The situation continues to deteriorate on the island of La Palma (Canary Islands), where the Cumbre Vieja volcano has been erupting since September 19. The lava flows have already destroyed 1,100 buildings and caused the displacement of 6,000 inhabitants.
In early October, local authorities realized that several dogs had been trapped by the lava. Locked in their kennels, the animals are stuck without water or food in the sector of Todoque, in the west of the island, reports Newsweek. In order not to let them die, the island’s officials decided to act.
Food chosen by veterinarians
For the past few days, the dogs have been fed by drone in this way. Thanks to the help of two local businesses, the emaciated and debilitated canines are receiving food from the air, as seen in images relayed on social media. The temperatures associated with the lava flows prevent any rescue attempt for the moment.
On Tuesday, the authorities thanked the two companies for their “selfless work to ensure the welfare of these animals.” They said they had sought advice from veterinarians to choose the most appropriate food given the situation of the dogs. The companies have specified that they will continue these deliveries by drone for as long as necessary and as long as possible.
The situation does not improve on the island of La Palma. The airport reopened on Saturday but part of the volcano’s cone collapsed the same day, causing new lava flows along the sides of the island.