©InfoThere are few humanitarian organisations that respond as quickly to disasters as the Red Cross. Since our volunteers and staff are recruited locally, we are usually the first organisation at the scene.
In 2011 we responded to famine, conflicts, flooding and earthquakes across the world, including east Africa, Pakistan, the Libya region and the Ivory Coast.
To prepare for such disasters, our emergency response units are on-call 24/7, ready to deploy anywhere in the world to distribute relief items, and provide water and sanitation facilities.
Every day, our skilled volunteers respond in the same way to other emergencies – whether they are providing emotional and practical support to victims following a train crash or rushing injured people to hospital after a flood. And we continue to stay long after the emergency is over, working with communities to rebuild their lives and help them to prepare better for future crises.
How you can help
Nobody can predict the exact location of the next drought, earthquake, or violent conflict. But when they happen, the British Red Cross must be ready to act within hours not days.
By supporting our Disaster Fund, your money will be used as soon as it is needed, anywhere in the world. You can help us be ready in advance. You can help save lives the next time disaster strikes.
Find out more about our international emergency response units
Read about our current emergencies
Find out how we prepare for disasters
