Residents rush to save stray cats from drowning in floods
With cars stuck in floods and people stranded in metro stations, the damage afflicted by heavy rain and thunderstorms on humans was never seen before in the UAE.
Another population that was affected were the felines found across the Emirates. As people hastened to salvage their belongings, cars, homes and families and friends, these cats were left unattended.
Yet, there were a few across the country who made sure to look out for them, too, amid worsening weather conditions and warnings.
Mohamed El Aazaoui, a Moroccan living in Abu Dhabi, has been rescuing cats off the streets for more than a decade. On Tuesday, he saved four kittens along with their mother and other cats in his community from the basement. “Until now, I have seen two dead cats. Once the water dries, we’ll know more.”
The 53-year-old who works in a construction company has been feeding and rescuing and getting sick and injured cats treated for years. “Despite struggling with funds myself, I try to take care of these cats and find them adoptive families.”
In Sharjah, Zeba, an animal lover residing in the emirate for 21 years was on alert after she learned of the weather warnings. “We decided to build a shelter, but we couldn’t do it in the park since its public property. So, we secured places by setting up tarps, wood and towels, anything that would save them from getting drenched. We did this in 3-4 locations.”
The 23-year-old Indian expat who lives in Majaz 1 has been feeding and rescuing cats since the past five years. "The aftermath of these rains is going to be devastating, but as a community we will be helping each other more than ever."
Similar stories have been coming from Dubai. Chiku Singh, a resident of Dubai Hills managed to take two strays into her home. “They were looking lost and very skinny. I kept them in my spare room, isolated from my own pets and gave them food, water and a cosy blanket. As they were already sprayed, I released them back this very late morning.”