Disaster relief

First in, last out—our relief work does more than save lives. When disaster strikes, we feed, comfort and protect children who’ve experienced the unthinkable. But we don’t stop there. We stay for as long as it takes to help communities to rebuild.

World Vision staff walk along a muddy road in Honduras, delivering comfort kits to a child-friendly space.

Life can change in an instant

Over 473 million children live in conflict-affected areas. By late 2024, more than 123 million people were forcibly displaced due to conflict, violence and persecution. Whether caused by conflict or climate, natural or human-made disasters, humanitarian emergencies can erupt unexpectedly or build up over time. That's when disaster relief becomes critical.

Always ready

Our global network ensures we can respond swiftly. With seven strategically located warehouses worldwide, we can quickly deliver emergency supplies to up to 225,000 people.

The first 72 hours

With more than 31,000 staff in 100 countries, we are quick to the scene in an emergency. Here’s how we help save lives:

Prioritize children, especially those who require first aid or have been separated from their guardians.

Distribute emergency food packs and supplies, such as high energy biscuits for young children, tarpaulins, tents, cooking pots and jerry cans for water and fuel. If needed, we also organize in-kind food distribution with the World Food Programme.

Assess community infrastructure, such as roads, airstrips, bridges, community centres, schools and homes.

Distribute electronic cash transfers to families in urgent need, which they can use to purchase food at local markets, if possible.

In 2025, we delivered over 16 million resources like toys, medical aupplies and solar panels.

Our work doesn’t end after 72 hours. In fact, we stay as long as it takes—sometimes even years—to help communities recover and rebuild.

Our impact

31%

of resources went to programs fragile contexts

3.9 million

people reached through our response efforts.

After the emergency: why does World Vision stay?

Why we remain long after news headlines quiet.

A World Vision staff sits on the floor surrounded by children.

Person behind a cardboard box of bread at an outdoor market stall.

Just give money? The beauty of cash assistance in emergency response

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An adolescent boy holds a pre-school child, standing amidst tents.

10 things you need to know about Syria

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Person holding a young child in a sandy outdoor community setting, with several people, buildings, and supplies visible in the background.

Sudan conflict: What is happening right now (what you need to know)

The Sudan conflict has created one of the largest humanitarian crises today — 30M in need, 13M displaced. Here’s the refugee crisis explained

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Did you know?

We trained 72,740 community members—including 7,807 children—in disaster risk strategies. That's double the number of full-time firefighters in Canada.