Emergency Response

We respond rapidly and responsibly to storms, mudslides, floods, earthquakes, volcanoes, disease outbreaks, and more.

Project Information

Project Status: Active
Currently Responding: Australia’s Bushfires
Start Date: 2010
End Date: Ongoing

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On the ground before, during, and after

We mobilize our disaster relief volunteers and our network of local and global nonprofits, corporate, church, and logistics partners when disasters strike.

Thousands of communities around the world are affected every day by natural disasters, disease outbreaks, and conflicts. This leaves the most vulnerable people in urgent need of help to survive and recover. Historically, those with a background of working in a country alongside local communities are best suited to support relief efforts quickly and efficiently.

Acting fast before, during, and after an emergency and collaborating creatively with diverse partners has meant we can assist the vulnerable when some of the greatest disasters strike. 

We also build the capacity of our local staff and volunteers to respond quickly and efficiently and work with impacted communities to help them build back better and become more resilient. 

Project Goals
  1. To protect the vulnerable following disasters
  2. To mitigate further or secondary disasters
  3. To provide access to clean water where needed
  4. To help impacted communities build back better
Expected Outcomes
  • Reduced risk of human trafficking
  • Reduced likelihood of a second disaster striking due to contaminated water, like a cholera outbreak
  • Strengthened resiliency in the impacted community

Cyclones

Cyclone Gita: Islands of Tonga
Cyclone Roanu: Sri Lanka

Earthquakes

Earthquake: Ecuador
Earthquake: Haiti
Earthquake: Nepal
Earthquake: Papua New Guinea

Floods

Flood Relief: Louisiana

Hurricanes

Hurricane Dorian: The Bahamas
Hurricane Florence: North and South Carolina
Hurricane Harvey: Houston, Texas
Hurricane Matthew: Haiti
Hurricane Michael: USA
Hurricanes Irma & Maria: Caribbean, Florida, and Puerto Rico

Humanitarian Disasters

USNS Comfort (Spring 2019)
USNS Comfort (Fall 2018)

Mudslides

Mudslides: Freetown, Sierra Leone

Tropical Storms

Tropical Storm Tembin: The Philippines

Tsunamis

Tsunami Palu: Indonesia

Typhoons

Typhoon Haiyan: Philippines
Typhoon Mangkhut: The Philippines
Typhoon Yutu

Volcanos

Mount Mayon Volcano: The Philippines
Volcán de Fuego: Guatemala

Wildfires

California Wildfires: USA

In 2018, we celebrated our emergency response impact.

Emergencies responded to worldwide

pounds of supplies delivered in Florida after Hurricane Michael

Keeping Refugees Safe in Times of Displacement

While refugees are seeking asylum and safe refuge, risk of human trafficking increases in this type of crisis. Learn how WHI is working to help refugees safe.

Empowering Women Through MoPo

We are excited to celebrate two woman who’s lives have been greatly impacted by our Mobile Power project. Read their stories of change!

Committed to Serve: Haitian Doctors & Nurses Deploy to Mainland Following 7.2 Earthquake

Haitian doctors and nurses of La Gonâve Wesleyen Hospital heard about the desperate need for medical assistance following the earthquake – and responded…

Honoring women who work in disaster areas

“I have the honor of taking a front seat to watch women serve in areas that are male-dominated in many cultures. I’m thinking specifically of those serving in disaster and emergency relief ministries…”

A Cup of Cold Water

Haitians living on La Gonâve now no longer have to question whether or not their water source is safe or clean or good. “A cup of cold water poured in the name of Jesus is a different kind of cup of water,” Dr. Jo Anne Lyon, General Superintendent Emeritus of The...