Emergency Response

Focus on Supporting Survivors

Islamic Relief’s global family and partnerships—including local staff in more than three dozen countries—maximize IRUSA’s ability to respond to urgent situations with speed and efficiency. We also maintain the highest standards of best practices, dignity, and cultural sensitivity, and we make sure that our response aligns with survivors’ needs immediately, for the longer-term, or both!

IRUSA’s emergency aid efforts can include distribution of items such as food, water, financial aid, and more. Construction of temporary shelters and providing vital medical aid are often priorities too. And when applicable, we work with community groups on the ground to assess what we can do to help with longer-term recovery, rebuilding, and revitalization efforts.

In the United States specifically, IRUSA’s Disaster Response Team (DRT) serve as first responders for emergencies. From natural disasters like hurricanes and wildfires to tragedies like the Pulse and Parkland shootings, the DRT team continues to be one of the first humanitarian teams nationwide to lend a helping hand to people in their most trying hours.

Deadly Escalation in Gaza

Gaza is once again facing a deadly escalation in violence. Experts report dozens of people have been killed, including women and children, and numbers are only expected to increase. Hundreds more are fleeing for their lives as airstrikes rain down across the strip.

Gaza remains 90% closed and is under what experts are referring to as “curfew”. Banks and schools are closed until further notice, and Israeli borders are also closed, obstructing the entry of necessary medical supplies, fuel, and other goods.  

Islamic Relief is working with local partners to provide immediate emergency relief including urgent medical supplies for hospitals and clinics.

Heavy Flooding Slams Somalia

On May 10, heavy flooding caused by rainfall was reported across the Beledweyne District in the central Hiran region of Somalia. Already affected by drought and the looming threat of famine, families are being forced to flee their homes, with many packing their possessions onto the roofs of mini buses and donkey carts. Roads and bridges across the area have also been made impassable by floodwater, and farmers are at risk of losing their livelihoods as farmland has been completely submerged.

Islamic Relief is working to provide immediate emergency aid to families affected including cash for food, temporary shelter, and other urgent needs.

Sudan in Crisis

On April 15, violence erupted in Sudan as rival factions fought for control of the country’s capital. Civilians are bearing the brunt of the fighting as it spreads across the country. Hundreds of people have been killed and thousands more wounded, although the real numbers are likely much higher. 

Shortages of food, water, medicines, and fuel continue, especially in Khartoum and surrounding areas, and access to electricity is limited in many parts of the country. Experts report more than two-thirds of hospitals are not able to function due to direct attacks or occupation by fighting parties.

“The fighting is [ongoing] and we can hear bullets and bombing all around us. Buildings are on fire and smoke fills the sky. People are trapped in their homes and scared about what is going to happen in the coming days. Life is paralyzed, everything is closed and food supplies are running out.

Many of the poorest people [already] don’t have [enough] food, they buy whatever little they can afford each day – and now they can’t even do that. Already critical levels of hunger in the country are now set to get even worse. Millions of people will need aid.” – Elsadig Elnour, Islamic Relief Sudan Country Director

According to the UN, about 100,000 people have fled Sudan to neighboring countries, with more than 42,000 Sudanese crossing into Egypt. The current situation has only exacerbated the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

Humanitarian aid workers are among those killed and many aid agency offices have been looted, forcing the suspension of vital humanitarian work. Due to instability, we’re limited in our capacity to respond immediately. However, once the situation on the ground has stabilized, banks have resumed operations, and our teams have evaluated the emergency response needed, donations made to the Sudan Humanitarian Aid fund will be used to support aid efforts.

Act now, and as soon as we can mobilize, we can put your donations to work.

The Deadliest Earthquake in Two Decades

On February 6, two powerful earthquakes erupted across Türkiye and Syria. One of the deadliest earthquakes in over 20 years, the initial 7.8 magnitude earthquake was centered near Gaziantep, a city in south central Türkiye home to millions of Syrian refugees. The second 7.5 magnitude earthquake was felt nearly nine hours later, and almost 2,000 aftershocks have been reported. As of now, over 40,000 people have died, nearly 80,000 more have been injured, and 6,000 buildings have been destroyed – and numbers are only expected to rise. About 80,000 rescue personnel have been deployed, working in near-freezing temperatures searching for survivors among the rubble.

Islamic Relief is working with local partners across Türkiye and Syria to distribute emergency relief. In Türkiye, families are receiving food aid, hygiene kits, blankets, and cash assistance to help pay for any other immediate needs. In Syria, families are being provided with food aid; access to water, sanitation, and hygiene; and other emergency items such as blankets, mattresses, tents, and heating materials. And in coming months, we plan to focus on long-term development aid. Join us and help support your brothers and sisters across Türkiye and Syria in their time of need.

Past Emergencies this year:

Heavy Flooding Hits Kosovo

January has brought heavy rains to Kosovo, resulting in flooding across major cities – some have reached a state of emergency. Nearly 700 homes have been destroyed and there’s been a major shortage of clean drinking water. Islamic Relief is on the ground working with local partners to distribute emergency aid including food, hygiene kits, and clothing. Once immediate needs are met, we plan to focus on long-term development including home reconstruction.

We Need YOUR Help

Read below to learn more about our latest emergency responses and how you can help survivors.

PLEASE NOTE: Donations made to IRUSA’s Global Emergency Response fund may serve urgent anywhere across the world.