when people are prepared, animals are protected

The Southeast Asia Disaster Response & Risk Reduction team prepares communities to rescue animals in the event of a disaster.

Problem

Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis are constant threats to people and animals living in Southeast Asia. When the worst happens, animals lose their homes, their food, and access to human care.

In the past, animal rescue organisations worked in isolation. But piecemeal efforts lacked a capacity to scale, and the collective impact couldn’t reach its full potential. Government agencies and NGOs in Southeast Asia needed a coordinated response.

Solution

After Typhoon Haiyan hit the Philippines in 2013, IFAW convened organisations and government agencies to create a collective plan and maximise rescue efforts. What started in one country is now a network spreading across Southeast Asia—from the Philippines to Indonesia to Vietnam.

Individually, countries are creating national plans to help animals when natural disasters strike. Collectively, countries share resources, knowledge, and talent so every place is prepared to protect itself and its animals.