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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![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
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MSF teams in Haiti distribute tents after storm destroys shelters in camp
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Emergency response after the Haiti earthquake: Choices, obstacles and finance
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Flooding brings chaos and desperation to Alagoas State, Brazil
![Guri-el Hospital Guri-el Hospital](https://img.msf.org/Docs/MSF/Media/CMS3/0/3/6/e/MSF115717.jpg)
MSF provides support to displaced after flooding in Belet Weyne, Somalia
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Time passes, medical needs persist and just a few months to hurricane season
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