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
![Hepatitis E cases in Al-Tanideba, Sudan Hepatitis E cases in Al-Tanideba, Sudan](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/a5so2qr0y6ecwgkr643hxdf2bf700f3b.jpg)
MSF remains committed to providing care in all areas of Syria
![MSF Shipment from Dubaï hub to Syria MSF Shipment from Dubaï hub to Syria](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/73183p655lm8w6y8q762l8o85o7icf5g.jpg)
MSF calls for urgent assistance to people in northwest Syria
![Earthquake Northwestern Syria, 7 February 2023 Earthquake Northwestern Syria, 7 February 2023](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/8lo524oe4sq027ng00j2n1njh48j37f0.jpg)
Hospitals overwhelmed after earthquakes: “The rooms were covered in blood”
![MSF response to the earthquakes through Atmeh Hospital MSF response to the earthquakes through Atmeh Hospital](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/1ud335236xkukua1je1201qorotxu7xr.jpg)
Vital needs grow in northwest Syria after the earthquakes
![20230206 Earthquake, Idlib, Northwestern Syria 20230206 Earthquake, Idlib, Northwestern Syria](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/r4l48413ff48ld5jdy2x80oxnyl17itb.jpg)
People in northwest Syria need urgent support after earthquakes
![Earthquake Northwestern Syria, 7 February 2023 Earthquake Northwestern Syria, 7 February 2023](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/4v8ulp8r0phb51f7hsmp6kw3q57atu4t.jpg)