What is an emergency?

An emergency is a large-scale crisis that destroys the lives of individuals, wrecks communities and overwhelms their ability to cope. A humanitarian emergency can take different forms and has a major impact on people, environment, infrastructure and buildings. World Vision responds to both natural disasters and chronic humanitarian emergencies.

Natural disasters

Natural disasters include flooding, earthquakes, droughts, hurricanes, tsunamis and locust attacks. Often a natural disaster can trigger other emergencies such as famine or conflict.

• Rapid and slow onset emergencies

The impacts of an emergency are determined by the scope and vulnerability of the affected population. There is a distinction between rapid and slow onset emergencies. For instance, the tsunami in South East Asia in December 2004 destroyed the lives of millions of people within minutes. In contrast, the food shortage in southern Africa in 2006 was foreseen months before it actually occurred, enabling us to deliver a proactive response.

Both types of emergencies need immediate action to prevent a deterioration of the situation and any further loss of lives. A prompt and relevant response can save lives and improve a community's ability to cope with the disaster.

World Vision works with governments, other non-governmental organisations, the United Nations and local communities, both to prepare for and prevent rapidly and slowly occurring disasters.

Chronic emergencies

Some countries are in a state of chronic humanitarian emergency, which is characterised by a high degree of political instability, often active or simmering violent conflict, chronic poverty or increased vulnerability to natural disasters.

Children in emergencies

In emergencies it is often children who are most affected. They may lack food, shelter and healthcare. They are more likely to be affected emotionally and/or physically with an increased chance of disease or injury. They may not receive basic literacy and essential life skills, and their education could be interrupted.

In emergencies, children are often abandoned or orphaned, or they become separated from their families.

There is also a risk that with the loss of paperwork such as birth certificates and proofs of identity they may lose their legal rights. Conflict-affected children become more vulnerable to abduction and trafficking, and can be recruited as child soldiers against their will.

Aware of the increased risks and vulnerability, World Vision pays special attention to children in emergency situations. The Humanitarian Emergency Affairs team is there to offer them support and to help them cope with the often-tragic events.