In the UK, DFID and the big aid agencies have emergency teams experienced in reacting quickly to disasters.
They can rapidly send specialist search and rescue teams: medical teams, water sanitation equipment, food, medicines, and emergency shelters to the disaster-affected region.
In the days and weeks that follow a disaster, these teams work alongside local organisations to ensure that people affected by the disaster have access to food, clean water and emergency shelter as quickly as possible.
In the longer term, the reconstruction of disaster-affected areas in developing countries often takes several years. The rebuilding of homes, businesses and roads is done by local people often with money given by DFID and UK aid agencies as well as other countries.
A country's ability to withstand shocks determines whether a natural hazard turns into a disaster. If a country is poor, embroiled in conflict, or has a weak infrastructure, then it will probably suffer far more.
DFID leads the UK government’s response to humanitarian disasters in co-operation with international organisations such as the United Nations, with charities and other agencies, and with the governments of the countries affected.
Conflict in Sri Lanka
Since September 2008, DFID has allocated £7.5 million of humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka.
DFID money helped the International Committee of the Red Cross to continue its work protecting those affected by the conflict. New funding allocations were made to UNHCR for the purchase of 5,000 family size tents, and to UNICEF for their work providing water and sanitation facilities in the camps, and protecting children separated from their families.
Conflict in the Occupied Palestinian Territories
In the wake of the recent conflict, DFID has allocated £26.8 million to humanitarian agencies since December 2008. As well as helping to rebuild the region, DFID-funded humanitarian agencies have provided medical aid, food and water.
Conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
DRC remains in the grips of a severe and prolonged humanitarian crisis. About 1.2 million people have been displaced by conflict in the east of the country. Millions of Congolese throughout the country remain food insecure and vulnerable to disease and natural disasters, such as floods and volcanoes.
DFID provided over £42 million in humanitarian assistance to DRC in 2008. In 2009 DFID announced £35 million to the Humanitarian Pooled Fund and £4 million to the International Committee of the Red Cross 2009 appeal.
Cyclone in Burma
On 2 May 2008 Cyclone Nargis struck Burma with catastrophic force. Over 150,000 people are thought to have perished with huge numbers left homeless. DFID despatched a relief team to help co-ordinate the international aid effort. Funds were sent immediately to non-governmental organisations working in the hard-hit Irrawaddy delta region of the country.
This was followed by aid in the form of water and sanitation facilities, food, shelter and medicines. DFID also despatched plastic tarpaulins, mosquito nets, jerry cans and supply boats which were distributed through partner charities. To date the UK government has committed £45 million.
Hurricanes in the Caribbean
The 2008 hurricane season caused much damage across the Caribbean. UK government aid went to relieve hardship in Haiti, Turks and Caicos, and Cuba. The aid was delivered through the Red Cross, the UN and non-governmental organisations who work in the region.
DFID provided emergency relief to the worst affected countries. This consisted of food, clean drinking water, shelter and sanitation and health facilities designed to prevent the spread of disease. In total the UK government gave £7.5 million.
Earthquake in China
On 12 May 2008 an earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale struck the western Chinese province of Sichuan and its neighbours. Causing widespread destruction to buildings and infrastructure, the earthquake killed at least 70,000 people and injured over 370,000, destroyed 6.5 million homes and affected some 40 million people.
As an immediate response DFID contributed £1.1 million for tents, food and other material aid. £300,000 went to help survivors re-launch their businesses and other livelihoods.
Somalia
Over 40% of Somalia's population is judged to be in need of humanitarian assistance – among the highest in the world.
DFID’s humanitarian support has paid for emergency food aid, medical and nutritional programmes and, given the role of water-borne disease in causing child deaths, water and sanitation work. In 2008 DFID spent over £20 million.
DFID only works through the most experienced international relief agencies, like the ICRC, the United Nations agencies (UNICEF, WFP) and others (World Vision, Action Against Hunger) that have demonstrated the ability to save lives in the most difficult operating environments.
