Canadian Red Cross

Purpose

The frequency of natural and climate-related catastrophes, such as earthquakes and floods, has been increasing globally resulting in significant humanitarian needs in the wake of disasters. In 2023 alone, 399 significant natural disasters were recorded by the Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters, exceeding local capacity to respond. They affected over 93 million people and caused nearly 90,000 deaths. In these humanitarian crises, people are often displaced without their personal belongings and in areas that lack access to essential relief items. Given the sudden-onset nature of many of these crises, Canada maintains a humanitarian toolkit that enables rapid responses to sudden-onset crises through the international humanitarian system.