Rescue Is Ongoing For Hundreds Of Pets Lost Under Beirut Destruction (Video)

@animalslebanon | @katebrooksphoto via Jana Zein

The explosion last week left Beirut in ruins. Not only did it cause great losses, injure thousands, and left hundreds of thousands homeless, it also affected countless pets and animals in Beirut.

Apparently, pets felt the explosion seconds before it happened, as shown in the video below, yet most didn’t make it out of untouched or from under the rubbles.

This cat, by the way, managed to return the next day unharmed.

The explosion reportedly left hundreds of animals scared and injured, and you can only imagine how confused they must have been when their world came tumbling down.

How do you explain such a thing to a pet, especially those sheltered and protected in homes by their owners who suddenly are no longer around?

And in the wreckage and the chaos of the blast, too many animals and family pets went missing; close to a thousand as reported by activists.

Volunteers are joining animal rescue teams, like Animals Lebanon, and are working tirelessly and selflessly trying to save frightened cats and dogs trapped under rubble or in hiding.

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Rescued from Beirut blast rubble after one week of trying! One case touched us all, Simba’s home was destroyed and his family were injured and had to get medical help. Our team has been trying to trap Simba for the past 5 days but he was just too afraid. Our team kept hearing his frightful meows but he was always hiding under the rubble of the house. One of our team members got injured from broken glass while trying to crawl under the rubble to get to him. Simba’s guardians came by yesterday and were elated to know he was still alive. Simba came running to them when he heard their voice but was still too afraid to be caught. Finally with a joint effort and his guardian calling out to him , Kamal was able to catch him and safely place him in the carrier. Simba’s guardians were so grateful for being reunited. They lost so much in the blast and this was a glimmer of hope to them. Simba did not stop purring throughout the day he was safely back with his family Animals Lebanon team has been on the ground since day one organizing search teams. Over 250 volunteers have been with us on the ground, coming from all over Lebanon and we are so grateful for their amazing support! We are providing food and medical care for the pets of the families who were affected by the blast. There are still many rescued animals we are temporarily caring for, those that have guardians who have passed away or guardians that cannot currently care for them and strays that were injured during the blast. Our Search and Rescue Team will be on the ground today and all this week Gathering point – next to Hawa chicken Ashrafieh/Tabaris – our tent is set up in the small garden after hawa chicken Time – 3 pm Contact us at [email protected] for help if: – You are looking for your lost pet – If there is an injured animal. we will cover the cost – You need food and supplies for your pet – You have found a pet that you believe belongs to someone To help us continue our mission please DONATE through PayPal – https://www.animalslebanon.org/get-involved/more-ways-to-give #beirutblast #lebanon #animalsearchandrescue #animalrescue #animalwelfare #animalslebanon

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According to Animals Lebanon, over 200 volunteers from all over Lebanon are on the ground every day since the blast and are helping the organization in its rescuing efforts.

Just as Beirut pets need to return to their owners, during this difficult time, people need back their furry friends’ love and warmth, now more than ever.

Can you imagine the pets’ reactions when they finally got reunited with their human friends and protectors?

Take a look, it’s heartwarming!

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URGENT: We need funds to continue rescuing animals who are lost, trapped or injured after the tragic explosion in Beirut. Our GoFundMe campaign (hosted by our fiscal sponsor, The Last Animals Foundation 501(c)(3), is linked in our bio. Our hearts will always be with the people, those who got affected, those who lost people, those who were injured and those who lost their homes. But there are also the animals that need help. Many pets were lost or injured during the explosion and they still need help. People are calling on us hourly to help rescue their own pets who got stuck or lost during the explosion Animals Lebanon team has been on the ground since day one organizing search teams for all the displaced pets during this horrific disaster. Over 200 volunteers have been with us on the ground, coming from all over Lebanon and we are so grateful for their amazing support! Our efforts have reunited over 90 animals with their guardians. So many of the guardians have been injured and were so happy to see their pets again. We are providing food and medical care for the pets of the families who were affected by the blast. There are still many rescued animals we are temporarily caring for, those that have guardians who have passed away or guardians that cannot currently care for them and strays that were injured during the blast. All these animals still need you. We need you! #beirutblast #lebanon #gofundme #animalrescue #animalwelfare #animalslebanon

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Animals Lebanon is calling for help so they can continue rescuing all the other “animals who are lost, trapped or injured after the tragic explosion.”

They’ve launched a fundraising campaign, hosted by The Last Animals Foundation 501(c)(3) on GoFundMe for those able to help them.