2.97
trillion global dollars spent on disasters between 2000-2019
Disaster Response
Disaster Response
Disasters are getting more disastrous.
As disasters around the world increase in intensity and frequency, IFAW’s Disaster Response team is busy working to save animal lives, mitigate impact, assist vulnerable communities and provide resilience-building resources. With an emphasis on preparedness, our work starts before disaster strikes.
4.2
billion people – and even more animal lives – affected by major disasters between 2000-2019
The UN reports that the impact of climate change has more than doubled disasters since 2000. Extreme weather events and human-caused accidents pose existential threats to many of the world’s most vulnerable human and animal populations.
A responder feeds a horse in the destruction left after the Camp Fire in Butte County, California. The fire was deadliest and most destructive fire in California history. Photo: Scott Anger/© IFAW
Before: Prepare
Before: Prepare
When disasters occur, animals need people, and people need help. From raging fires to volcanic eruptions—before, during, and after—IFAW is there. We tackle every link in the chain: we work to mitigate the impacts of climate change while preparing for the inevitable, we deploy to hardest-hit areas and train teams to do the same, and we don’t leave until the job is done, often long after the disaster leaves the news cycle.
The best way to survive a disaster? Plan for it. IFAW works with local governments, partners and communities to ensure that when disaster strikes, both humans and animals – livestock, domestic animals and wildlife have a path to safety. We train responders and partners in every aspect of disaster preparedness and technical response including search and rescue, temporary sheltering and emergency veterinary care.
Pets are rescued by IFAW in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence, which caused severe damage in the Carolinas in September 2018. © IFAW
During: Respond
During: Respond
IFAW has pioneered a number of innovative techniques to help when and where needed. One example is the development of animal rescue networks: thousands of strategically located partners, experts and authorities across every continent but Antartica (yet) allowing us to respond immediately when the call comes in.
A disaster struck the island of Dominica in 2017. © IFAW
After: Recover
After: Recover
IFAW’s work does not stop when the immediate crisis does. When we leave a disaster zone, we endeavor to leave behind a community with new skills and resources and the courage to build a more resilient home for people and animals. Whether we aid in capacity building at the local level, strategic planning with governing bodies or complete threat assessments to evaluate areas for improvement, IFAW remains a forever resource to help animals and people thrive. Disaster Response is an interconnected cycle; the more we learn, the more we’re able to connect resources, the safer we all become.
Save human lives by saving animals before, during and after disasters
See projectas many as 90% of wildland fires in the US are caused by humans
See projecthurricanes are increasing in intensity as our climate continues to warm
See projectfor over 30 years we’ve been on the ground helping animals affected by bushfires
See projectwhen a flood hits and cows are at risk, we use local knowledge to save them
See projectin a disaster, animals can’t ask for help
See projectwhen people are prepared, animals are protected
See projectPeople leading the way
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Support during moments of crisis
when animals need us most.
IFAW’s Disaster Response and Preparedness grants are made possible through the generous support from The Walt Disney Company and IFAW supporters around the world.
Apply for a disaster grant