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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
 
Democratic Republic of Congo

At Goma volcano site, MSF focuses on water and prevention

Project Update 21 Jan 2002
 
Democratic Republic of Congo

Lava stream hits Goma, eastern DRC - possibly 400,000 people displaced

Project Update 18 Jan 2002
 
Mongolia

MSF rounds off emergency aid to shepherds in Mongolia

Project Update 29 Jun 2001
 
India

MSF at the India earthquake - 2001

Project Update 18 Mar 2001
 
El Salvador

MSF at the El Salvador earthquake - 2001

Project Update 21 Feb 2001
 
India

Tonnage brought to India represents largest 'fly-in' response by MSF

Project Update 19 Feb 2001
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13 June 2018