Phases of Humanitarian
Interventions After Disasters
Based on Humanitarian Standards
(Sphere, IASC, UNDRR)
1. Preparedness Phase (Pre-
Disaster)
• Goal: Build capacity to reduce disaster risks
and enhance readiness.
• • Key Activities:
• • - Risk assessments and contingency planning
• • - Community training and awareness
• • - Pre-positioning of supplies
• • - Early warning systems
• • Standards: Linked to DRR and resilience
building
2. Immediate/Emergency Response
(0–72 hrs to few weeks)
• Goal: Save lives and meet immediate basic
needs.
• • Key Activities:
• • - Rapid needs assessments
• • - Provision of water, food, shelter, healthcare
• • - Coordination and protection of vulnerable
groups
• • Standards: Sphere Minimum Standards
(WASH, Health, Shelter, etc.)
3. Stabilization / Early Recovery
(Weeks to Months)
• Goal: Begin restoring basic services and
systems.
• • Key Activities:
• • - Transition from temporary to semi-
permanent solutions
• • - Livelihood support
• • - Restoration of schools and clinics
• • - Psycho-social support
• • Standards: Sphere + Early Recovery Cluster
4. Recovery / Rehabilitation
(Months to Years)
• Goal: Rebuild communities and strengthen
systems.
• • Key Activities:
• • - Infrastructure reconstruction
• • - Integration of DRR in rebuilding
• • - Economic recovery and job creation
• • - Institutional strengthening
• • Standards: Sustainable recovery frameworks
(Sendai Framework)
5. Development Phase (Long-Term)
• Goal: Achieve sustainable development and
resilience.
• • Key Activities:
• • - Long-term investments in WASH,
education, governance
• • - Climate adaptation and sustainability
• • - Policy and institutional reform
• • Standards: SDGs, national development
plans
Cross-Cutting Themes (All Phases)
• - Protection, gender, and inclusion
• • - Community engagement and accountability
• • - Coordination and leadership
• • - Monitoring and evaluation