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Flooding in Unity State

Natural hazards

Families heading to dry land in Bentiu. Approximately 835,000 people have been directly affected by flooding across Unity state. South Sudan, December 2021.
© Sean Sutton
An earthquake, tsunami, flood or cyclone can have a devastating impact on entire communities.

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.

 
Response to flooding in Southern Africa - Malawi
Cyclone Idai & Southern Africa flooding

Malawi: “This time, the flooding has destroyed houses, not lives”

Voices from the Field 29 Mar 2019
 
Chile

Initial aid to hospitals and assessments in areas most affected by earthquake in Chile

Project Update 3 Mar 2010
 
Chile

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

Project Update 1 Mar 2010
 
Chile

MSF sends teams to Chile to evaluate the situation after earthquake

Project Update 27 Feb 2010
 
Haiti

Haiti staff interviews: MSF helps me treat my fellow Haitians

Voices from the Field 22 Feb 2010
 
Haiti

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

Voices from the Field 21 Feb 2010
 
Haiti

Working through the disaster

Project Update 11 Feb 2010
Up Next
13 June 2018