Natural Disaster

Natural disasters

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 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.

 
Flooding in the Greater Pibor Administrative Area
Access to Healthcare

South Sudan: Heavy floods threaten the lives of thousands of people in Greater Pibor Administrative Area

Press Release 22 Sep 2020
 
A woman fetching water from an MSF water point, in the town of Pibor, Boma state, South Sudan
Access to Healthcare

“You use what you have, as best you can.”

Project Update 23 Dec 2019
 
Villagers surrounded by water and stranded in a shrinking area of dry land[Photo: Nicola Flamigni/MSF]
Access to Healthcare

South Sudan: “People tell us these are the worst floods they have ever seen”

Stories from the Frontline 5 Dec 2019
 
Mohamed Kalil is MSF’s humanitarian affairs advisor [Photo: Abdalle Mumin/MSF]
Access to Healthcare

Somalia: “Floods have left people so vulnerable that it’s a dilemma to decide whose needs are the greatest”

Stories from the Frontline 19 Nov 2019
 
Floods in Somalia
Access to Healthcare

MSF responds to flooding in Somalia

Press Release 6 Nov 2019
 
Flooded areas around Pibor. [Photo: Léo Martine/MSF]
Access to Healthcare

A state of emergency declared as flooding in South Sudan ensues

Press Release 1 Nov 2019