lost all of their crops in the rains. – World Americas: 300,000 Trapped
MEXICO FLOODING AFFECTS 700,000Thousands remain stranded in the worst flooding in 50 years. The authorities in Mexico say as many as 700,000 people have been affected by heavy rains and severe flooding in the south-eastern state of Tabasco. The governor has called on anyone who owns a seafaring vessel to help free the 300,000 people believed to be trapped in their homes. “We have lost 100% of our crops and 70% of the state is under water,” he said. Rescuers have also been using helicopters to try to reach people stranded on rooftops. The heavy rains began at the weekend, forcing rivers to burst their banks in the largely low-lying state. The BBC's Andy Gallacher in Mexico says it is the humanitarian crisis that now concerns the Mexican authorities. “We are just like New Orleans,” Tabasco governor Andres Granier said. “All the water that comes in has to be pumped out.” – BBC News: Mexico flooding affects 700,000
MEXICAN MILITARY GUARDS FLOODED AREASHundreds of rooftops rise like islands from a murky snake-infested sea of flood water that give this besieged city a look eerily reminiscent of New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Soldiers and sailors in combat gear clutch automatic weapons to ward off looters and other criminals as rescuers work into the night. Various media say eight people have died, one in Tabasco state and seven in neighboring Chiapas state, but state officials can not confirm the reports. About 80 percent of Tabasco is under water, but some rivers have receded slightly. Villahermosa, the state's capital and largest city, remains largely flooded. In one of scores of Villahermosa neighborhoods submerged under neck-high water, residents refuse to leave for fear of looters. They camp on their roofs and use plastic sheets and poles to form makeshift beds. “I cried and I cried. My washing machine floated out into the river,” sobbed Gloria Osorio, 68, who with about a dozen family members, is crammed on a roof. Abandoned dogs yelp from rooftops, and snakes slither perilously through the water near people wading to safety. – Chronicle: Mexico struggles to recover
Family Evac
Residents who flee carry what (or whom) they can. Here a couple ensure their two dogs and parrot are not left behind. AP
Disoriented
Horses stand amid submerged cars, frozen in place. Horses are easily traumatized and can succumb to shock. AP
Deserted
Thousands are stranded as Villahermosa remains under water. Animals struggle to stay dry atop sandbags and ledges. AFP
Submerged
Residents wade across flooded streets under watch of a Mexican Marine in Villahermosa. Alfredo Estrella, AFP-Getty Images
