Hurricane Melissa carved a path of destruction across the Caribbean, leaving fatalities, widespread flooding, and significant damage in its wake on October 30, 2025. The storm struck southwestern Jamaica on October 28, 2025, with winds exceeding 185 mph, causing catastrophic flooding and destroying historic sites, including the 1700s Black River Anglican Church.

Authorities have declared Jamaica a disaster area as search-and-rescue and clean-up efforts are underway. Power outages and communication disruptions persist across the island nation.

Hurricane Melissa: Facts, FAQs, and how to help

• Fast Facts: Hurricane Melissa
• What’s the latest update on Hurricane Melissa?
• What’s the impact of Hurricane Melissa in the Caribbean?
• How many people have been affected by Hurricane Melissa?
• How is World Vision helping communities impacted by Hurricane Melissa?
• What’s the impact of Hurricane Melissa on the people of Haiti?
• How can I help people affected by Hurricane Melissa and other disasters?

Fast Facts: Hurricane Melissa

• Formed on October 21, 2025, as the 13th named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season.
• Intensified into a Category 5 hurricane on October 27, 2025.
• Reached maximum sustained winds at 185 mph, with higher gusts, according to NOAA.
• Made landfall in Jamaica on October 28, 2025, causing catastrophic winds, torrential rains, and flooding.
• The storm affected millions across the Caribbean, including Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic.
• Torrential rain lashed Haiti, the Caribbean’s most populous nation, causing floods and landslides.
• Resulted in nearly 30 deaths across the region: Haiti (25 deaths, including 10 children), Jamaica (4 deaths), and the Dominican Republic (1 death). Many others are missing.
• Endangered 1.6 million children in Jamaica, Haiti, and the surrounding islands.
• Caused widespread displacement, infrastructure damage, and agricultural loss across the Caribbean.

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What’s the latest update on Hurricane Melissa?

As of October 30, 2025, Hurricane Melissa had weakened to a Category 1 storm.

Melissa is currently 430 miles west-southwest of Bermuda, moving northeast at 30 mph. After passing Bermuda, the storm is expected to weaken further as it heads toward the Canadian Maritimes. By Saturday, Melissa is expected to become a strong post-tropical storm near Newfoundland.

At its peak, Melissa was a Category 5 hurricane, causing catastrophic damage across Cuba, Haiti, and Jamaica.

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What’s the impact of Hurricane Melissa in the Caribbean?

Hurricane Melissa has unleashed powerful winds, torrential rainfall, and landslides across the Caribbean. As of October 30, 2025, the latest updates on the storm’s impact by countries are as follows:

Cuba

• Authorities had evacuated more than 700,00 people across eastern Cuba ahead of the storm’s landfall.
• In the province of Santiago alone, at least 241 communities remained isolated and without communications, affecting up to 140,000 residents.

Dominican Republic

• Heavy rains and widespread flooding triggered landslides, damaging homes and displacing hundreds of  900 people. Over 1.1 million people are without access to safe drinking water.

Haiti

• At least 25 people, including 10 children, have died in Haiti, and 12 are missing. Damage reports indicate that over 1,000 homes have been flooded, damaged, or destroyed, and nearly 12,000 people have moved into emergency shelters.

Jamaica

• Up to 1.5 million people could be impacted by the storm. Widespread power outages have left at least 72% of the island without electricity, and many areas are reporting catastrophic infrastructure damage.
• AccuWeather estimates that Melissa could cause $22 billion in damages and economic loss, with rebuilding potentially taking a decade or more.

Across the region, children are among the most vulnerable, facing disrupted schooling, unsafe shelter, and rising risks of malnutrition and exploitation.

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How is World Vision helping communities impacted by Hurricane Melissa?

In Haiti, we already have a strong presence and are taking steps in our disaster relief efforts there:

• Pre-positioned emergency supplies: We are supporting at least 4,000 households with food, clean water, hygiene kits, and shelter materials. Local networks shared alerts and preparedness tips, helping residents brace for the storm’s impact.

In Jamaica, where World Vision doesn’t operate, we are preparing hurricane disaster relief through our partnerships:

• Pre-positioned emergency aid supplies: All six World Vision warehouses have essential supplies ready to deploy, with initial loads coming from Pittsburgh and Dallas to expedite delivery. As of October 30, 2025, two shipping containers of emergency response supplies from our Pittsburgh warehouse have been dispatched to Miami. Once distribution hubs in Jamaica are identified by the National Baptist Convention (NBC), World Vision will work to transport the containers to a port in Jamaica and onward to NBC church distribution sites.  
• Shipping containers of aid: Immediate relief supplies from our Pittsburgh warehouse to Miami, for onward transport to Jamaica. Supplies include:
  • Flood buckets
  • Generators
  • Hygiene kits
  • Tarps
  • Additional emergency items

Through these efforts, World Vision is working to ensure that children and families in both Haiti and Jamaica can receive urgent assistance in the wake of Hurricane Melissa.

“With communications down and so many communities cut off, our biggest challenge is getting aid to those who need it most,” said Mike Bassett, World Vision’s national director of domestic humanitarian and emergency affairs. “We’re working with partners to deliver supplies and reach families in the hardest-hit areas.”

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What’s the impact of Hurricane Melissa on the people of Haiti?

At least 25 people have died across Haiti, and 13 are missing. Damage reports indicate that at least 450 homes have been flooded, damaged, or destroyed.

“Children and families in Haiti are facing compounding crises,” said Lesly Michaud, national program director in Haiti. “We are committed to standing with communities through this storm and beyond, ensuring they receive the support they need to recover and rebuild.”

Prior to the storm, Haiti was already facing significant challenges. One of the world’s most vulnerable countries, Haiti’s nearly 5 million people — half of them children — are facing severe hunger. World Vision warns that Hurricane Melissa could further devastate food systems and set back recovery efforts amid ongoing violence and displacement.

“Food insecurity has been plaguing Haiti for the past year or so, where more than half of the population is food insecure,” said Guy F. Vital-Herne, communications manager for World Vision in Haiti. “The impact that we are seeing so far of Hurricane Melissa is putting more pressure now on some populations, with many crops being destroyed right now.”

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How can I help people affected by Hurricane Melissa and other disasters?

• Pray: Join us in praying for all those impacted by Hurricane Melissa and other disasters around the world.
• Give: Your gift will help deliver urgent aid to children and families impacted by this hurricane and other disasters around the world.

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For children in conflict-affected areas of the Middle East, the sounds of armed violence have become a tragic regular reality. Schools that once provided hope and stability are now closed, with classrooms turned into makeshift shelters. Thousands of displaced families face uncertainty every day.

Middle East crisis: Facts, FAQs, and how to help

Explore facts, and frequently asked questions about the crisis in the Middle East, and learn how you can help impacted communities.

• Fast facts: Middle East crisis
• How is the Middle East crisis affecting children?
• What is World Vision doing to help impacted families in the Middle East?
• How can I help the children and families affected by the crisis in the Middle East?

Fast facts: Middle East crisis

• In Lebanon:
  • More than 4 million people need humanitarian assistance.
  • Over 80% of Lebanon’s population lives in multidimensional poverty, struggling to access basic needs.
  • In some areas of Lebanon, half of children under age 2 experience severe food poverty.
  • Over 300 schools have been damaged from conflict.

• West Bank:
  • About 14,000 children are displaced.
  • Many schools in the West Bank are open only three days a week.
  • Health clinics are open just one day a week, with limited access to healthcare personnel and essential supplies.
  • 3 million children are at risk as the crisis worsens.

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How is the Middle East crisis affecting children?

Every child deserves to feel safe, to learn, and to grow up healthy. Right now, violence, poverty, and failing services are stealing those basic rights from far too many children. In some regions of Lebanon, more than half of children under 2 face severe food poverty, while nationwide nearly a third of children under 18 had just one meal or none the day before.

In the West Bank, frequent service interruptions mean that children often go without regular schooling or healthcare. Many experience stress, fear, and uncertainty about the future. When the basic structures that protect childhood break down, children lose the stability and opportunity that every young person deserves.

Children in Lebanon and the West Bank are growing up amid conditions that threaten their health, learning, and security. Families are struggling to find enough food, and many can no longer afford diverse or nutritious meals. In some regions of Lebanon, more than half of children under age 2 are affected by severe food poverty. Across the country, more than a third of children have one or fewer meals a day.

Education has also been disrupted. In the West Bank, many schools operate only three days a week, leaving children without consistent learning or the structure and stability that classrooms provide. Healthcare facilities are open one day a week, leaving communities vulnerable to illnesses with limited access to healthcare professionals and essential supplies.

The loss of essential needs such as food, safety, and stability places significant psychological strain on children, compounding the effects of ongoing conflict.

“The conflict is impacting children caught in this cycle of violence, hunger, and displacement. Behind each statistic is a story — stories of children and the families who want to keep them safe — enduring unimaginable fear, trauma, and loss,” says Margaret Schuler, senior vice president of International Programs for World Vision.

Such experiences can shape how children grow, learn, and dream long after the crisis ends.

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What is World Vision doing to help impacted families in the Middle East?

World Vision is working in both Lebanon and the West Bank to meet urgent needs while helping families recover and rebuild stronger communities for the future.

In Lebanon, World Vision reached over 589,000 people, including more than 217,000 children, through programs focused on education, protection, water, sanitation, and hygiene, food security, and cash assistance.

• 10.2 million meals delivered to families in need
• 24,700 blankets distributed
• 61,000 hygiene kits distributed
• 11,600 children received psychosocial support
• 934 shelters rehabilitated, including schools, homes, and health care centers, to help ensure dignified living conditions and access to essential services.​

In the West Bank, World Vision has reached more than 1 million people, including 430,000 children. The response includes five key components: emergency aid for communities affected by violence and displacement, mental health and psychosocial support, and protection initiatives that strengthen first responder capacity and improve access to health services and education.

• 10,700 people received cash or voucher assistance, allowing families to meet their most urgent needs
• 35,000 children have access to safe play and recreation areas where they can connect and play with others
• 28,000 children are participating in social and emotional learning activities that help build confidence and coping skills

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How can I help the children and families affected by the crisis in the Middle East?

Now more than ever, children in Lebanon and across the Middle East need our help. Every child deserves to feel safe, to learn, and to grow up healthy. Right now, violence, poverty, and failing services are stealing those basic rights from far too many children. ​Our staff and those we serve deeply appreciate the continued prayers of our donors and partners. Gifts to support these and other urgent relief efforts can be made to our Disaster Relief Fund.

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 Amy Van Drunen of World Vision in the United States contributed to this article. 

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The post Hurricane Milton: Facts, FAQs, and how to help appeared first on World Vision.

In September and October 2024, the Southeastern U.S. was struck by two powerful hurricanes, Helene and Milton, causing widespread destruction. The storms left communities in Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, and beyond struggling with the aftermath: destroyed homes, disrupted lives, and severely damaged or completely destroyed infrastructure.

In these critical moments, World Vision’s swift and steadfast response has made a significant difference. Partnering with 20 local churches, we distributed essential supplies like clean water, generators, diapers, personal care items, and more, ensuring that people in the hardest-hit areas readily accessed the basics they needed.

Rev. Louis M. Murphy, Sr., of Mt. Zion Progressive Missionary Baptist Church in Florida, shared his gratitude: “To be able to partner with World Vision, a worldwide organization that has that local touch as well, is incredible.”

Our commitment to supporting these communities extends beyond short-term relief to long-term recovery and rebuilding.

“World Vision’s mission is not only to be among the first to respond when disaster strikes, but also to stay long after the headlines fade,” World Vision’s National Director of U.S. Programs, Reed Slattery said. “That’s what we mean by being ‘first in, last out.’ Our commitment is to help families not just survive the immediate impacts of the storm but to thrive long-term by rebuilding their homes. We’re honored to be the Lord’s hands and feet during the most difficult times in the lives of storm survivors.”

Your immediate support and ongoing impact

Thanks to the generosity of our donors and the partnership of churches, faith-based organizations, and community organizations, we’ve distributed 57 truckloads of aid, bringing relief to communities across Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas.

As of September 2025, World Vision’s response has supported 90,914 people in the hardest-hit communities. Through 20 church partnerships, we delivered:

• Over 83,800 pounds of food, including 4,366 Crisis Relief Boxes and 1,100 turkeys for holiday meals
• 19,248 gallons of clean water
• More than 20,000 toys, books, items of clothing, and holiday gift items to families in need

Pastor Gwen Jones from St. John Baptist Church called World Vision’s response “an answer to prayer.”

A future of hope and restoration

We’re continuing to focus on post-storm clean-up and rebuilding as we move into the recovery phase. Our long-term commitments include supporting our partnerships to rebuild 150 homes with building materials such as lumber, drywall, appliances, and more. Long after other organizations have often left, we will continue to stand by these communities, dedicated to helping them rebuild and restore their lives with dignity and hope.

The post Delivering hope: Hurricanes Helene and Milton disaster relief appeared first on World Vision.

Since gaining independence in 2011, South Sudan has experienced a complex humanitarian crisis, with children bearing the heaviest burden. Conflict, natural disasters, and poverty have driven a hunger emergency, while a deadly cholera outbreak has sickened over 80,000 people. Families are facing rising food insecurity in parts of the Upper Nile state, and children are at greatest risk of malnutrition, disease, and displacement.

Adding to this crisis, the conflict in neighboring Sudan has forced hundreds of thousands of refugees and returnees into South Sudan since May 2023.

South Sudan crisis: Facts, FAQs, and how to help

Explore facts, and frequently asked questions about the South Sudan crisis, and learn how you can help impacted communities.

• Fast facts: South Sudan crisis
• What is the current humanitarian situation in South Sudan?
• How is the South Sudan crisis affecting children?
• What is World Vision doing to help impacted families in South Sudan?
• Where is World Vision working in South Sudan?
• How can I help the children and families affected by the crisis in South Sudan?

Fast facts: South Sudan crisis

• South Sudan became the world’s youngest nation and Africa’s 54th country on July 9, 2011.
• Conflicts in 2013 and 2016 undermined early progress, worsening humanitarian needs, according to the World Bank.
• Four consecutive years of record flooding destroyed livelihoods, killed livestock, and displaced families, have contributed to the hunger crisis.
• An estimated 7.7 million people were projected to face crisis-level food insecurity between April and July 2025. Of those, an estimated 2.3 million are children under 5.
• A widespread cholera outbreak that began in late 2024 has spread across 17 of 18 states, killing more than 700 people.
• The war in Sudan has displaced hundreds of thousands of people into South Sudan, compounding hunger and health emergencies.

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What is the current humanitarian situation in South Sudan?

South Sudan is facing overlapping emergencies that are pushing millions of people to the brink of survival. Women and children bear the greatest burden of violence, displacement, disease outbreaks, and food insecurity.

• Cholera emergency: Since late 2024 and accelerating in 2025, cholera has spread across multiple states, especially in flood-affected and displacement sites.
• Conflict spillover: The war in Sudan has significantly aggravated South Sudan’s humanitarian crisis, triggering a wave of refugees and returning citizens seeking safety within South Sudan’s borders.
• Extreme weather: Successive years of severe drought, followed by floods, have resulted in loss of lives, crops, and livestock, deepening hunger and displacement.

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How is the South Sudan crisis affecting children?

Children are most vulnerable in this crisis:

• Over 2 million children under 5 have been at risk of acute malnutrition, including severe wasting, in 2025.
• Cholera, malaria, and other preventable diseases spread quickly in crowded displacement camps.
• Conflict and repeated displacement keep children out of school, disrupting their stability and safety.
• Some children are exposed to recruitment by armed groups, while others face continued displacement and loss, or early marriage, as families struggle to survive.

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What is World Vision doing to help impacted families in South Sudan?

World Vision has been serving in the area that is present-day South Sudan since 1989, standing alongside children and families through decades of conflict, hunger, and displacement. Today, our staff there are leading the South Sudan humanitarian response, providing lifesaving aid and long-term recovery assistance.

In 2024, World Vision reached more than 3.1 million people, including 2.6 million vulnerable children, with emergency food assistance, clean water, health and nutrition services, safe sanitation, shelter, education, and child protection.

Our response includes:

• Delivering emergency food aid and food security programs to fight hunger and malnutrition.
• Supplying access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services to prevent the spread of disease.
• Supporting health and nutrition programs for mothers and children.
• Strengthening protection and peacebuilding programs to safeguard children and empower communities.

World Vision remains steadfast in our commitment to the people of South Sudan, aiming to improve the lives of 3 million children by the end of 2025.

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Where is World Vision working in South Sudan?

World Vision has a direct presence in 27 counties across South Sudan and, through partners, an additional 22 counties that cover the country’s most impoverished and crisis-affected regions.

We are also supporting refugees and returnees from the Sudan crisis, particularly in Upper Nile and Greater Bahr El Ghazal, including border areas. By working with donors, local organizations, and communities, we help families meet their urgent needs while building resilience against future shocks such as flooding, conflict, displacement, and economic crisis.

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How can I help children and families affected by the crisis in South Sudan?

• Pray: Lift up children, families, and humanitarian workers who come to their aid.
• Give: Help meet the most urgent needs of children and families suffering from the hunger crisis.

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The intensification of the war in Ukraine since February 24, 2022, has deeply affected a generation of the country’s population: its children. Many have lost family members and loved ones, been injured, or faced drastic disruptions to their lives. Forced to leave their homes and communities, unable to attend school, and living in unsafe environments, children continue to experience challenges no one should have to face. Their needs are expected to become even more pressing with the continuation of harsh conditions, as over 2,400 children have been killed or injured since the escalation, averaging 16 child causalities per week.

Ukraine crisis: Facts, FAQs, and how to help

Find answers to frequently asked questions about the war in Ukraine, and learn how to help children and their families.

• Fast facts: Ukraine crisis 
• What is the current situation in Ukraine?
• How many people are affected by the war in Ukraine?
• What are the widespread impacts of the crisis in Ukraine?
• How are children being impacted by the war in Ukraine?
• What’s World Vision doing to help people affected by the war in Ukraine?
• How many people has World Vision helped since the start of the war in Ukraine?
• How can I help people impacted by the crisis in Ukraine?

Fast facts: Ukraine crisis

• The conflict in Ukraine has displaced over 3.5 million people within the country and forced over 6.8 million to leave the country as of January 2025.
• The need for humanitarian assistance will remain substantial in 2025, with an estimated 12.7 million requiring humanitarian aid and protection, according to the U.N. Refugee Agency (UNHCR).
• The war has sparked economic shocks and disruption with global ramifications, impacting people in poverty and contributing to an escalating global hunger crisis.
• Children are among the most affected: As of early 2023, 5.3 million children were facing educational barriers, with 3.6 million impacted by school closures. And within months of the start of the conflict 1.5 million were at risk of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
• In response to the war, World Vision has reached over 2.26 million people in Ukraine, Romania, Moldova, and Georgia with lifesaving aid, shelter, child protection programs, and other essentials as of November 2024.

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What is the current situation in Ukraine?

The situation in Ukraine remains dire due to ongoing hostilities since February 2022, resulting in widespread displacement and increased humanitarian needs, especially during the winter months.

War-affected areas face severe food security challenges as continued air strikes and bombings have caused extensive damage. Millions of people are living in damaged buildings without basic necessities like electricity, water, or heat. Access to essential services such as food, healthcare, education, and protection remains a daily struggle for many.

“We heavily rely on humanitarian aid now. I’m displaced — again. I had to leave my home in Donetsk Oblast when life there became unbearable. For two years, we lived without light, water, or heating. We were not living — we were just surviving,” said Iryna, 64.

The ongoing attacks on energy infrastructure across Ukraine have left many without power, heating, and water as the country prepares for winter, with temperatures expected to drop below zero degrees.

“I came to Zaporizhzhia, which is now just 35 kilometers from the frontlines. It’s a city crowded with displaced families like mine, who’ve fled the fighting. I’m a pensioner, and my allowance isn’t enough to cover basic food costs, let alone anything else. This winter terrifies me. I’m scared of being left without heat again, of freezing, of not being able to cook or afford food and medicine. I don’t know how I’ll make it through.”

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How many people are affected by the war in Ukraine?

According to the United Nations (U.N.), 12.7 million people will need humanitarian aid and protection in 2025. In addition to the approximately 6.8 million refugees living outside Ukraine, millions more are still displaced within the besieged nation.

“When the entire building shakes from a rocket that has just destroyed several houses in your neighborhood, and you have no heat, no water, no gas  —  you’re sitting in the dark, sometimes with no contact with the outside world because there’s no connection — you pray once again just to survive the day, hoping to see your loved ones one more time,” said Svitlana, 61, from Marinka, Donetsk oblast.

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What are the widespread impacts of the crisis in Ukraine?

One of the bloodiest conflicts in Europe since World War II, this war has devastated the lives of Ukrainian children and families but has also caused economic disruptions that impact people living in poverty far beyond Eastern Europe. The crisis continues to pose a threat to regional stability and has significantly increased humanitarian needs, particularly during the winter months amid non-stop destruction.

U.N. agencies have observed a dramatic increase in global hunger, which was already on the rise, as conflict has complicated the delivery of crucial food exports from Ukraine.

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How are children being impacted by the war in Ukraine?

The war in Ukraine has had a devastating impact on children, with over 2,400 killed or injured since the conflict escalated in February 2022, an average of 16 child casualties every week, according to UNICEF.

Millions of children are caught in relentless hostilities, displacement, and shortages of essential resources like water, electricity, and healthcare. In areas directly affected by armed violence, nearly 3 million people urgently need access to warmth, clean water, and medical care. At the same time, widespread attacks have damaged schools, hospitals, and vital infrastructure, deepening the crisis.

Children continue to endure immense psychological trauma, often spending hours in basements during air raid sirens, while 1.7 million lack access to safe water, and 3.4 million are without proper sanitation, increasing their risk of disease.

“I woke up hearing the bombs dropped in our small village located near Borodyanka,” said Nina, who with her two sisters, endured shelling in northwest Kyiv, one of the first areas to be hit by airstrikes in late February 2022. Bombings forced the local school to shutter. The family, terrified of the fighting, stayed inside their home for one month. “It was a terrible time. During my visit with our next-door neighbors, we were all crying,” added Oksana, Nina’s sister.

World Vision’s programming through a local partner helped support children like Nina and her sisters with ongoing psychosocial care in Borodyanka.

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What’s World Vision doing to help people affected by the war in Ukraine?

Since the onset of the conflict, World Vision has consistently delivered lifesaving aid, shelter, child protection services, and other essentials to support the most vulnerable people. We are bringing our global expertise and local partnerships to respond to the war in Ukraine and throughout impacted regions.

Operating across every administrative region, known as oblasts, in Ukraine, World Vision collaborates with trusted local and international partners — including the WFP and UNICEF — to assist communities affected by the war. We’ve also implemented a cash assistance program managed by partners in Ukraine, Romania, Moldova, and Georgia.

In response to the harsh winter, we launched a comprehensive five-month winterization program, running from November 2024 through March 2025. This includes:

• Cash assistance: Offering financial support to displaced communities affected by the conflict by helping them cover heating costs; purchase winter clothing, firewood, and coal; and pay utility bills.
• Essential supplies: In partnership with local organizations, we’re distributing generators, heaters, and power banks to families and shelters in frontline areas.
• Winterization kits: These kits, containing thermal blankets, hygiene items, portable gas stoves, and gas cylinders, help families endure the freezing temperatures.

Our efforts seek to provide immediate relief and enhance resilience for those most vulnerable to the challenges of winter.

Alongside immediate relief, we are also focused on long-term support through educational programs for children and adults, psychosocial and child protection services, livelihood support, and more, aiding communities build resilience and recover from crisis.

“This winterization kit is crucial for families living close to the frontlines. These communities are hanging by a thread — with shattered windows, half-destroyed buildings, and entire neighborhoods in ruins. On top of that, energy plants are being targeted, leaving families without gas, heating, or water. Power outages are constant, making it nearly impossible to stay warm, boil water, or prepare food,” said Yurii Bezkorovainyi, director of Will Help Together, World Vision’s partner in Ukraine responsible for distributing the kits in frontline areas.

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How many people has World Vision helped since the start of the war in Ukraine?

We’ve been responding since the first week of the crisis. As of 2025, our staff have provided essentials for approximately 2.26 million people across the region. Here are some highlights:

• In Ukraine, our efforts have supported over 1,35 million people, nearly half of whom are children.
• In Romania, we’ve assisted more than 351,700 people with aid, including food, shelter, protection resources, and education and hygiene kits.
• In Moldova, over 510,320 people have been reached through our programming. We continue to support Moldovan families hosting refugees in 17 districts through our partnership with WFP.
• In Georgia, we’ve helped support over 39,600 people with education, child protection, and programming, including vouchers for food, hygiene, clothing, and pharmacy costs.

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How can I help people impacted by the crisis in Ukraine?

• Pray: Join us in praying for the most vulnerable communities affected by the war in Ukraine.
• Give: Become a vital partner in World Vision’s work to deliver help and hope to refugees and displaced children and families.

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Ebola, or Ebola virus disease, is a highly contagious and potentially deadly illness caused by ebolaviruses. It has gained worldwide attention because of severe outbreaks in Central and West Africa. While Ebola can devastate families and communities, it is possible to reduce its spread and impact through prevention, early detection, and coordinated efforts.

Today, Ebola remains a threat. In September 2025, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) declared its 16th recorded outbreak in Kasai Province, with confirmed cases and deaths reported. This highlights the importance of global awareness and preparedness against Ebola.

Ebola virus disease: Facts, FAQs, and how to help

• Fast facts: Ebola
• What is Ebola?
• Current outbreak in DRC’s Kasai Province (September 2025)
• What are the symptoms of Ebola?
• Is Ebola treatable?
• How does World Vision respond to Ebola outbreaks?
• What was World Vision’s response to the Ebola outbreaks in 2014?
• How can I help Ebola survivors and people affected by viruses?

Fast facts: Ebola virus disease

• Ebolavirus is highly contagious and can cause Ebola virus disease (EVD), formerly known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever.
• The disease is initially transmitted to humans from wild animals and subsequently spreads by human-to-human transmission through direct contact with the blood, secretions, organs, or other bodily fluids of infected people. It can also be transmitted through contact with surfaces contaminated with these fluids.
• In 1976, public health officials identified ebolaviruses during two successive outbreaks of lethal hemorrhagic fever in distinct regions of Central Africa. The initial outbreak occurred in a village near the Ebola River in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), giving the virus its name. The second outbreak occurred an estimated 500 miles away in what is now South Sudan.
• Ebola outbreaks primarily occur in Central and West Africa, with occasional cases in other regions.
• The largest outbreak took place in West Africa (2014–2016), with more recent outbreaks confirmed in DRC (2018–2020), Uganda (2022–2023), and currently in DRC’s Kasai Province (2025).

BACK TO QUESTIONS

What is Ebola?

Ebola virus disease, formerly known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever, is a rare and often deadly disease in humans caused by infection with one of four ebolavirus strains: Zaire, Sudan, Bundibugyo, or Taï Forest.

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Current outbreak in DRC’s Kasai Province (September 2025)

The 16th recorded Ebola outbreak in the DRC was declared on September 4, 2025, in Kasai Province.

• Cases and deaths: As of early September, 32 suspected or confirmed cases and 15 deaths, including healthcare workers, have been reported.
• Virus strain: The highly virulent Zaire strain has been confirmed.
• Case in focus: A 34-year-old pregnant woman hospitalized on August 20, 2025, tragically died five days later, prompting the investigation.
• Global response:
  • World Vision’s team in DRC, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are scaling up surveillance, contact tracing, and infection prevention measures.
  • World Vision is working with partners and local health authorities in eastern DRC to monitor the situation, support community awareness, and build on past Ebola response efforts.

“Ebola is a deadly disease that devastates families and communities, and we are deeply saddened by the loss of life in Kasai,” said Aline Napon, National Director for World Vision in the DRC. “Ebola is highly contagious with potentially high fatality rates. We have done a lot of work in response to past outbreaks to limit their spread and reduce transmission. Ebola creates a great deal of fear in communities, and responding to it can be challenging for under-resourced health services and community health workers.”

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What are the symptoms of Ebola?

Symptoms of Ebola virus disease include high body temperatures, headache, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and both internal and external bleeding, such as from gums and stool.

It can be challenging to distinguish Ebola from other diseases, such as malaria, typhoid fever, and meningitis. Symptoms typically appear from 2 to 21 days after contracting the disease. People who have contracted the disease can’t transmit it to others until symptoms appear.

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Is Ebola treatable?

While there is no proven, licensed treatment for Ebola, early symptom management and intravenous fluid hydration can improve survival rates. Ongoing research efforts are exploring potential treatments, including antiviral drugs and immunotherapies.

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How does World Vision respond to Ebola outbreaks?

World Vision responds swiftly to Ebola outbreaks by educating affected communities, supporting healthcare workers, providing child protection and psychosocial support, ensuring access to clean water and sanitation, and delivering emergency relief. We aim to help communities stay safe and resilient in the face of this deadly virus. A few of our key programming areas include:

Community education: We equip communities with information about Ebola prevention, transmission, and the importance of early detection. We help raise awareness to ensure people know how to protect themselves from the virus.

World Vision’s Channels of Hope programming: We train and equip religious leaders to share accurate information about Ebola prevention and treatment, dispel myths and misconceptions, and promote safe practices within their congregations and communities. By working with these local faith leaders, who have a great deal of influence because of how much their communities trust them, World Vision seeks to enhance awareness, reduce stigmatization, and encourage early detection and treatment of Ebola cases. The collaborative approach between faith-based organizations, communities, and health agencies has played a vital role in controlling the spread of Ebola and providing support to affected individuals and families.

Child protection: We offer psychosocial support to children who may have lost family members or been affected by the outbreak. We work to keep children safe and emotionally supported.

Healthcare support: We supply healthcare workers with medical supplies, protective gear, and training so they can safely care for Ebola patients.

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What was World Vision’s response to the Ebola outbreaks in 2014?

World Vision swiftly responded to the 2014 Ebola virus outbreak in Sierra Leone. We did this through a comprehensive effort to protect children and their families. With a strong focus on health and safety, awareness and prevention, safe burials, and social and economic recovery, World Vision played a crucial role in combating the epidemic. Our initiatives ranged from providing personal protective equipment and hygiene kits to launching extensive education campaigns and training local leaders on virus prevention. Through our efforts, we successfully prevented Ebola-related deaths among the children and families we supported. And we contributed significantly to the containment of the outbreak. Our approach encompassed immediate medical needs, long-term recovery, and community resilience.

When Ebola struck Sierra Leone in 2014, World Vision was already working in 25 program areas. We were serving an estimated 58,000 children and their families. Building on 20 years of community development in Sierra Leone, we joined communities, partner agencies, and every level of government in the battle against Ebola.

During the emergency response, World Vision reached 1.6 million people through these and other initiatives:

Health and safety

• World Vision delivered 5.4 million personal protective equipment items. These included suits, gloves, face masks, and goggles to Sierra Leone hospitals and health centers, and gave hygiene kits to schools. Long-time World Vision partner McKesson, one of the largest healthcare service companies in the U.S., donated 200 pallets of medical relief supplies to help meet Sierra Leone’s needs for five months.

Awareness and prevention

• World Vision–trained staff organized massive awareness, prevention, and education campaigns to protect children from the disease through radio and house-to-house information sharing.
• Staff trained more than 2,000 influential local leaders — including Christian and Muslim clerics, traditional faith healers, and frontline community health workers — to deliver messages on Ebola awareness and prevention. “When so many communities face such terrible suffering, the church must be there to combat fear, stigma, isolation, and hopelessness with both love and tangible support,” said Bruno Col, then­–World Vision communications director in West Africa.

Safe and dignified burials

• World Vision and two other aid agencies organized and trained 800 burial teams. These teams carried out 29,201 burials to prevent the spread of the disease while ensuring families had the opportunity to mourn and respecting their cultural beliefs.
• World Vision and its humanitarian partners, along with burial workers like 53-year-old Ebola survivor Maseray Kamara, were awarded the 2015 Bond International Humanitarian Award. The award recognized the courage and care of those on the front lines of Ebola prevention during the outbreak. “This recognition is a tremendous encouragement after all the suffering we have seen in Sierra Leone and across West Africa,” said Grace Kargbo, a World Vision Sierra Leone burial team manager at the time. “These brave souls have received little recognition at home and abroad. In fact, they have often been shunned, ostracized, vilified because they are burial workers.”

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How can I help Ebola survivors and people affected by viruses?

• Pray: Join us in praying for all those threatened by Ebola outbreaks and the spread of other diseases and infections.
• Sponsor a child as a personal way to show God’s love to a child in need.

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Jonathan Bundu, Karen Homer, Chris Huber, Heather Klinger, Denise C. Koenig, Sahr Ngaujah, and Sevil Omer, all of World Vision, contributed to this article.

The post 2025 Ebola virus outbreak: Facts, FAQs, and how to help appeared first on World Vision.

Imagine having only minutes to decide what to take and what to leave behind. Your home, your school, your community — lost in an instant. For millions, this isn’t just a worst-case scenario; it’s reality.

Emergencies rarely come with a warning. They strike fast — with the roar of wildfire, the jolt of an earthquake, or the silence that follows lost communication. Whether it’s a natural disaster, a power outage, or a humanitarian crisis, having a plan ready can mean the difference between chaos and calm.

Emergency preparedness isn’t about fear. It’s about responsibility, not just for ourselves but also for our loved ones, our neighbors, and our most vulnerable community members. We’ve seen firsthand how small steps taken before a disaster can save lives and bring hope back.

Proverbs 27:12 tells us, “The prudent see danger and take refuge.” As people of faith, we prepare not out of fear, but out of love for our families, for our neighbors, and for those God calls us to serve.

To prepare for an emergency, you’ll need to make a plan for your household, build an emergency supply kit with food and water, and stay informed about risks in your area. You’ll also need to store important documents, medications, and contact info, and you’ll want to practice your plan regularly and keep your kit updated. Preparation can save lives and reduce panic.

Emergency preparedness guide

Let’s walk through, step-by-step, on how to prepare for a disaster or emergency so you can be ready, equipped, and empowered. In this guide, you’ll discover:

• Why emergency preparedness matters
• How to create an emergency plan and supply kit
• Make a spiritual readiness plan
• Ready to respond: How World Vision helps during emergencies

Why emergency preparedness matters

Disasters come in many forms: hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, wildfires, armed conflict, pandemics, and more. Emergencies can unfold without warning, leaving little time to act.

Preparedness saves lives and reduces suffering. Children, the elderly, and people with disabilities are especially at-risk during emergencies. Having a plan helps protect the most vulnerable. Proverbs 27:12 reminds us: “The wise see danger and take cover.”

A frequent sentiment after a disaster is wishing one had done things differently or been more prepared.

“I wish before the hurricane, I had known not to underestimate the power of the floodwaters and the storm,” said Mateo Magana (pictured above) of Swannanoa, North Carolina.

On September 26, 2024, Hurricane Helene — a catastrophic Category 4 storm — roared ashore in Florida and devastated North Carolina. It destroyed Mateo’s home, where he lives with his grandparents.

“If I could go back, I would definitely have a bag ready and packed,” he said.

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How to create an emergency plan and supply kit

Being prepared and self-sufficient is crucial, as disasters in the U.S. can overwhelm emergency services. It’s essential for households to be able to sustain themselves for at least 72 hours.

This three-day standard, recommended by FEMA and the American Red Cross, aligns with global best practices, emphasizing the importance of readiness regardless of where a disaster occurs.

In Europe, the European Union has recently adopted a similar strategy. In March 2025, the EU urged its 450 million citizens to stockpile essential supplies to last at least 72 hours. This recommendation is part of the EU’s Preparedness Union Strategy, which aims to enhance resilience against emerging threats such as extreme weather, cyberattacks, and geopolitical tensions.

Mike Bassett, World Vision’s U.S. Programs emergency response manager, has responded to U.S. disasters for nearly 10 years — from the devastation of Hurricane Harvey in 2017 to the Central Texas flooding in July 2025.

“When a family is prepared for disaster, they are protecting the most important thing, the lives and safety of their family,” he explains. “I have heard numerous times from survivors of a disaster say, ‘I am just thankful we are safe; things can be replaced, lives can’t.’”

Here are the steps you can take to make your emergency plan and supply kit.

1. Know your risks

• Learn what disasters are most likely in your area.
• Sign up for local emergency alerts and weather apps.
• Prepare for specific threats like earthquakes, floods, tornadoes, or fires.

2. Create a household emergency plan

• Select two designations to meet in case not everyone is home when the disaster occurs: a nearby location near your home, one outside your neighborhood. List contact numbers and create a phone tree.
  • Keep printed contact cards in wallets, backpacks, and vehicles.
  • Save contacts on all family devices and back them up in cloud storage.
  • Choose an out-of-area contact to help relay messages.
• Decide how you’ll communicate if phones go down.
  • Use walkie-talkies for short-range family communication
  • Keep a better-powered radio with extra batteries to receive emergency updates
  • Install the FEMA and Red Cross apps for alerts that may still reach you even if your network is busy.
• Plan for evacuation routes and shelter options.

3. Build an emergency kit

• Tailor your kit for your household’s needs and store it in a grab-and-go backpack or waterproof container.
• Use this checklist for basic supplies to build a survival kit for each member of your household:

• • 1 gallon of water per person, per day (3-day minimum)
  • Non-perishable food (3-day minimum supply, per person)
  • Manual can opener
  • First aid kit (basic items):
    • Adhesive bandages (various sizes)
    • Sterile gauze pads and adhesive tape
    • Antiseptic wipes or solution
    • Tweezers and travel-sized scissors
    • Pain relievers (acetaminophen or ibuprofen)
    • Allergy medication (antihistamines)
    • Gloves (disposable)
    • Any personal prescription medications
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • Copies of IDs, insurance policies, and medical records
  • Personal hygiene items (toilet paper, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste)
  • Extra clothes and sturdy shoes (suitable for walking over rubble or flooded areas)
  • Emergency shelter:
    • Blankets or sleeping bags (pack separately, if needed, near go bag)
    • Tent or tarp for emergency shelter
    • Rain ponchos or waterproof covering
  • Paper maps of your local area
  • Cell phone charger and power bank
  • Whistle to signal for help
  • Cash in small bills
  • For special consideration:
    • Supplies for pets, babies, and elderly family members.
    • Extra items for medical, dietary, or mobility needs.

4. Stay informed

• Monitor local news and emergency broadcasts.
• Follow trusted sources and authorities. For example:
  • Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) – U.S. disaster alerts and preparedness guidance
  • American Red Cross – Shelter information, disaster updates, and relief resources
  • National Weather Service (NWS) – Weather alerts, warnings, and forecasts
  • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) – Severe weather and natural disaster monitoring
  • Local government emergency management offices – City or county-specific alerts and instructions

5. Practice your plan

• Run regular emergency drills with all family members at least twice a year. Adjust and update contact information and locations, if needed.
• Make it family-friendly and age-appropriate so children are not unnecessarily scared, while still learning what to do in an emergency.
• Review and update your plan yearly. Make sure everyone in the family is informed and can articulate what the plan is.

*Sources adapted from the U.S. government resources, including Ready.gov, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

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Make a spiritual readiness plan

In moments of fear or panic, God’s word brings peace, so it can be wise to also create a spiritual readiness kit into your regular emergency kit.  We encourage families to prepare holistically, combining physical safety with spiritual resilience. Being ready is an act of faith and love. God calls us to care for one another, especially in times of trouble. Jesus said, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mark 12:31)

Bring faith into your emergency readiness:

• Include scripture cards featuring verses of comfort, a children’s Bible, and a prayer guide in your emergency kit. Verses of comfort can include:

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble – Psalm 46:1 

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. – Isaiah 41:10

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. – John 14:27

• Pray as a family during emergency drills.
• Encourage your church or ministry to develop a disaster response plan, so it may assist community members in the event of a disaster.
• Check in on vulnerable neighbors during storms or evacuations.

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Ready to respond: How World Vision helps during emergencies

At World Vision, we believe preparation is an act of love. We help families before, during, and after disasters to stay safe, recover faster, and hold onto hope. Isabel Gomes oversees World Vision’s emergency responses worldwide — from conflicts and refugee movements to devastating natural disasters. With decades of experience, she knows what it takes to reach vulnerable communities quickly and effectively.

“I’ve seen firsthand how preparedness changes everything. In the chaos of an emergency, it’s the difference between despair and survival,” Gomes said. “What makes our humanitarian responses truly powerful is our local teams — they know the communities, they understand the needs, and they’re often the first to act. We prepare not just with supplies, but with compassion and trust — because every life we reach matters deeply.”

For World Vision, responding immediately has been a daily reality — a commitment rooted throughout the history of our work, and continues to guide us. Scripture calls us to welcome the stranger, to stand with the displaced, to love our neighbors as ourselves. World Vision is often among the first to respond when disaster strikes. In 2024 alone, we responded to 87 disasters and humanitarian crises across 65 countries, supporting over 35 million people in emergencies.

Here’s how we help:

• Respond within 24 to 72 hours with emergency relief supplies
• Distribute food, clean water, hygiene kits, and shelter
• Provide child protection services and trauma counseling
• Support long-term recovery and community rebuilding

Thanks to decades of experience, World Vision is uniquely positioned to respond swiftly and compassionately — delivering hope when it’s most needed.

Learn more about our disaster relief work.

You can help by taking the next step with us:

• Pray for impacted families worldwide
• Give now to help people affected by disasters.

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Children and families in Afghanistan are facing a deepening humanitarian crisis due to decades of conflict, chronic poverty, and recurring natural disasters, including severe flooding and powerful earthquakes — the deadliest in recent years. These events underscore the enduring hardships in Afghanistan against a backdrop of widespread hunger, a collapsing health system, devastation to schools, and the destruction of family livelihoods.

Afghanistan crisis: Facts, FAQs, and how to help

Explore facts about Afghanistan and frequently asked questions about the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, and learn how to help Afghan children and their families.

• Fast facts: Afghanistan crisis
• What’s the latest on the recent earthquake in Afghanistan?
• What’s the current humanitarian situation in Afghanistan?
• What are the reasons behind Afghanistan’s hunger crisis?
• In what ways are Afghan children impacted by the crisis?
• How is the crisis impacting Afghan girls and women specifically?
• Where is World Vision working in Afghanistan?
• How many people has World Vision supported in Afghanistan?
• How can I help Afghan children and their families?

Fast facts: Afghanistan crisis

• Afghanistan is currently facing one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world, worsened by two devastating earthquake events in 2022 and 2023.
• The landlocked country has been entangled in conflict, drought, extreme poverty, and natural disasters.
• The October 2023 earthquakes, including the 6.3 magnitude quake, caused 2,000 deaths and left over 4,000 people injured and 1,400 people displaced in Herat Province in western Afghanistan.
• More than half of Afghanistan’s population, approximately 23.7 million people, is expected to need humanitarian assistance in 2024, as reported by UNHCR.
• According to the World Food Programme (WFP), 12.4 million Afghans face acute food insecurity, with 1 in 4 unsure of where their next meal will come from.
• The WFP reports that acute malnutrition rates are exceeding emergency thresholds in 25 out of 34 Afghan provinces, with nearly half of children under 5 and a quarter of pregnant and breastfeeding women needing urgent nutrition support in the next 12 months.
• Heavy rainfall and flash floods struck northeastern Afghanistan in early May 2024, impacting 21 districts across Badakhshan, Baghlan, and Takhar provinces. The devastation claimed the lives of an estimated 180 people and injured 280.

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What’s the latest on the recent earthquake in Afghanistan?

On August 31, 2025, a 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck the province of Kunar, near the city of Jalalabad in neighboring Nangarhar Province, further devastating communities already facing years of conflict, hunger, and previous disasters. Early reports indicate that the quake caused significant damage to homes and infrastructure, with casualties and injuries still being assessed. The death toll has surpassed 1,400.

This quake follows a series of deadly earthquakes in 2022 and 2023, including the October 2023 6.3 magnitude quake that killed 2,000 people in Herat Province. Earthquakes of this scale highlight Afghanistan’s vulnerability to natural disasters and the urgent need for humanitarian support.

World Vision is responding by working with local partners to provide emergency assistance, including food, water, shelter, and child protection services.

“We are greatly saddened by the news of today’s earthquake and the apparent loss of hundreds of lives. We lived through the 2023 Herat Earthquake, and the effects are still being felt today. We know that the most at-risk people, the people who will pay the highest price, will include children and their families, so World Vision will bring our experience and resources to bear upon this new crisis with the steadfast support of our World Vision partnership,” said Thamindri De Silva, National Director for World Vision in Afghanistan.

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What’s the current humanitarian situation in Afghanistan?

The humanitarian situation in Afghanistan remains dire, with widespread poverty affecting 48% of the population. Natural disasters and economic instability have exacerbated the country’s vulnerabilities. Millions of Afghans face acute malnutrition and starvation, as the struggling economy fails to support basic necessities.

Women and girls are particularly impacted, facing restrictions on education and employment, which has led to increased child marriage, adolescent childbearing, and mental health issues.

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What are the reasons behind Afghanistan’s hunger crisis?

The hunger crisis in Afghanistan is driven by a combination of factors including economic collapse, ongoing conflict, natural disasters, and displacement. Decades of conflict have disrupted agricultural production and displaced millions of people, while natural disasters like droughts and floods have further reduced food availability. Rising food prices and poor access to humanitarian aid have worsened the situation, leaving millions, especially children and vulnerable communities, facing severe hunger and malnutrition.

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In what ways are Afghan children impacted by the crisis?

World Vision cares deeply about the needs and rights of children in Afghanistan, and we’re very concerned about their situation. Today, 12.3 million children need lifesaving aid in Afghanistan, according to the U.N. Children’s Fund (UNICEF). And 41% of Afghan children suffer from stunting — being small for their age — a common and largely irreversible effect of malnutrition. This places Afghanistan among the countries with the highest rates of malnutrition for children under 5. Drought and displacement caused by recent conflict have made conditions worse.

Without peace and humanitarian access, Afghanistan’s children are at significant risk of violence, neglect, abuse, exploitation, starvation, and worsening malnutrition. Situations like child marriage, child labor, family separation, and mass displacements — as families leave in search of food — are all likely to worsen. Already, parents in the most desperate situations are making the unimaginable decision to sell one daughter for dowry money so they can buy food for all their children.

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How is the humanitarian crisis affecting Afghan girls and women specifically?

Restrictions on education and employment for women and girls have led to increased rates of child marriage, adolescent childbearing, and mental health issues. The lack of opportunities and rights for women significantly contributes to the overall humanitarian crisis.

World Vision is also deeply concerned by the limitations placed on girls’ and women’s access to education. Education is a fundamental right, including for adolescent girls and women. World Vision calls on the international community to make girls’ and women’s access to education a key priority in their engagement in Afghanistan. The safety and well-being of our staff and the people we serve are our priority.

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Where is World Vision working in Afghanistan?

In addition to the earthquake-devastated communities in Herat, we’re also serving children and families in the northwestern provinces of Badghis, Faryab, and Ghor — over 4,184 villages combined. Through our long-standing partnership with local community leaders in Afghanistan for many years, we’ve been able to respond to crises and equip these communities to create positive, sustainable change.

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How many people has World Vision supported in Afghanistan?

World Vision has supported millions of people with lifesaving aid across Afghanistan. Our efforts delivered food, cash, and livelihood assistance, ensured access to clean water and hygiene services, supported education, and extended vital protection programs. Working in 34 districts and more than 3,200 villages across Herat, Badghis, Ghor, Faryab, and Nangahar provinces, we delivered critical assistance to over 1.2 million people, nearly half of them children, in 2024.

These achievements were made possible through the generosity of our donors and the unwavering dedication of our staff. Together, we have positively impacted the lives of Afghan children, their families, and their communities, offering hope and support in challenging times.

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How can I help Afghan children and their families?

• Raise your voice: Join us in calling on Congress to help vulnerable, displaced Afghan families with basic needs and services through organizations committed to staying in Afghanistan — like World Vision.
• Give: World Vision is committed to serving the people of Afghanistan for the long term. Your gift will help deliver essential aid to vulnerable children and families.

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The 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, one of the most powerful natural disasters in recorded history, sent shockwaves through the region, impacting multiple countries and hundreds of thousands of lives. A massive undersea earthquake off the western coast of northern Sumatra, Indonesia, unleashed a series of colossal tsunamis that inundated coastal areas, catching communities off-guard and causing widespread destruction. The disaster not only brought immediate loss of life and destruction to infrastructure but also prompted a global reflection on the vulnerabilities of coastal regions and the importance of disaster preparedness and international collaboration.

2004 Indian Ocean tsunami: Facts, FAQs, and how to help

• • Fast facts: 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami
  • Why was the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami so destructive and deadly?
  • How did World Vision help people recover from the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami?
  • How does World Vision respond to disasters around the world?
  • How can I help people affected by earthquakes, tsunamis, and other disasters?

Fast facts: 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami

• Approximately 230,000 people died in the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami. It is one of the deadliest disasters in modern history.
• The Sumatra-Andaman earthquake, which caused the tsunami, is estimated to have released energy equivalent to 23,000 Hiroshima-type atomic bombs.
• The earthquake struck 150 miles from the coast of Sumatra Island, on the northwest of the Indonesian island group, and 31 miles below the ocean floor.
• In Banda Aceh, the landmass closest to the quake’s epicenter, tsunami waves topped 100 feet. The tsunami’s waves traveled across the Indian Ocean at 500 mph, the speed of a jet plane.
• The 2004 Indonesia earthquake caused a shift in the earth’s mass, changing the planet’s rotation.
• Total material losses from the tsunami were estimated at $10 billion.
• Indonesia lies between the Pacific Ring of Fire. This is where 90% of earthquakes occur, and the Alpide belt, the second-most active seismic zone.

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Why was the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami so destructive and deadly?

The first giant waves from the Indian Ocean tsunami reached Banda Aceh, an Indonesian city of about 300,000 people, within 15 or 20 minutes of the earthquake. Few residents of the densely populated area realized that the earthquake they had felt could cause a tsunami, and there was little time to flee to higher ground.

Traveling as fast as 500 mph, the waves spread to other countries, including India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. With no warning, coastal populations were caught by the pounding waves. Many families that made their living fishing lost everything; the tsunami wiped out whole communities.

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How did World Vision help people recover from the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami?

In the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, World Vision played a pivotal role in supporting the recovery efforts across five countries: India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. Through our extensive relief operations, we raised more than $350 million and led one of our most substantial responses. Our impact included:

Livelihoods empowerment and education: We offered training and employment opportunities to 40,000 people, conducted child-rights awareness sessions for more than 27,000 people, and extended educational support to over 2,000 teachers and 137,000 children.

Infrastructure and community development: World Vision built 12,000 homes to provide shelter for families, established 200 Child-Friendly Spaces to aid children’s recovery, constructed 84 schools and 60 playgrounds to help restore a sense of normalcy, and set up 27 health clinics to deliver essential medical services.

Sustainable restoration: Our teams implemented coastal restoration programs by planting 56,000 mangroves to serve as a natural barrier to rising ocean levels. We also helped in the restoration of a fishing harbor.

Most of World Vision’s tsunami-related rehabilitation was successfully completed by 2007. However, our impact endures through many ongoing initiatives. Today, World Vision’s child sponsorship, health, education, water, food, agriculture, and livelihoods programs continue to flourish across countries affected by the devastating tsunami.

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How does World Vision respond to disasters around the world?

Drawing on decades of experience and a global network of trained emergency staff, World Vision responds to major crises, from earthquakes and hurricanes to conflict and droughts.

In 2022 alone, World Vision responded to 59 humanitarian emergencies in 52 countries. During this time, we supported over 27.7 million people with essential assistance.

Our response includes providing food, access to clean water, hygiene items, and other essential supplies. We also promote disease prevention through hygiene training. Child protection initiatives address urgent cases such as family separation and violence. We also offer health, nutrition, and educational services.

We aim to support families during crises and guide them through the rebuilding process. World Vision collaborates with communities to reconstruct homes, establish permanent housing, secure clean water access, ensure food security, and deliver quality education.

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How can I help people affected by earthquakes, tsunamis, and other disasters?

• Pray: Join us in praying for families and communities as they recover and rebuild after disasters.
• Give: Your gift will help provide essential care to children and families affected by disasters.

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