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
![Mariana Daisa Esmeralda Castillo Mariana Daisa Esmeralda Castillo](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/c1s1ycn7cr3712mtnbx4ku62ewmg160e.jpg)
Earthquake in Ecuador: I’m so scared to go back home
![Ecuador Earthquake: MSF Response Teams Ecuador Earthquake: MSF Response Teams](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/628n48h8a4w1ig1o715373jknw0o1d50.jpg)
The population is fearful and nervous
![Earthquake in Kumamoto prefecture, Japan Earthquake in Kumamoto prefecture, Japan](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/w1m6dn7e2gu52fhd26v784w5c8xwviw5.jpg)
People have to continue living in shelters for a while
![Ecuador Earthquake Ecuador Earthquake](https://img.msf.org/Docs/MSF/Media/CMS3/0/2/8/7/MSF165948.jpg)
MSF teams offer psychosocial support, distribute medicines in affected areas
![Earthquake in Kumamoto prefecture, Japan Earthquake in Kumamoto prefecture, Japan](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/l47ta63e34d6qk0ya064x11tle2o5so5.jpg)
MSF starts medical activities in the area of Minami-aso after Kumamoto Quake
![Asbuli 2016 Asbuli 2016](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/1pfwq56p8g7368kuf513kilpm8x1rq02.jpg)