Natural disasters occur commonly in certain parts of India. They impact the lives of millions of humans and animals. During such disasters, the animals are often displaced from their habitats by being carried away by the flood water or due to the destruction of their home by natural forces. When removed from their original home ranges, animals may become vulnerable to other dangers such as predation by feral dogs or vehicular traffic on the roads.

Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) recognizes the gravity of these issues. Holistic conservation of animals through the collaboration of locals and government bodies is a notion centric to the ideologies of WTI. During disasters, WTI deploys teams that work in cohorts with the forest departments and locals to ensure the welfare of individual animals that are affected. The on-ground team assesses the disasters while the headquarter staff provides logistical support. WTI has a volunteer network dispersed across India that plays a crucial role in the disaster-hit regions. Relief is also provided by WTI in disasters through the deployment of animal rescue teams (for domestic and wild animals), fodder support for livestock and vaccination camps post disaster for livestock to avoid the spread of diseases. 

This year, WTI has responded to 3 floods collectively in Assam, Bihar and Arunachal Pradesh.

The Kaziranga landscape in Assam if flooded annually in the monsoon due to inundation the floodplain of the Brahmaputra river. In July, the flood immerse over 85% of the Kaziranga National Park. WTI deployed its mobile veterinary units in service of the animals that were stranded. In collaboration with the Assam Forest Department, WTI saved over 5 rhino calves from the flood waters, along with over 80 hog deers.

In Arunachal Pradesh, two rivers in Pasighat region flooded numerous villages. WTI provided disaster relief to the domestic livestock through fodder support and medicinal supplies.

In Bihar, numerous rivers form the catchment area as they bring the snow melt-off from the Himalayas. This year, the flood was worse due to the dam breach in Nepal, which lead to a second wave. WTI deployed a team for the assessment and response. Livestock was given dry fodder support through concentrates.

Through such efforts, WTI shall strive to provide a relief response to every disaster-hit region, and eventually ensure that each animal impacted that WTI comes across is given the welfare it deserves.