Skip to main content
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
 
Humanitarian principles

The gap between aid to Iraq and central Africa is driven by politics

In the Media 2 Apr 2004
 
Meningitis

Multiple outbreaks as meningitis season starts in Africa

Project Update 31 Mar 2004
 
Malaria

We're losing the malaria battle

Project Update 6 Mar 2004
 
Mozambique

Weapons of mass vaccination

Project Update 27 Feb 2004
 
Bolivia

Nearly 40,000 people affected by floods in Bolivia

Press Release 15 Jan 2004
 
Iran

Specialised equipment and teams sent to treat post-quake 'crush' victims

Project Update 30 Dec 2003
Up Next
13 June 2018