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
![Construction of the hospital in Guiuan Construction of the hospital in Guiuan](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/1vvp5v680v5g6iei6777ogsrdp775y5g.jpg)
Six months after the typhoon
![Solomon Island Floods Solomon Island Floods](https://img.msf.org/Docs/MSF/Media/CMS3/4/c/e/b/MSB8314.jpg)
MSF provides care to flash flood victims
Optimal Evidence in Difficult Settings: Improving Health Interventions and Decision Making in Disasters
![IDP Camp Tomping, Juba, South Sudan IDP Camp Tomping, Juba, South Sudan](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/2v7bgg3c8228ugwvkndvq6gyw77u8460.jpg)
Displaced people speak of their lives
![IDP Camp Tomping, Juba, South Sudan IDP Camp Tomping, Juba, South Sudan](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/423j558360pjxdb3bhxmcbp0vibpv4rb.jpg)
Shameful attitude to vulnerable displaced shown by leadership of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS)
![Philippines- Burauen Philippines- Burauen](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/72r506n30a58v2tyhmagud5348ts40dg.jpg)