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.
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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 Response to Nepal Earthquake MSF Response to Nepal Earthquake](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/jy67be41e0dt0k2u27hs22807qm0sk7s.jpg)
The earthquakes took Nepal by surprise, the rains should not
![MSF Response to Nepal Earthquake MSF Response to Nepal Earthquake](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/0w054gf015i820603rx3bv378fv55asa.jpg)
Evacuating the seriously injured from remote villages
![MSF Response to Nepal Earthquake MSF Response to Nepal Earthquake](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/a254wo6y7gt86o123glv65uhj760hkv4.jpg)
"Everyone is afraid" says head of mission
![Nepal Earthquake: The Arughat Inflatable Hospital, in Gorkha district, Nepal Nepal Earthquake: The Arughat Inflatable Hospital, in Gorkha district, Nepal](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/0yiv088h1i476s5ht6515eapwje6at13.jpg)
Victims twice over - MSF continues to assist people affected by the two earthquakes
![Second Nepal Earthquake, Kathmandu Second Nepal Earthquake, Kathmandu](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/402w81685848r4h488qub2i5so3t25f0.jpg)
MSF teams witness destruction and despair of the second Nepal earthquake while assessing needs in remote areas
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