The Non Government Organisation (NGO) Disaster Relief Forum (NDRF)is an open forum for New Zealand-based NGOs that have an interest and involvement in humanitarian response and emergency management issues. Find out more

Current EMERGENCY

Tropical Cyclone Mahasen - Bangladesh/Myanmar

Cyclone Mahasan weakened into a tropical storm as it made landfall on Thursday 16 May, but it still brought tidal surges, heavy rain and strong winds, causing considerable damage in the fishing villages of Bangladesh and, to a lesser extent, Myanmar. OCHA (IRIN/Brendan Brady).

Do not collect and send goods

A common response to disasters overseas is to donate goods that are thought to be urgently needed. Receiving goods that have not been specifically requested by humanitarian agencies can be a hindrance on operations as they can clog up airports and docks and prevent essential supplies from reaching people in disaster-affected areas. If you would like to contribute, a cash donation helps buy whatever is needed most, but from local businesses, which reduces collection, sorting, and transport costs all the while helping to rebuild local economies. Please go to the Latest Emergency page to find organisations with appeals for this emergency.

Other News
Floods, cyclones … business and governments must wake up to disaster
22 May 2013

Companies will be looking increasingly at investment opportunities in Africa and Asia in coming decades as that is where growth is strong,... More..

Nikki Kaye: speech to disaster risk reduction forum
22 May 2013

Tuesday, 21 May 2013, 4:56 pm Speech: New Zealand Government *Speech to the 4th Session of the Global Platform For Disaster Risk Reduction,... More..

It’s no accident: Oxfam calls for radical change
22 May 2013

Governments and aid agencies have to tackle the politics and power at the heart of the increasing effects of climate change, rising... More..

The New CILSS Climate Change and Sustainable Land Management Platform
21 May 2013

The Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (Comité permanent Inter-Etats de Lutte contre la Sécheresse dans le Sahel; CILSS in French)... More..


Latest alerts from the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System (GDACS)

Green earthquake alert (magnitude 4.7M and depth 10km) in Chile 24/05/2013 10:41 UTC, About 24000 people within 100km. 24 05 13 | 10:41 On 5/24/2013 10:41:18 AM, an earthquake occurred in Chile potentially affecting About 24000 people within 100km. The earthquake had magnitude 4.7M and depth 10km.
Green earthquake alert (magnitude 4.9M and depth 0km) in United States 24/05/2013 08:02 UTC, 330000 people within 100km. 24 05 13 | 8:02 On 5/24/2013 8:02:19 AM, an earthquake occurred in United States potentially affecting 330000 people within 100km. The earthquake had magnitude 4.9M and depth 0km.

How you can get involved

DISASTERS & EMERGENCIES OVERSEAS

Find out what you can do to save lives and assist people under threat in an emergency.

MAKE A DONATION

Donate to an appeal or make a regular donation so humanitarian organisations can respond to emergencies immediately...More


GET INVOLVED

If you have the necessary skills and wish to be considered for future disaster relief operations you can register to assist...More


SPEAK OUT

Speak out about the problems facing developing countries & become actively engaged in fighting the global poverty that can make people vulnerable to disasters...More


NDRF Member Updates


RMI Drought: UNICEF calls for attention to health and hygiene needs
14 May 2013

UNICEF is working closely with the Pacific Humanitarian Team (PHT) partners, particularly through the Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) cluster, to provide... More..

ShelterBox responds to Solomon’s tsunami
11 February 2013

A ShelterBox Response Team (SRT) from New Zealand is being deployed to the Solomon Islands in response to the  undersea earthquake and... More..

UNICEF NZ Launches Cyclone Emergency Appeal
18 December 2012

UNICEF NZ (UN Children’s Fund) has launched an emergency appeal in response to Cyclone Evan[http://www.unicef.org.nz/pacific], and the agency is standing by ready to... More..