At BUSF, we work comprehensively throughout the entire cycle of emergencies and natural disasters: from prevention to recovery. In addition, we ensure that communities are better prepared to face and overcome future events.
Let us provide you with the details about how we respond in an emergency at BUSF: from risk assessment to full recovery.
Our approach is based on a continuous cycle with three key phases:
Learn more about the impact of our work by exploring our emergency work around the world.
After more than twenty years in the field, we have been involved in dozens of emergencies alongside local communities and authorities. Here are a few examples where our response has been comprehensive:
Context of the emergency:
On 16 April 2016, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Ecuador, with its epicentre between the provinces of Manabí and Esmeraldas, causing massive devastation. The disaster killed 671 people, injured 6,200 and displaced more than 29,000 people in temporary shelters.
The immediate response by BUSF focussed on the search and rescue of victims, while the post-emergency phase focused on the reconstruction of sustainable housing and the training of first response institutions.
Overall response information:
From 18 April 2016 to 24 April 2016.
Brief description of the response during this phase:
Following the earthquake, BUSF activated its International Coordination Group (ICG) with teams from Spain and Peru. A total of 6 guides with rescue dogs, specialised firefighters, logistical and medical staff were deployed to the most affected areas, such as Manta, Sucre and Pedernales, to locate possible survivors. The operations were completed after assessing the situation in the areas in which the response was being provided, confirming that there were no more victims to be rescued.
Resources deployed:
Main Actions:
From 01 May 2016 to 31 March 2017.
Brief description of the response during this phase:
After the emergency, reconstruction and training projects were performed. Ten sustainable houses were constructed in the rural community of Río Muchacho, using local materials such as bamboo and wood, designed using anti-seismic and low-cost principles. In addition, a specialist course was delivered to strengthen the capacities of the region’s fire brigades in response to major disasters, with the participation of several emergency institutions.
Needs assessment:
Resources deployed:
Context of the emergency:
On 8 September 2023, a devastating earthquake struck Morocco, particularly affecting the rural areas of the Atlas Mountains, leaving entire communities cut off from communication and destroying local infrastructure.
BUSF focussed emergency operations on the search and rescue of trapped victims, while the post-emergency phase addressed the provision of temporary housing and humanitarian assistance in the most affected and hard-to-reach areas.
Overall response information:
From 8 September 2023 to 13 September 2023.
Brief description of the response during this phase:
As part of the immediate response to the earthquake, a team of 13 volunteers (11 firefighters and 2 health workers) and four rescue dogs were deployed to Morocco. Search operations were conducted in affected settlements, especially in hard-to-reach areas such as Moulay Brahim and Imi N’tala, where collapsed buildings had not yet been inspected. The team concluded its operations after confirming that there were no survivors trapped under the rubble.
Resources deployed:
Main Actions:
From 9 November to 1 December 2023.
Brief description of the response during this phase:
Following the emergency phase, the post-emergency response was activated to provide temporary shelter, relief kits and health supplies to the affected communities. The response focussed on hard-to-reach rural areas such as Makhefamane, Anougal and Douar Draâ Bendriss, where hundreds of displaced families received direct assistance.
Needs assessment:
Resources deployed:
Sixty tents of different sizes were distributed to accommodate 60 families (819 people), accompanied by humanitarian aid kits including cooking utensils, 10L collapsible water tanks and solar lamps. In addition, sanitary materials were delivered to three rural clinics, benefiting 300 people.
