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
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Interview with Eric Ouannes, General Director of MSF Japan
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MSF continues to respond to chronic diseases for the elderly in Japan's evacuation centres
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MSF teams spread to new areas throughout the earthquake zone
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MSF works in isolated Japanese community devastated by quake
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MSF works in isolated community in Japan devastated by quake
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