Emergencies
When disaster strikes, Oxfam's worldwide network of partners is already on the scene, providing emergency assistance. Once the immediate danger has passed, Oxfam seeks out the root causes of crises and works to bring about lasting change.
Current emergencies
Though the rain has started to fall, emergency conditions for millions of people affected by a severe drought and food crisis are expected to persist well into 2012.
In October 2011, torrential rains caused deadly landslides and flooding in El Salvador. Oxfam preparedness programs are helping ensure that aid is quickly reaching those in need.
On January 12, 2010 a major earthquake struck Haiti near the capital of Port-au-Prince causing catastrophic destruction in the western hemisphere's most impoverished nation.
In what many consider the largest humanitarian emergency in the world, millions are living in crowded camps or on the edges of towns and villages.
For the second year, massive floods are inundating millions of acres of land in Pakistan. Oxfam is rushing aid to the region, supporting search-and-rescue, planning food distribution, and supplying clean water and sanitation facilities.
Months after heavy seasonal rains fell in Senegal and Gambia, many are still living in flooded homes.
Oxfam is helping people survive catastrophes like hurricanes and earthquakes, and the dangerous upheavals of war. Learn about Saving Lives 24/7.
Some progress has been made in Afghanistan, but continued conflict and insecurity have added to the hardships that make it one of the poorest countries in the world.
Conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo has cost nearly 5.4 million lives. Many have fled to neighboring countries or temporary camps, and government stability is fragile.
Responding to disasters is a crucial part of Oxfam's humanitarian mission. But finding ways to help communities prepare for and prevent natural events from becoming full-scale disasters is at the cutting edge of our work.
2009 Cholera Crisis in Zimbabwe
The cholera crisis that swept across Zimbabwe through the first half of 2009 was one of the world’s largest recorded outbreaks, sickening 98,592 people and leaving 4,288 dead. Oxfam reached more than two million people with assistance.
With low rainfall, poor harvests, and high food food prices, the potential for a new food crisis is now looming over West Africa. But early action can help protect the most vulnerable people from severe hardship.
Features Subscribe | View All
Feature Story
As food crisis looms, the lean season hits early in northern Senegal
An Oxfam team assesses the conditions around a group of small villages where many of the food reserves are now exhausted.
Feature Story
Counting on the rain to continue--or weather insurance to help cover losses
For Ethiopian farmer Gidey Mehari, when the opportunity to buy weather insurance for his crops arose, he jumped at the chance.
Feature Story
Doubling his weather insurance, this Ethiopian farmer is happy for the security it provides
"Anything can happen," says Alemu Tadesse. And that's why he is investing in weather insurance for some of his crops.
Feature Story
Haiti: a grain milling operation offers an economic lifeline for women
To help tackle unemployment and ensure families have access to food, Oxfam is working with a women's group to modernize and expand a service center.
Feature Story
Haiti: Reducing the risk of flooding in Artibonite
A local mayor enlists support from Oxfam to address major flooding in his community in rural Haiti.
Feature Story
Ethiopian farmers get a payout, easing effects of drought
With cash from the weather insurance policies they bought through an innovative program, farmers from Tigray can now plan for the future.
