How we respond to disasters

When disaster strikes, World Vision is positioned to respond, to help mitigate the impact on vulnerable communities. Here's how.
 
Preparation

Supplies: World Vision's strategically located disaster response warehouses are pre-stocked with relief supplies for rapid shipment in response to a crisis anywhere in the world.
 
Awareness: We monitor nature's early warning signals—threats of typhoons, hurricanes or famine—to anticipate needs and reduce the impact of a catastrophe.
 
Training: Our staff in all regions of the world are trained in emergency preparedness and train community leaders how to prepare for and mitigate the impact of disasters they are likely to face in their area.
 
Fast Fact: 90 percent of all disaster victims live in developing countries, where poverty and lack of resources exacerbate the suffering. Source: United Nations, 1999
 
Response

Expert Teams: World Vision's 26-member Global Rapid Response Team stands ready for deployment within 24 to 72 hours of a disaster.
 
Local Partnerships: Aware of the complexity of most disasters, World Vision often partners with other international and local relief agencies and local leaders to maximize the speed and effectiveness of our response.
 
Immediate Aid: World Vision provides urgent humanitarian relief and services for impacted children and families.
 
Child-Friendly Spaces: These innovative centres offer children a safe place to play, begin emotional healing and re-establish a normal routine.
 
Rebuilding


Asset Restoration: World Vision facilitates a return to normalcy by restoring water sources, food, health care services, educational resources and shelter lost in the disaster.
 
Economic Development: We work to jump-start damaged local economies—and drastically reduce the need for ongoing assistance—by providing in-kind or cash loans to small business owners, farmers, herders and fishermen.
 
Peacebuilding: In areas impacted by civil conflict, World Vision engages in reconciliation, mediation, and partnership-building efforts between opposing groups.
 
Long-term Development: With a commitment to recovery, our emergency interventions often lead to long-term development programs such as child sponsorship.