U.S. Agency for International Development

USAID responds to all types of natural disasters, including earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, cyclones, floods, droughts, fires, pest infestations, and disease outbreaks. OFDA also provides assistance when lives or livelihoods are threatened by catastrophes such as civil conflict, acts of terrorism, or industrial accidents. In addition to emergency assistance, OFDA funds mitigation activities to reduce the impact of recurrent natural hazards and provides training to build local capacity for disaster management and response.

In 2011, the eastern Horn of Africa was reeling from the region’s most severe drought in 60 years. Crops failed, livestock died, and prices in local markets were too high for most people to buy what was needed to feed their families.  At the height of the crisis, more than 13 million people were in need of emergency assistance in Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia, and Djibouti. The United States government remains the largest donor of emergency aid to the region, providing over $1.1 billion for food, clean water, health care, shelter, and other life-saving assistance.