Emergency Disaster Response

Our International Services assures that the American Red Cross is ready to respond at a moment's notice when crisis strikes, helping the survivors of war, upheaval and natural disasters around the world. In these times of desperate need, the American Red Cross brings assistance to those who have lost their homes and are without food to eat and clean water to drink.

We share a unity of purpose and vision with the global network of more than 177 other Red Cross and Red Crescent organizations encircling the globe, working hand in hand to help them respond when disasters strike. The late 1990's saw some of the largest emergencies of the century including Hurricane Mitch, which devastated Central America; deadly earthquakes registered magnitudes of 7.4 in Turkey and Colombia; flooding that washed away lives and possessions in China and other Asian counties; and the Kosovo crisis.

In 1999, to help meet the intense need for international humanitarian relief, International Services experienced unprecedented growth. In this same year, we created a new International Disaster Response Unit to help ensure an immediate, appropriate response whenever international emergencies occur. In the 21st century, the American Red Cross is building its capacity to respond to international disasters and to become a cutting edge leader in providing the highest quality international humanitarian relief.

Immediately following an international disaster, the American Red Cross is in constant communication with the local national society to determine its capacity to help survivors. When appropriate, we send to the scene highly trained members of our International Response Team that is composed of experts in logistics and procurement, telecommunication, disaster operations, family linking, public health and media relations. Upon arrival, team members immediately begin to assist the local national society with assessing disaster needs and implementing relief services, such as procuring and distributing food, water, shelter and hygiene items.

Because of the generous support of the American people who donate to the International Response Fund the American Red Cross is able to provide assistance and supplies including food, clean drinking water and health and counseling services to disaster survivors worldwide. Since 1999, the American Red Cross has responded with cash, supplies and highly-trained personnel to more than 30 emergencies in over 30 countries on five continents.

Find out how you can be a part of this dynamic team.