Skip to main content
Philippines: responding to Typhoon Tembin

Natural disasters

War in Gaza:: find out how we're responding
Learn more
An earthquake, tsunami, flood or cyclone can have a devastating impact on entire communities.

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.

 
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
Zimbabwe
The confluence of the three rivers, Nyahode, Rusitu and Chipita, was a source of terror to the residents of Copper. Dr Elizabeth Irungu
blogs.msf.org

Grit and determination: One day in the race to reach people after Cyclone Idai

 
Cha Hak Village, Injil District, Herat Province
Afghanistan

“What do we go back to?” Life after the earthquake in Herat

Voices from the Field 20 Oct 2023
 
Herat Earthquake
Afghanistan

Three things to know about the situation in Herat following the earthquake

Interview 10 Oct 2023
 
Morocco Earthquake | Talat Nyakoub - MSF Assessment
Morocco

Mental health needs a priority after Moroccan earthquake

Project Update 2 Oct 2023
 
Aftermath of deadly floods in Libya
Libya

Mental health support needed after Storm Daniel destroys Derna

Interview 27 Sep 2023
 
Malnutrition emergency: mobile clinic in Ranobe
Libya

MSF begins medical activities in Derna after Storm Daniel

Interview 20 Sep 2023
 
Providing healthcare among the rubble in Jindires
Türkiye and Syria earthquake response

Six months of humanitarian action after earthquakes in northwest Syria

Project Update 11 Aug 2023
Up Next
13 June 2018