Current emergency responses

Wars and natural disasters are terrifying and traumatic experiences for children.

We’re always one of the first organisations to respond to humanitarian emergencies bringing essential life-saving support but also, and just as importantly, ensuring children feel safe and protected.

East Africa crisis update

Tens of thousands of children could starve to death as food and water shortages affects more than 24 million people in Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan and Somalia.

Six million children under the age of five are expected to be malnourished by the end of the year.

Find out more about the East Africa crisis ›

Refugees from Myanmar in Bangladesh, (many of whom identify as Rohingya), remains in a desperate situation and protection needs continue to rise. An estimated 890,000 refugees have fled to Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh.

Find out more about the Myanmar Refugee crisis ›

Syria crisis update

The conflict in Syria is now in its eigth year. With no end in sight, it has become one of the worst humanitarian crises of the 21st Century. The situation in Syria is heart-breaking and it is deteriorating.

Nepal Earthquake update

Communities in Nepal were left in shock after a huge magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck, affecting more than 8 million people (OCHA) in 39 districts – of whom nearly 1 million were estimated to be children.

Ecuador Earthquake update

South Sudan crisis update

Other Emergency updates

KEEPING CHILDREN SAFE

Every year, millions of children are hit by emergencies. Conflicts, war and natural disasters leave countless children, their families and communities facing hunger, insecurity and violence.

Without the necessary life skills and access to resources, children are particularly vulnerable in emergencies, especially when they are separated from their parents and other family members who have been injured, imprisoned or killed.

Without anyone to care for and protect them, children can fall prey to disease, malnutrition, trafficking and other threats to their survival and wellbeing. Their lives can be full of fear.

Please read the latest briefing: State of the world's emergencies produced by Bond's Humanitarian and Conflict Policy groups, World Vision is member of both groups, which gives an overview of the the current state of the world's emergencies.

Last year, we helped over 1.16 million children affected by disasters. With your help we can do even more in the year ahead:

Read about our impact on children's lives in our 2017 Impact Report ›

Please donate to our emergency work today ›

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HOW WE HELP

Whether an emergency is caused by natural or man-made disasters, climate change, drought, famine or war, our dedicated on-the-ground teams work to prevent loss of life and reduce suffering as much as possible for affected children, as well as their families and communities.

Our life- saving humanitarian action revolves around three Rs: response, recovery and resilience. In emergency situations, we help meet the following needs:

Physical needs by providing food, water and healthcare
Psychosocial needs with child-focused programming and creating child-friendly spaces
Economic needs by rebuilding street markets or offering training in new livelihood skills and supporting/strengthening current livelihoods
Protection of human rights for children and other vulnerable groups
Spiritual needs, especially if children are used to belonging to a religious community.

In all of our emergency responses, we collaborate with the United Nations and other international and local aid agencies as well as with national and local government. This helps to avoid duplication, maximise efficiencies and ensure that all areas of need are properly met and there are no gaps in the overall humanitarian response – every child matters.

World Vision is committed to strengthening the local community’s ability to prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters. We seek to transform suffering into wellbeing while protecting rights, dignity and livelihoods – with a focus on children.

Give now to transform the lives of children affected by disasters ›

STORIES AND BLOGS

More info

Indonesia tsunami: The children who have lost everything

Wednesday 10, Oct, 2018

Ten-year-old Olivia lost everything she owned during the Indonesia earthquake and tsunami - including her favourite toy.

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Indonesia tsunami: Aid worker's diary of desperation and hope

Friday 05, Oct, 2018

"Living in a disaster-prone country like Indonesia, I’m not a stranger to scenes of grief, but the devastation brought by the re…

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Children born of rape in war: Jacob's story

Tuesday 19, Jun, 2018

Jacob is 17 years old. He should be enjoying school and thinking about his future, but instead his short life has been marred by…

ACCOUNTABILITY

World Vision is committed to being fully accountable to the children and communities we serve, as well as to our donors, supporters and peers in the aid work sector. Find out more ›