Emergency Response

International Project Adviser for Emergency Response, Jason Emmett, shares how The Salvation Army mobilises and responds in disasters and emergency situations.

The ongoing crisis in Ukraine, and its effect on people both there and around the world, has left many with a sense of uncertainty. This, coupled with the continuing impact of the global pandemic fuelled by COVID variants and a lack of even distribution of vaccines, has further disrupted stability.

Whilst governments are eager to return to a state of normality, global humanitarian need is continuing to rise. Published by the United Nations, the Global Humanitarian Overview (GHO) has revealed that 1 in 29 people worldwide continue to require humanitarian assistance. This is an increase from 1 in 33 in 2020 and 1 in 45 in 2019 and is the highest need seen in decades.

Political conflicts and natural disasters such as floods, landslides, and tropical storms, only worsened by the impact of climate change, continue to contribute to the complex humanitarian need, impacting the very services that look to support communities.

When a disaster or emergency hits the headlines, I am often asked how The Salvation Army is responding. When news of the situation in Ukraine was shared in the media earlier this year, donations were forthcoming before an appeal was even advertised. Perhaps due to The Salvation Army’s history and reputation as emergency responders, it is now almost an expectation that we will be there supporting with both practical and pastoral care. Indeed, we often are. However, the response will be different in each situation.

As emergencies vary, so too must the response. A one-size-fits all approach will not be effective. The context and needs of the communities we aim to serve are vastly different. Additionally, a response could last weeks, months or, in some cases, years and during this time the support required can also change.

It may be frustrating for people to hear answers which have a level of uncertainty, but how we work with our colleagues in different countries as well as local communities, governments and partners shapes the way we respond. In all areas of our work – community development and emergency response – we aim to be led by the communities we are walking alongside.

For many, their understanding of humanitarian response is shaped by what is shown in global media – the distribution of short-term life-saving provision such as food, hygiene items, medical care and shelter or accommodation. This is undoubtedly an important part of the response, to ensure that immediate needs are met. However, this temporary, reactive aid is only the start of the journey of supporting communities affected by disasters and emergencies.

The Salvation Army Catherine Booth Hospital is situated in state of Tamil Nadu, India, and serves the community by providing accessible healthcare. In May 2021 India saw a surge of COVID-19 cases with all government hospitals stretched to capacity and many in short supply of medication and oxygen. Catherine Booth Hospital was able to provide qualified staff to support the response, but the necessary equipment to help those affected by COVID-19 was identified as an additional need. This project, which was funded by a donation from ASDA, made it possible to purchase portable X-ray machines, ECG machines, cardiac monitors and other vital equipment at a time when increased prices made it difficult for the hospital to resource itself. Additionally an ambulance was purchased to enable the transportation of patients. To address the issue of oxygen shortages, an oxygen plant was also installed, and supply run to all beds to release the hospital’s burden of using canisters.

In a different approach within the pandemic response, The Salvation Army in southern Africa sought to provide hygiene and food vouchers for 500 families. This approach, referred to as ‘cashbased intervention’, looks to address immediate needs more rapidly through the distribution of money, rather than purchasing and distributing items for people. The aim is to reduce the need for and cost of logistics, and to support local economies through demand. Such an approach works well in contexts where shops are easily accessible with good stock levels. The provision of vouchers enables those affected to maintain a choice, control and dignity. This is not always possible, of course, and where people were far from shops, food and hygiene parcels were provided as needed.

At the time of writing it has been a few weeks since the conflict in Ukraine began and in that time we have seen the fastest-growing refugee crisis in Europe since the Second World War. It is difficult to know what the situation will be by the time this magazine goes to print, but there is already an enormous humanitarian need.

The Salvation Army has a presence in Ukraine and neighbouring countries, so was quick to support displaced people with food, emergency accommodation and support in figuring out their next steps. At present, the International Development team, as part of the United Kingdom and Ireland Territory, is working with our local partners and colleagues to meet the immediate need of refugees. But as these needs frequently change we are ready to adapt. We are also looking to the future to consider what people’s needs might be in months and years ahead.

The Salvation Army is both global and local. Globally, we can provide a network of support which goes across borders, and locally The Salvation Army has long-established relationships and networks through its presence of established corps as well as education and medical institutions. We are equipped to support those in need no matter the challenges or unique situations we face.

If you would like to financially support The Salvation Army’s international emergency response projects, please visit bit.ly/Donate_ EmergencyResponse or use the form at the back of this magazine.

There remains a lot of uncertainty, and so we are grateful for people’s generosity and flexibility in understanding that money given can be used in the immediate response as well as the long-term support of communities affected.

By Jason Emmett