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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MSF teams in Sichuan Province, China, focusing on mental health, shelter, and basic relief items
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One month after Cyclone Nargis: Hope and despair
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How national staff bore the brunt of MSF aid effort in first days of Myanmar's cyclone disaster
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Thousands in Myanmar still have received no aid three weeks after Cyclone Nargis
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More visas, expert staff and supplies still needed to cope with the huge needs of Cyclone Nargis survivors
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