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.
Featured
![Zimbabwe Zimbabwe](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/v86a371mxs821vntb06516p7cd28tcx8.jpg)
Voices from the field
The confluence of the three rivers, Nyahode, Rusitu and Chipita, was a source of terror to the residents of Copper.Dr Elizabeth Irungu
![Floods in Pibor Floods in Pibor](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/30630k732vgvvct3n0pc0o0f0siwii0j.jpg)
People stranded, cut off from care in severe flooding in South Sudan
![Displaced families in Herat Displaced families in Herat](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/1k4gh22g5068273y8amjb3r6n68ms701.jpg)
Living conditions deteriorate for displaced people in Herat
![After the floods in Iran, providing health care to the vulnerable populations in Lorestan After the floods in Iran, providing health care to the vulnerable populations in Lorestan](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/kd5xap331t4i85105148046th03gf18p.jpg)
Providing health care to vulnerable people in Lorestan after floods in Iran
![Distribution of NFI in remote areas Distribution of NFI in remote areas](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/gf814u1b2ard868brmk2a0o3ygefl0ic.jpg)
Update on MSF emergency response to Cyclones Idai and Kenneth
![الدمار الذي ألحقه إعصار كينيث](/sites/default/files/styles/card_half/public/images/WhatsApp%20Image%202019-04-30%20at%2021.33.14.jpeg?itok=pzGVigCy)
MSF responds as second cyclone hits Mozambique
![Flood flashes in Iran Flood flashes in Iran](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/388kjwh5cdeyv1443318k156bwr0j2l1.jpg)