Disaster Relief
GEM is dedicated to provide immediate assistance to regions affected by natural disasters. When a disaster strikes, we mobilize our prepositioned resources and are at ground zero within 48 hours to help those affected. There are two phases within our Disaster Recovery pillar; immediate response & long-term assistance. Within the first phase, GEM works to move large-scale humanitarian aid and supplies to those who are without resources. This aid varies based on the different disasters, but generally comes in the form of food, water, hygiene supplies, and temporary shelter. As the response progresses into the next phase of long-term assistance, GEM will be on the ground assisting with rebuilding supplies, home goods, cleaning and construction materials, and more. All of these efforts are made in collaboration with local partners, governments, and residents in order to best stabilize and reinvigorate the community.
Earthquakes
2024
Taiwan
Early April, Taiwan’s east coast was struck by a powerful 6.8 magnitude earthquake. GEM’s existing relationship with Japan’s Hunger Zero organization was critical in getting accurate and frequent updates from the ground.
Fires
2024
United States
There are multiple major fires that have burned hundreds of thousands of acres so far, prompting evacuation orders in several counties. GEM is providing pallets of disaster relief throughout the affected regions to assist all those affected
Fires
2024
Chile is currently experiencing their worst disaster in over a decade. Severe forest fires have devastated the Valparaiso region, having burnt nearly 64,000 acres and forcing thousands to evacuate. The GEM LATAM team is currently deployed to assist in Chile.
Floods
2024
United States
GEM is committed to an immediate and effective response to unexpected flooding across the USA in 2024. We stand ready to mobilize resources from our multiple branches, with an average response time of 24 hours.
Earthquakes
2024
Japan
On January 1st, a major 7.6 earthquake struck the Noto Peninsula in Japan. This earthquake was the deadliest in Japan since 2016, taking the lives of hundreds and injuring many more
Fires
2024
Colombia
Colombia declared a disaster situation on Thursday due to wildfires raging across several parts of the country, as the president warned the conditions could get worse.
Tornadoes
2024
United States
Early January 2024 tornadoes tore through the Florida Panhandle, causing extensive damages to homes, boats, and businesses in many communities. The GEM team deployed from their Miami HQ with a truck of aid to assist those who were affected.
Earthquakes
2023
Iceland
On November 16th, the GEM Europe team arrived in Iceland to support evacuees, and in anticipation for future volcanic activity. Since late October, Iceland has recorded over 20,000 earthquakes, with as many as 800 in a single day.
Earthquakes
2023
Nepal
A large 6.4 earthquake devastated Nepal on November 3rd, collapsing homes and destroying the remote region that it most affected. Over 150 people have lost their lives, and hospitals are at capacity with those injured.
Hurricanes
2023
Mexico
Acapulco, Mexico was devastated by a Category 5 hurricane on October 25th. The storms caused flooding, extreme structural damage, road destruction, affecting over 2 million people.
Earthquakes
2023
Afghanistan
In response to the Herat earthquake, and the string of smaller quakes since, the GEM MENA team deployed to Afghanistan to provide humanitarian aid to those affected.
Floods
2023
Libia
GEM MENA loaded a military ship in Izmir, Turkey with vital supplies for those affected by the recent flooding
Earthquakes
2023
Morocco
In response to Morocco’s devastating 6.8 earthquake on September 8th, the GEM MENA and GEM Europe teams are on the ground in Marrakesh, the Atlas mountainous regions, and the surrounding communities offering immediate assistance.
Hurricanes
2023
United States
The GEM team is currently on the ground, having responded immediately during the storm. We are prepositioning trucks of aid and will be distributing critical, large-scale supplies to Hurricane Idalia’s most affected zones in the Florida area.
Fires
2023
United States
The GEM team is on the ground alongside the HARP team, offering resources & critical support to all those affected by the recent Oregon Road Fire, in Elk, Washington. We will be on the ground distributing aid and BStrong cash cards to community members.
Hurricanes
2023
United States
Hurricane Hilary made landfall in Baja California, Mexico on August 20th, bringing in extremely heavy rains. The flooding resulting from this rain destroyed roads and damaged infrastructure
Fires
2023
United States
Our GEM BStrong team is on the ground now in Maui, Hawaii, assisting those who have been severely affected by the wildfires. We are distributing our BStrong cash cards immediately to help cover immediate, emergency needs by residents of the island
Fires
2023
Greece
Our GEM Europe team is on the ground in Greece, responding to the 90 active fires within the country. We have been coordinating with local and foreign first responders to best reach the most affected communities.
Floods
2023
United States
GEM is prepositioned to immediately deploy to flooding disasters in the United States. We are presently responding to the historic flooding in Vermont, and will be distributing trucks of Family Necessity Kits, water, hygiene, mattresses, and more.
Floods
2023
Italy
The Emilia-Romagna region in Northern Italy saw half of its annual rainfall in the span on 36 hours, devastating many towns. Tens of thousands have been evacuated.
Cyclone
2023
Malawi
Cyclone Freddy lasted 5 weeks, making it the longest-lasting tropical cyclone ever recorded. When it finally made landfall, Malawi, Africa was hit with catastrophic flooding that severely impacted the locals.
Tornadoes
2023
United States
Beginning March 25th in Mississippi and Alabama, the United States saw dozens of tornadoes touch down in multiple states. Many have lost their lives, and hundreds of others have been severely impacted by the substantial damage.
Earthquakes
2023
Turkey
A massive 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit Southern Turkey and Syria early February 6th. Thousands are expected to have lost their lives, with countless more injured.
Floods
2023
United States
Extreme rain throughout California left over 8 million residents under flood watch. After many areas of the state received over half their annual rainfall since just December 26th, flooding, mudslides, and extreme winds were all risks being faced.
Earthquakes
2022
Indonesia
On November 21st, on the Java island, a powerful earthquake struck. The 6.9 magnitude disaster hit near the major city of Cianjur, destroying thousands of buildings and causing heavy landslides.
Hurricanes
2022
Bahamas
On November 10,2022 Tropical Storm Nicole made landfall as a Category 1 Hurricane along the east coast of Florida just south of Vero beach. Our team responded immediately following the storm prepared and ready to deploy whatever assistance is needed.
Hurricanes
2022
Caribbean
Hurricane Lisa intensified into the Caribbean waters, and made landfall in Belize in northern Guatemala. GEM responded immediately by deploying a team & sending containers.
Hurricanes
2022
United States
On September 24, 2022 CAT4 Hurricane Ian caused catastrophic damage along the SW coast of Florida leaving thousands of survivors devasted.GEM Bstrong, in partnership with Dade County, deployed teams, loaded trucks and established partnerships in the areas affected.
Hurricanes
2022
Caribbean
On September 18,2022, Hurricane Fiona causing catastrophic flooding and power outages in various municipalities in Puerto Rico. GEM BStrong, alongside our longtime partner #Yonomequito, have been on the ground providing family necessity kits and water.
Floods
2022
Pakistan
On June 14 2022, monsoon rains triggered the most severe flooding in Pakistan’s recent history. Over one third of Pakistan was under water; tens of millions of residents have been affected, and hundreds of thousands have been displaced from their homes.
Fires
2022
United States
In late July, with 100’s of structures destroyed and at least four-related deaths the Oak Fire and McKinney Fire burn throughout California.
Floods
2022
United States
Severe flooding across eastern Kentucky caused 40 deaths. Homes destroyed and roads washed out, leaving communities isolated.
Fires
2022
Europe
The total number of wildfires in the European Union since the beginning of 2022 is almost four times the 15-year average for the same time period.
Fires
2022
United States
Over 1,000 firefighters backed by bulldozers and aircraft battled the largest active wildfire in the U.S. on Saturday after strong winds pushed it across some containment lines.
Tornadoes
2022
United States
On April 29th a tornado that damaged more than 1,000 buildings in south-central Kansas generated winds up to 165 mph (266 kph) and carved a path of destruction nearly 13 miles (21 kilometers)
Tornadoes
2021
United States
On December 10, 2021 in the night a violent, long-tracked tornado caused severe damage across parts of central and southern United States including Kentucky impacting numerous towns, including Mayfield, Princeton, Dawson Springs, and Bremen with a death toll exceeding 70.
Hurricanes
2021
United States
On August 26, 2021, late afternoon, the National Hurricane Center issued hurricane warnings for parts of coastal Louisiana including New Orleans. A Category 4 storm impacted the communities causing significant flooding reported.
Earthquakes
2021
Haiti
a 7.2 then this 52,953 houses were destroyed and 62,862 houses were damaged in the three most affected departments (South, Grand’Anse and Nippes).
Fires
2021
United States
On July 13 – October 25 2021 The Dixie and Caldor Fire was an enormous wildfire impacting seveal counties in California. The fire roared through entire towns such as Greenville and leaving hundreds of people stranded and homeless.
Floods
2021
Guyana
From May 20 to June 15, severe flooding across Guyana affected over 25,000 people. Leaving thousands in shelters with their total belongings and homes destroyed.
Volcanoes
2021
Caribbean
The eruption Friday of La Soufrière — its first large one since 1979 — transformed the island’s lush towns and villages into gloomy and gray.
Tornadoes
2021
United States
At least five people are dead and there are reports of multiple injuries, authorities said, as tornadoes tore through Alabama Thursday afternoon.
Sustainability
2021
United States
On February 13 2021 Millions of Texans were without heat and electricity for days as snow, ice and frigid temperatures caused a catastrophic failure of the state’s power grid.
Hurricanes
2020
Central America
On October 31, 2020, the category 4 hurricane ETA hit Central America devastating the region – reporting 57 dead & hundreds missing. On November 16, another Cat 5 hurricane, Iota ravaged the region.
Fires
2020
United States
CalFire has reported that California has lost 3.1 million acres, or about 4,844 sq miles (12,546 sq km), to wildfires since the beginning of this year. There are currently 29 major fires burning.
Fires
2020
United States
Wildfires have burned 1,500,000 acres of forest and numerous historic communities leaving entire towns in ashes causing over 500,000 people to evacuate with an ever-growing list of missing persons.
Fires
2020
Greece
On September 9, 2020 a huge fire ripped through a massively overcrowded refugee camp in the Greek island of Lesbos. This caused over 13,000 people seeking asylum to be without shelter.
Hurricanes
2020
United States
The 2020 hurricane season is ravaging the Gulf Coast. Tropical Storm Cristobal, Hurricanes Marco, Laura, Sally and impending Hurricane Delta have caused $15B+ in damages disrupting millions of lives.
