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
![Bentiu South Sudan - Floods inside the UN Internally Displaced People's camp Bentiu South Sudan - Floods inside the UN Internally Displaced People's camp](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/4n5p261x25g607pi7e60n530xv5by16t.jpg)
Dire conditions and growing tensions in Bentiu, South Sudan
![South Sudanese refugees in Ethiopia’s Gambella region, Lietchuor South Sudanese refugees in Ethiopia’s Gambella region, Lietchuor](https://img.msf.org/Docs/MSF/Media/CMS3/6/0/c/e/MSB12258.jpg)
Refugees attempt to survive in flooded camps
![Philippines Deltawood Hospital 2014 Philippines Deltawood Hospital 2014](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/y1m080x847s08d03iin5i23twtvakxhl.jpg)
Innovative materials and a new beginning: MSF’s interim hospital on the Philippines typhoon shore
![Bentiu South Sudan - Floods inside the UN Internally Displaced People's camp Bentiu South Sudan - Floods inside the UN Internally Displaced People's camp](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/44i4ugc2727ho4r2q3rx56fg4moqtgox.jpg)
Living conditions an affront to human dignity in Bentiu camp, South Sudan
![Domiz refugee camp Domiz refugee camp](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/ij2nlolo3h2y3542f0yj57hb3d8jm7d0.jpg)
A Year in Focus 2013-2014
![MDR-TB Project Yerevan MDR-TB Project Yerevan](https://img.msf.org/Docs/MSF/Media/CMS3/a/9/c/6/MSF31481.jpg)