Within a matter of minutes, natural hazards 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 event 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 70 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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Initial aid to hospitals and assessments in areas most affected by earthquake in Chile

First MSF team in Chile assessing earthquake damage - more staff en route

MSF sends teams to Chile to evaluate the situation after earthquake

Haiti staff interviews: MSF helps me treat my fellow Haitians

At night I sleep under a tent, during the day I work under one
