International Disasters and Crises

International Disasters and Crises

Delivering relief and hope worldwide.

Delivering relief and hope worldwide.

In the face of crises like earthquakes, typhoons, conflict, severe drought, floods and famine, the American Red Cross and the global Red Cross and Red Crescent network join together to ease people's suffering. Whether it's a typhoon in the Philippines, a migration crisis in the Mediterranean, wildfires in Chile, or extreme winter weather in Mongolia, our teams are helping by providing lifesaving aid.

As part of the world's largest humanitarian network, the American Red Cross directly supports an average of 25 overseas disaster responses each year through financial contributions and the deployment of disaster specialists to support other national Red Cross societies leading local relief efforts on the ground. Our help is triggered by a request from the local Red Cross or Red Crescent team in the country affected and coordinated closely with our entire humanitarian network. We also provide immediate and longer-term recovery assistance to disaster survivors when resources allow, as well as preparedness training for local staff and volunteers in light of increased climate-induced risks.

Explore our global disaster and crisis response contributions over the past five years.

How We Help

Typhoon Haiyan
Financial Contributions

Thanks to our donors, the American Red Cross provides financial support for disaster relief efforts, enabling volunteers on the ground to quickly and efficiently address the most urgent needs of disaster survivors.

Donate Today
TS Hagupit
Disaster Responders

Red Cross disaster specialists help meet the immediate needs of people affected by global emergencies in areas like logistics, mapping, information management, communications, and operational leadership.

Volunteer
Haiyan
Restoring Family Links

The American Red Cross partners with local Red Cross and Red Crescent societies around the world to locate missing loved ones separated by international conflict, disaster, migration or other humanitarian emergencies or crises through the Restoring Family Links program.

Get Started

Our Global Impact

1 in 600

people around the world volunteer with the Red Cross or Red Crescent 

heart icon
Nearly 40 million

people affected by disasters reached by the global Red Cross network each year on average

family icon
More than 1,100 families

reconnected internationally with support of the American Red Cross each year on average

Learn More

Read about recent and ongoing Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement response activity from around the world.
Two Red Cross volunteers are sitting down talking to a woman

“When I read about this cash assistance, I felt hope. The Red Cross gives me hope,” said Liubov, a displaced Ukrainian staying in Szeged, Hungary in November 2022. “I came in July and didn’t have any warm clothes. I bought this sweater that I’m wearing.”

Red Crescent clinical psychologist, following the earthquake in Turkiye

“Our goal is to meet with children and help them reduce their stress levels. We are playing games and offering psychological first aid to children who have suffered trauma," said Red Crescent clinical psychologist Aise Sumeyye Dal, following the earthquake in Turkiye in March 2023.

A red Cross volunteer deployed for over two months to support the response to the earthquake in Vanuatu

"Our goals come down to learning from each other and shaping our efforts to match the needs of the local Red Cross society and the community," said American Red Cross volunteer Dave Dunn, who deployed for over two months to support the Movement response to the earthquake in Vanuatu in December 2024.

A man in a red vest and red baseball cap stands in front of a tarp with stacks of agricultural supplies ready for distribution in the local community. Trees and dry terrain can be seen in the background.
World Red Cross Red Crescent Day: Across borders, cultures, and crises, Patrick Cheah finds a shared humanity
May 08, 2026
A man in a red vest and a blue button-down shirt sits at a desk and types on a computer keyboard.
How Dr. Felix Amate Brings Lifesaving Vaccines to Chad’s Most Remote Regions
April 24, 2026
Alt text – people in Red Cross vests wade through water, surrounded by damaged buildings
Helping All Around the World
March 20, 2026
Man in uniform receives treat from Red Crosser
Then and Now: 145 Years of Delivering Support When Help Can’t Wait
March 01, 2026
View All

Videos

Join Us

You can take action to help save lives and give hope to people around the world.
on the map
Help Map the World

From your home computer, you can help ensure that disaster responders get relief to the people who need it – even in the world’s most remote areas.

Learn More
volunteer
Get Involved

Support our international work from your community: support our measles campaigns or help reconnect families after international crises.

Find Out How
digital advocate
Get Social With Us

Become a digital advocate on social media to support the Red Cross mission. Host an online fundraiser to help people in need.

Get Started
Donate to American Red Cross International Services
Donate

Help the victims of countless crises around the world each year by making a financial gift to American Red Cross International Services.

Donate Now
Related Links
/content/redcross/en/about-us/our-work/international-services/international-disasters-and-crises