Earthquakes can cause massive destruction, displacing millions, damaging infrastructure, and straining local resources. Recovery from such disasters requires coordinated efforts that address immediate needs and support long-term community rebuilding. Much of this work is undertaken by NGOs supporting earthquake recovery. Their efforts help reduce mortality, limit disease outbreaks, and rebuild livelihoods, supporting stability in disaster-stricken areas.
How NGOs Supporting Earthquake Recovery Operate
NGOs supporting earthquake recovery act on multiple fronts. At the onset of a disaster, they provide rapid emergency response, including rescue operations, temporary shelter, and distribution of food, water, and medical supplies.
They also engage in longer-term recovery and resilience building. This may include rebuilding homes and schools, restoring healthcare infrastructure, and training local communities in disaster preparedness. Many of these organizations also collaborate with local governments, international agencies, and other NGOs to coordinate aid effectively and ensure that recovery efforts are equitable and sustainable.Â
1. International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
The IFRC supports local Red Cross and Red Crescent societies in over 191 countries. With more than 17 million volunteers, the organization provides immediate disaster response and long-term recovery programs. Its Strategy 2030 emphasizes building resilient communities, reducing vulnerabilities, and promoting global humanitarian standards. The IFRC is known for its neutrality, independence, and extensive volunteer network, enabling it to reach communities where others cannot.
Official website: https://www.ifrc.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifrc/
2. International Rescue Committee (IRC)
The IRC delivers humanitarian assistance in over 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities, responding to both conflicts and natural disasters. Its programs include healthcare, clean water provision, education, and economic recovery. The IRC emphasizes empowering women and girls, aiming to break systemic barriers while supporting long-term recovery after earthquakes and other crises.
Official website: https://www.rescue.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/RESCUEorg
3. All Hands and Hearts (AH&H)
All Hands & Hearts focuses on long-term recovery, especially rebuilding schools and homes after disasters. It combines emergency response with resilience training, community engagement, and educational support. Following the 2025 earthquake, the organization provided water, shelter, and psychosocial assistance to thousands of families, exemplifying its three-part approach: emergency response, recovery and resilience, and educational rebuilding.
Official website: https://allhandsandhearts.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allhandsandhearts/
4. Doctors Without Borders / Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)
MSF provides medical assistance in over 70 countries, including earthquake-affected regions. The organization delivers emergency healthcare, epidemic control, and mental health support while adhering to principles of neutrality and independence. MSF’s operational model combines rapid response with sustainable healthcare infrastructure, helping communities recover effectively after disasters.
Official website: https://www.msf.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctorswithoutborders/
Read also: 10 Nonprofits Providing Disaster Relief Around The World
5. ShelterBox
ShelterBox specializes in emergency shelter and essential household items for disaster survivors. With over 25 years of experience, it provides tents, water filters, tools, and solar lights to help communities regain stability. ShelterBox also focuses on long-term rebuilding, training locals in disaster resilience, and adapting aid to community-specific needs.
Official website: https://shelterbox.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelterboxuk
6. Samaritan’s Purse
Samaritan’s Purse operates internationally to provide food, water, medical care, and temporary shelter following disasters. The organization maintains strategically located warehouses and rapid response teams to ensure timely aid. Its programs integrate immediate relief with ongoing recovery, including rebuilding infrastructure and restoring access to basic services.
Official website: https://www.samaritanspurse.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samaritanspurse/
7. World Food Programme (WFP)
The WFP provides emergency food assistance and supports post-disaster recovery in over 120 countries. In earthquake contexts, the WFP distributes food, facilitates cash-based transfers, and implements school feeding programs. By integrating nutritional support into recovery efforts, it addresses both immediate survival needs and long-term community stability.
Official website: https://www.wfp.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Worldfoodprogramme/
Read also: 10 Charities Combating Hunger And Malnutrition
8. Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS)
MRCS is Myanmar’s leading humanitarian organization, established in 1920. It provides disaster preparedness, emergency response, and recovery operations, reaching an average of 500,000 people annually. The society follows the seven Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross, ensuring impartial, neutral, and community-focused assistance during earthquakes and other disasters.
Official website: https://www.redcross.org.mm/en_US/
9. Convoy of Hope
Convoy of Hope is a faith-based NGO delivering disaster relief, including earthquake response, around the globe. Its programs provide food, medical care, and essential supplies while emphasizing dignity and community empowerment. Convoy of Hope operates with a network of volunteers and partners to ensure rapid and effective aid delivery.
Official website: https://convoyofhope.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/convoyofhope
10. Oxfam International
Oxfam delivers humanitarian relief and long-term recovery support in over 70 countries. Its earthquake recovery efforts focus on clean water, sanitation, food security, and strengthening local response capacities. Oxfam prioritizes building resilience and empowering women and vulnerable groups, ensuring that communities are better prepared for future crises.
Official website: https://www.oxfam.org/en
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oxfaminternational/
The scale and impact of earthquakes necessitate coordinated global efforts to ensure timely relief and sustainable recovery. From shelter and food provision to medical care and educational rebuilding, NGOs supporting earthquake recovery exemplify how structured humanitarian intervention can mitigate the consequences of natural disasters and help communities regain stability. By leveraging international networks, volunteers, and partnerships, these NGOs continue to play a critical role in global disaster recovery efforts.
