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
![Guiuan inflatable OT Guiuan inflatable OT](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/7y4wff3dxc47s2cl84pm508mg00xx16b.jpg)
The typhoon was a disaster, but this hospital is a blessing
![Cleaning wells in Guiuan Cleaning wells in Guiuan](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/v276b44cics4s75u58vvg13d6e2n7v20.jpg)
"We must still be vigilant"
![First baby born in Tacloban Hospital First baby born in Tacloban Hospital](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/v7w6k805u0a75t271y8lf2l478qpjfng.jpg)
Specialised care for mothers and babies in devastated Tacloban
![NFI distribution NFI distribution](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/53k4h3fxe612dfjt330qx784x36v7qti.jpg)
MSF helps villagers rebuild their homes after typhoon Haiyan
![Emergency Philippines - Nov 2013 Emergency Philippines - Nov 2013](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/gw1n82sbna702de520bd411w2rs63ld1.jpg)
Typhoon Haiyan: Challenges to deliver aid persist
![Inflatable hospital set up in the compound of Bethany hospital, Tacloban. Inflatable hospital set up in the compound of Bethany hospital, Tacloban.](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/t22u23q07n7tu2mh5040l536x4uvm8y3.jpg)