Disasters Explained
Learn more about the types of disasters and how each one impacts the people affected.
Disasters We're Monitoring
Read more about the disasters or conflicts we're keeping an eye on.
At ShelterBox, we are constantly monitoring disasters around the world so we can respond where we’re needed most.
When a storm forms, our teams at ShelterBox Headquarters jump into action to gather as much information as they can. With some warning, they have time to evaluate the potential impact on a country once a storm hits. In times of unexpected disasters, the team gathers information from a wide variety of sources including local government, local contacts, or in-country partners, as well as Rotarians and Rotary clubs.
The goal is to determine how many families have been affected, whether the government has resources to support them, and if ShelterBox aid will be appropriate. Once we have the information we need, we can decide whether we’ll be able to respond.
Read more about our Decision to Deploy Criteria.
CURRENT OR RECENT DISASTERS
Hurricane Ian approaches Jamaica and Cuba
September 26, 2022
Hurricane Ian, currently at a Category 1 hurricane is located south of Jamica and Cuba at the moment, and is expected to continue increasing in strength to a major hurricane as it moves through Western Cuba
Cuba is currently bracing for life-threatening storm surges and hurricane-force winds. Evacuations have begun.
ShelterBox will continue to monitor the affects of this storm as it intensifies and continues to move north.
Tropical Cyclone in the Philippines
September 26, 2022
Tropical Cyclone Noru made landfall on the island of Luzon in the Philippines on the evening of September 25th.
The storm has affected people across five provinces. Families are sheltering in evacuation centers, but the current death count is low and the wind warnings have been lifted. Teams are monitoring the situation
ShelterBox Operations Philippines, our in country team, are monitoring the situation from on the ground. Operations staff are attending Shelter Cluster coordination meetings and are maintaining coordination with the other local organizations in the area.
Hurricane Fiona hits the Caribbean
September 20, 2022
Hurricane Fiona has devastated multiple countries in the Caribbean, including Puerto Rico, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Turks and Caicos, and more.
It has left millions withour power and water, and killed at least 5 people across the Caribbean. It is also on track to hit Atlantic Canada.
Head of Emergency Responses at ShelterBox, Alice Jefferson says: “With Hurricane Fiona continuing to build in strength as she thrashes her way through islands in the Caribbean, our emergency response team is paying close attention to the damage left in her wake and will ready themselves to respond if they are needed and able to.
Tropical storms are as frequent as they are unpredictable – they claim lives, flatten homes, and can leave whole communities rebuilding for years. Uncovering the full extent of the damage to know what the emergency shelter needs are can be a real challenge – it can take days, weeks, or months especially if communication lines are cut off and roads are blocked.
That’s why we have ShelterBox aid prepositioned in the region and are in contact with local agencies as people in Turks and Caicos, Bermuda, and the Bahamas brace themselves for impact.”
Earthquake in Mexico
September 19, 2022
A 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck western Mexico on September 19th at 1:05pm local time.
The earthquake was relatively shallow at only 15km deep, which would have intensified its impact.
At least one person has died and tsunami warnings have been issued for coasts within 300km of the epicenter.
Typhoon Nanmadol hits Japan
September 18, 2022
A powerful typhoon has hit Japan with heavy rain and strong winds up to 162km per hour.
This storm is one of the most powerful the country has ever seen. Close to 10 million people were advised to seek shelter in sturdy buildings or move to higher ground in advance of the storm’s arrival.
The intensity and amount of rain could cause landslides and flooding, causing further destruction.
Two people have died and at least 115 have been injured.
Earthquake in Taiwan
September 18, 2022
A 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck Taiwan on Sunday, one day after a weaker earthquake hit the country.
It was a very shallow earthquake at a depth of 7km, and was the largest to hit Taiwan this year.
A train derailed due to the collapse of a platform, and a 3-storey supermarket building has collapsed. Several other buildings, including schools, were also damaged in the quake.
One person has died and at least 146 were injured.
Learn More
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