Rescuing animals during disasters - Southeast Asia
When people are prepared, animals are protectedIFAW is rushing aid following major earthquake in Myanmar
IFAW is rushing aid following major earthquake in Myanmar
28 March 2025
A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, with tremors reaching parts of Thailand, on Friday, 28 March, killing more than 144 people and burying dozens under the rubble. A strong aftershock of 6.4 magnitude also struck Myanmar with devastating tremors affecting Thailand and China.
Our thoughts are with the people of Myanmar and surrounding areas. In times of crisis like these, animals are often the forgotten victims, left in desperate need of help. Both wildlife and domestic animals may be injured from debris or trapped under fallen buildings.
A recent sterilisation and vaccination clinic of stray dogs with IFAW's local partner, Let's Save the Strays International, in Myanmar. Photo: © LSTSI
IFAW is rushing emergency aid to our partners on the ground and reaching out to local contacts and partners in the region. Our relationships in Myanmar date back to 2015, when our disaster response team helped rescue animals impacted by Cyclone Komen. IFAW continued working with communities to develop Safelands to mitigate the impacts of future disasters. Most recently, IFAW supported Let’s Save the Strays International to increase their capacity to run two veterinary clinics in Myanmar focused on community animals. We are gathering information as field assessments become possible.
IFAW continues to collaborate with organisations and government agencies in Southeast Asia to help coordinate response efforts amid earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis, and we’ve helped them create plans to be prepared when disasters strike. We’ve supported these teams to collaborate with one another, sharing knowledge, resources, and talent, so every community can be ready to protect itself and its animals.
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