Emergency Relief

WFP UNHAS helicopter in green field WFP/Eulalia Berlanga

From hurricanes and cyclones to outbreaks of conflict and health threats, WFP responds immediately, delivering humanitarian aid and food to over 100 million people.

WFP is There When Disaster Strikes

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is the first on the scene in an emergency, providing food and other assistance to millions of people affected by violent conflicts, drought, floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, crop failures and pandemics.

60+

years of experience providing emergency assistance

80%

of WFP’s time and resources are allocated to crisis zones

20K

staff are on the ground on any given day, responding in real time

Natural and Human-Made Crises

Hurricanes & Cyclones

Violent storms are disastrous for vulnerable populations. This year, Hurricane Beryl brought life-threatening winds, heavy rain and sever storm surges to the Caribbean. It left thousands of people homeless and destroyed livelihoods.

Earthquakes

Earthquakes can damage roads, reduce homes and hospitals to rubble, and push populations into a health emergency. When multiple earthquakes struck along the border between Türkiye and Syria in February 2023, families were left with limited or no access to food.

Drought

In places like Zimbabwe and Kenya, drought has left fields barren and turned farmland into dust. Families are often forced to deplete their food reserves or leave home in search of water.

Conflict

In places like Yemen, conflict and displacement are driving families into crisis levels of food insecurity. Where there is conflict there is hunger, and where there is hunger there is often conflict.

WFP

WFP is the frontline agency responding to emergencies caused by conflict, climate shocks, pandemics and other disasters. Each day, up to 5,000 trucks, 20 ships and 132 planes are on the move, delivering food and other assistance.

all-terrain vehicle in grassy field WFP/Hugh Rutherford
Support WFP USA in emergency relief effots

How WFP Responds to Emergencies

Emergency Food

High-energy biscuits are pre-packaged and shelf-stable. When cooking facilities are scarce, they are easy to distribute and can be eaten without water or cooking.

Repair & Rebuild

When roads are washed away in storms or bridges are destroyed by fighting, WFP helps local communities rebuild them so they can withstand future upheaval.

Early Warnings

Using cutting edge technology, WFP monitors emergencies before they happen. If conflict or natural disasters are on the way, WFP takes action.

Telecommunications

WFP is the leader of the United Nations’ emergency communications relief efforts. Its experts work to re-establish vital networks brought down by storms.

Our Work By the Numbers