Skip to main content
Philippines: responding to Typhoon Tembin

Natural disasters

War in Gaza:: find out how we're responding
Learn more
An earthquake, tsunami, flood or cyclone can have a devastating impact on entire communities.

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.

 
Response to flooding in Southern Africa - Malawi
Cyclone Idai & Southern Africa flooding

Malawi: “This time, the flooding has destroyed houses, not lives”

Voices from the Field 29 Mar 2019
Zimbabwe
The confluence of the three rivers, Nyahode, Rusitu and Chipita, was a source of terror to the residents of Copper. Dr Elizabeth Irungu
blogs.msf.org

Grit and determination: One day in the race to reach people after Cyclone Idai

 
IDP Camp Tomping, Juba, South Sudan
South Sudan

First rains exacerbate deplorable living conditions in Tomping camp, Juba

Project Update 19 Mar 2014
 
inflatable hospital in Tacloban
Philippines

Specialised mental health treatment to target survivors of Haiyan

Voices from the Field 7 Feb 2014
 
Tacloban slum
Philippines

Three months on from typhoon Haiyan

Project Update 7 Feb 2014
 
Philippines

Voices from MSF's mobile boat clinic

Project Update 27 Jan 2014
 
Inflatable Hospital in Tacloban.
Philippines

Huge demand for medical services two months after Haiyan

Project Update 10 Jan 2014
 
Premature baby goes home on Christmas Day
Philippines

Premature baby goes home on Christmas Day

Voices from the Field 30 Dec 2013
Up Next
13 June 2018