What is a humanitarian crisis?

A humanitarian crisis, or a humanitarian emergency, is a situation or event that poses a risk to the health, security or safety of a community or group of people. 

They typically arise when a community’s resources - whether social, economic, or infrastructural - are overwhelmed. This can occur suddenly, like earthquakes or floods, or develop over time, as seen in prolonged conflicts or famines. What makes these events 'humanitarian' in nature is their profound impact on human lives; they are often life-threatening and require immediate, coordinated responses to save lives and alleviate suffering.

Types of humanitarian crisis

Humanitarian crises broadly fall into three categories.

Natural disasters

Natural disasters, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis, floods and droughts, are some of the most visible causes of humanitarian emergencies. They often strike with little warning and cause untold devastation. It’s not only lives that natural disasters claim; they also destroy valuable infrastructure and resources and displace populations. In 2022, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Haiti killed over 2,200 people; destroyed homes, hospitals, schools and churches; and led to a shortage of food and clean water. 

There are many ways to help individuals and communities attempt to recover after a natural disaster. Most immediately, people require food and clean water, shelter, sanitation and medical supplies, as well as emotional, physical and mental support. 

Man-made disasters

Man-made disasters result from human actions, whether intentional or accidental. These crises can stem from armed conflict, industrial accidents, environmental degradation, pollution, fires, plane or train crashes or weapons of mass destruction. 

Humanitarian responses to man-made disasters often include ensuring access to clean water, offering medical care, and supporting those affected in rebuilding their lives. Preventing such crises involves strengthening regulations, improving safety protocols, and fostering peacebuilding efforts.

Complex emergencies

Complex emergencies are multifaceted crises that combine elements of natural and man-made disasters, often made worse by political instability, economic hardship and social fragmentation. These situations typically involve protracted conflicts, weak governance and significant humanitarian needs.

Humanitarian efforts in such situations involve not only meeting immediate needs but also addressing root causes. This can mean fostering peace, supporting governance, or building resilience to prevent future crises.

Take the Syria crisis as an example. It’s been over 11 years since the outbreak of civil war that has seen over 500,000 people lose their lives, and millions more displaced from their homes. 

What are the consequences of humanitarian emergencies?

Humanitarian crises leave deep physical and mental scars on individuals, communities and entire nations.

Loss of Life

The most immediate and critical consequence of a humanitarian crisis. Whether down to natural disasters, conflict or the outbreak of disease, these events often claim thousands - or even millions - of lives.

Displacement

Humanitarian emergencies frequently force people to flee their homes. Refugees and internally displaced persons often live in precarious conditions, with limited access to food, water and healthcare.

Health

A lack of clean drinking water, inadequate medical facilities or overcrowding in temporary shelters can lead to the rapid spread of diseases such as cholera, malaria and Ebola.

Economic collapse

Crisis-stricken areas often experience severe economic downturns, as infrastructure, industries and people’s livelihoods are affected - creating long-term challenges for recovery and development.

Psychological suffering

The trauma of living through a humanitarian crisis cannot be understated. Survivors often face long-term mental health challenges, such as PTSD, depression and anxiety.

Gender

Women and girls often bear a disproportionate impact from humanitarian crises. Women and girls often face a disproportionate impact from humanitarian crises, leading to health issues, limited educational opportunities, and a higher risk of experiencing gender-based violence. 

How can we help?

In the face of such overwhelming challenges, humanitarian aid plays a crucial role in helping those suffering. At SCIAF, we’ve been responding to humanitarian emergencies since 1968, and your support helps us reach those who need it most. We can provide the immediate distribution of food, water, shelter and medical care to those in need; help communities to rebuild infrastructure and restore livelihoods; and advocate policy changes and promote peace and justice.

In the past few years, your support has enabled us to help survivors in southern Africa in the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Freddy, provide emergency shelter and counselling to those affected by the conflict in Ethiopia, and provide food, water and shelter to people fleeing from Ukraine.