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Helping stranded dogs and removing snakes from flooded homes
Unsung heroes of Cyclone Ditwah
- Sameera cared for stranded dogs till the flood waters subsided, and then returned them to their owners or the areas where they were found
- Civil rescuers could move about in flood areas thanks to boats provided by Gihan Dinushka of Baw Baw Animal Welfare
- Lakshan Madhushanka removed venomous serpents from flooded homes
- Lakshan removed several venomous reptiles from flooded homes. These services were free of charge
Adversity brings out the best and worst in people. During the recent flood disaster, there are those who worked round the clock to help those in distress, and this article is about three young men with unusual occupations who braved flood waters to help not only people, but those abandoned or stranded without a voice – cats and dogs.
Lakshan Madhushanka, Sameera Ramanayake and Dila Peiries spent four days from November 28, when the flooding began, in Angoda, Wellampitiya and Orugodawatta, helping flood victims, travelling in boats sent by Gihan Dinushka of Baw Baw Animal Welfare, distributing food and water to stranded residents and rescuing abandoned animals. They even rescued a porcupine.
In addition Lakshan Madhushanka removed venomous serpents from flooded homes. This is actually his occupation, apart from constructing skeletons of animals, rodents and serpents for educational institutions. His service is called ‘Minisa.’ In his normal days of work, he doesn’t charge for the transport though not for the catching and handling.
Sameera is a dog handler and started ‘Sameera Pet Service’ eight years ago to help people who want a cat or dog that may be injured, or in a condition which requires a professional handler, to be moved to safety.
Starting November 28, no one was demanding their services. These were not normal working days. People were stranded on upper floors without food and water. But Sameera and Lakshan decided to reach out to the distressed on their own. Together with friend Dila, Sameera and Lakshan began rescue work as soon a boat arrived courtesy of their friend in Baw Baw.
“As soon as people knew we were going to the flooded towns,” Sameera said, adding “people started giving us food packets and water. But we could carry only a limited amount in that small boat. It was heartbreaking to pass stranded people on upper floors asking for water when we were out of supplies.”
But they managed to save about 100 stranded dogs as well as a few cats. Sameera cared for them till the flood waters subsided, and then returned them to their owners or the areas where they were found.
Lakshan removed several venomous reptiles from flooded homes. These services were free of charge. In any disaster situation, people like them are the unsung heroes.
In any emergency situation, Sameera can be contacted on 0717318955.
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