Within a matter of minutes, natural disasters can affect the lives of tens of thousands of people. Hundreds or even thousands of people can be injured, homes and livelihoods destroyed. Access to clean water, healthcare services and transport can also be disrupted. The impact of each disaster varies greatly and our response must adapt to each situation.
Needs must be quickly identified, but accessing a disaster zone can be complex when roads are cut off. The first responders are people already on-site: community members, local authorities and aid organisations already present.
We keep pre-packaged kits to deploy for rapid relief and life-saving assistance. With projects in over 75 countries, we often have aid workers nearby when a disaster strikes. They can be reinforced with additional teams if a larger response is needed.
Featured
![Zimbabwe Zimbabwe](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/v86a371mxs821vntb06516p7cd28tcx8.jpg)
Voices from the field
The confluence of the three rivers, Nyahode, Rusitu and Chipita, was a source of terror to the residents of Copper.Dr Elizabeth Irungu
![MSF Clinic In Jérémie, Haiti MSF Clinic In Jérémie, Haiti](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/e38gh13qrd40s37582i4vd1bqj643q43.jpg)
Deteriorating health status in hurricane-affected provinces
![MSF Clinic In Jérémie, Haiti MSF Clinic In Jérémie, Haiti](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/75r282j00jv046xpcvx837ail84fcd3h.jpg)
Our priority is to treat open wounds, fractures and paediatric emergencies
![MSF Hurricane Matthew Response in Haiti MSF Hurricane Matthew Response in Haiti](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/qnmvjbeh0jk5er3w564ch12e153s86r7.jpg)
Crisis Info 1 - Hurricane Matthew, October 2016
![Hurricane Matthew Devastation in Haiti Hurricane Matthew Devastation in Haiti](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/wnq4dagm0in7ln0r7q3eekul62635700.jpg)
Responding to cholera and other medical needs
![Hurricane Matthew Devastation in Haiti Hurricane Matthew Devastation in Haiti](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/h76735v0a85iwv7c3l2pirk27uo8qtq5.jpg)
Teams reach hurricane-affected areas and find needs for clean water and medical care
![Ramtha hospital after Jordan/Syria border closure Ramtha hospital after Jordan/Syria border closure](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/12q8c0k4g560ti827bxbtes8o0276785.jpg)