In early August, monsoon rains caused massive flooding throughout Myanmar, displacing 80,000 people from their homes and destroying property. AES soon learned that the Myanmar Elephant Hospital camp was terribly affected. While thankfully no elephant or human lives were lost at the camp, mahouts’ homes were damaged, the hospital’s equipment was destroyed and sadly livestock were killed.
Waters rose more than six feet above the river bank, impacting the Elephant Hospital camp’s solar power system, which humans and elephants rely on for basic needs. Solar panels, on the roofs of buildings were spared, but inverters and relay equipment were entirely lost.
The estimated cost for replacing the necessary equipment to get the power back up and running is $3,000. In addition to that, funds will be necessary to replace nearly all of the hospital equipment. Crews are working now to bring everything back on line to sustain the camp and its residents. As we all are aware, with the ecotourism industry hobbled during the pandemic, there is little help to assist in the recovery from this devastating event.
The Little Rock Zoo Foundation and AES have previously partnered to support the ongoing work at the Myanmar Elephant Hospital camp. When AES shared the news of the flooding and destruction with them, the Little Rock Zoo Foundation stepped up and provided $2,000 for relief assistance.
AES is committed to providing the remaining necessary funds for reconstruction of the camp’s electrical system. We are looking to you, our supporters and elephant-lovers to help us deliver on our promise. Please consider a donation to this emergency project and visit our website at www.asianelephantsupport.org.
The dedicated people at the Myanmar Elephant Hospital camp have expressed their gratitude for the support provided by AES and the Little Rock Zoo Foundation. We look forward to sharing with everyone an update on the completion of this project in coming months.
With heavy equipment unavailable, elephants' incredible strength can be employed during disaster recovery efforts in range countries. Seen here, one of the Hospital Camp's elephants moves the massive solar batteries from the flood debris.