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
![Ecuador Earthquake Ecuador Earthquake](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/28s65d560k472rac602gd6255477op30.jpg)
People are very scared Many have had to leave their homes
![Cholera response on and around lake Chilwa Cholera response on and around lake Chilwa](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/w8yk0xbjhhs67u5072w3i82oy627nt74.jpg)
A cholera response among fishing communities on and around Lake Chilwa
![Conditions in Kapise village, Malawi Conditions in Kapise village, Malawi](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/284qb1af1bu75uh77smvai6f3w8w14d7.jpg)
Humanitarian standards not reachable for more than 5,800 Mozambican refugees in Kapise camp
![Cyclones Hit The Southeast Coast of Yemen Cyclones Hit The Southeast Coast of Yemen](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/3w084g614j1d1ixo7uyypq4b71s30bhp.jpg)
MSF provides help to people affected by the cyclones in the province of Hadramaut
![District Headquarter Hospital District Headquarter Hospital](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/6bq3402a0qfniea3888djnvwm261i2fj.jpg)
Earthquake response – after initial influxes of injured, MSF assessing further needs
![Kathmandu, Nepal Kathmandu, Nepal](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/p77o3o2701n07jb2w1b7y4v0u7710m2i.jpg)