Delhi Yamuna Flood: Are People and Animals Really Safe Amid Rising Waters?

Delhi battles the worst floods in years as the Yamuna overflows, thousands evacuated, relief camps overcrowded, and animals stranded. The Delhi Yamuna flood sparks urgent calls for safety reforms.

The Delhi Yamuna flood 2025 has once again exposed the vulnerability of India’s capital to natural disasters. As the Yamuna River crossed the danger mark this week, thousands of residents were forced to evacuate from submerged colonies, while another silent tragedy unfolded—the plight of animals left stranded in the floods. From livestock that sustain families to stray dogs and cats, the situation highlights the urgent need to integrate animal welfare into disaster management.

Flood Impact on People and Animals

The overflowing Yamuna has submerged areas like Civil Lines, Majnu ka Tila, Monastery Market, Badarpur, and Madanpur Khadar. While families rushed to relief camps, countless animals were left behind, trapped in rising waters. Rescue teams have reported seeing cattle tied near submerged homes, stray dogs struggling to swim across strong currents, and even goats swept away by the floods.

One of the biggest lessons from the Delhi Yamuna flood 2025 is that animal safety cannot be treated as secondary. For many families, losing livestock means losing their livelihoods, while abandoning pets or strays leaves the city grappling with another humanitarian crisis.

Viral Video Raises Alarm

Adding to the urgency, a video circulating on social media shows dogs trapped in floodwaters near Akshardham farms. The visuals depict several dogs struggling on small patches of dry land as water levels continue to rise around them. The clip has sparked outrage among netizens, with many tagging Delhi authorities and animal rescue NGOs to take swift action.

Animal activists confirmed that rescue teams have been dispatched to the area. One volunteer commented:

“These videos remind us that animals often suffer silently in disasters. We are coordinating with local authorities to save as many as possible.”

The viral footage has amplified calls for animal safety measures to be prioritized alongside human rescue operations during the Delhi Yamuna flood 2025.

Voices from the Ground

Government agencies, NGOs, and local activists have stepped in to rescue stranded animals. Satya Sharma, Standing Committee Chairperson of the MCD, stated:

“We are ensuring clean shelters not only for people but also for animals. Veterinary teams have been alerted to provide vaccinations, medicines, and fodder for livestock. Animal safety is integral to flood response.”

Dr. Sanjay Mohapatra, who runs the House of Stray Animals shelter in Noida, highlighted the seriousness of the crisis:

“We have rescued around 150 animals, including cattle, donkeys, goats, and dogs. Many shelters in low-lying areas of Delhi were flooded, forcing us to relocate them. Our facility is currently housing over 300 animals with food and medicines stocked for emergencies.”

Animal activists have also joined the effort. Fateh, a volunteer leading rescue missions, said:

“In just two days, we saved 16 dogs, most of them either pregnant or with newborn puppies. Without timely intervention, they would not have survived.”

Renu, another activist working in Yamuna Bazaar, added:

“We managed to rescue 21 dogs in two days. Many were weak and injured. We are shifting them to safe shelters where they can recover.”

Government Measures

The Delhi government has deployed multiple teams from NDRF, PWD, MCD, and veterinary services to tackle the Delhi Yamuna flood 2025. Steps taken include:

Rescue shelters for animals: Temporary enclosures near relief camps are being used to house cattle and goats.

Medical support: Mobile veterinary units are providing vaccinations and emergency care.

Fodder supply: Stockpiles of hay and animal feed are being distributed in flood-hit areas.

Helpline alerts: Citizens have been asked to call dedicated helplines if they spot stranded or injured animals.

An official from the Animal Husbandry Department emphasized:

“We are working round-the-clock to protect livestock, as they are directly tied to the livelihoods of flood-affected families. Our teams are providing medical aid and fodder at relief points.”

Challenges on the Ground

Despite these measures, challenges remain enormous. Many areas are still inaccessible due to strong water currents, and rescue workers struggle to reach trapped animals. Relief camps are overcrowded, and with people already battling shortages of clean water and food, ensuring animal welfare often becomes secondary.

Yet, activists insist that this mindset must change. Protecting animals is not just about compassion; it’s about community resilience. Healthy livestock means stable food and income sources for displaced families, while safeguarding strays prevents the spread of diseases.

Delhi’s residents are asking tough questions: Will the government strengthen long-term flood resilience? Will animal safety become a permanent part of disaster management? Both people and animals are victims of the same tragedy, and both deserve protection. It is time for authorities to commit to a comprehensive flood plan that safeguards lives, livelihoods, and compassion alike. The Delhi Yamuna flood 2025 should be the turning point.

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