Dealing with disasters

The world’s poorest countries are often the hardest hit by disasters.

Emergencies like the Asian tsunami in 2004 or the Pakistan earthquake in 2005 are too big for local rescuers to cope with alone.

International aid agencies send specialist teams to decide how best the world can support the local emergency response. Then governments, agencies and charities send people, supplies and equipment to help the country tackle the disaster.

DFID has emergency teams experienced in reacting to disasters. We can quickly deploy search and rescue teams, medical teams, water and sanitation equipment, food, and emergency shelter including tents and plastic sheets.

In the days and weeks following a disaster, we work on the ground with local people to make sure the victims have food, clean water and shelter.

In the longer term, the money given by UK aid agencies and DFID helps people to rebuild their homes and businesses.

Reducing the risk of disaster is also vital. DFID supports governments to put in place early warning systems, earthquake-proof housing and other measures to reduce the impact of future disasters.

• Find out how DFID helped during the South Asia floods of 2007.
• How can you help? The easiest and most effective way is to give money to a charity or network of voluntary organisations such as the Disasters Emergency Committee.