resources

Emergencies​ and Early Action

In recent years, early action has emerged as a promising approach to mitigate the impact of disasters and crises before they occur. One key element of anticipatory action is the use of cash transfers as a tool for early response. In times of crises, getting the right resources to those in need is crucial.

Cash in Emergencies

Cash in Emergencies focuses on cash assistance programming in the immediate aftermath of a sudden onset disaster. Explore this page for case studies, lessons learned and other informational materials on cash assistance in emergencies. Watch the short video How the Red Cross uses Cash in Emergencies below to find out more.


Cash and Early Action

Anticipatory action seeks to reduce the negative impact of disasters by providing assistance to populations before a forecasted disaster occurs. Disasters are often predictable, and the science used to forecast them is increasingly reliable. Through the effective use of forecasts, risk analysis and early-warning information, it is now possible to put in place the actions and financing required to act before a disaster hits.

Read more in the article below

7 August 2025

Cash Voucher Assistance – Earthquake Recovery 2025

Type:

Video

Organization:

Vanuatu Red Cross Society

This powerful short film documents the Vanuatu Red Cross Society’s Cash Voucher Assistance (CVA) program, launched in response to the devastating earthquake that struck on December 17, 2024. The film…

  • cash assistance
  • cash coordination
  • Earthquake
  • Emergencies

7 August 2025

Cash for Shelter Repair – Earthquake Recovery 2025

Type:

Video

Organization:

Vanuatu Red Cross Society

This film captures the Vanuatu Red Cross Society’s Cash for Shelter Repair initiative, part of the ongoing response to the December 17, 2024 earthquake. Through this program, affected households received…

  • Earthquake
  • Emergencies
  • Shelter

31 July 2025

Monsoon Pilot 2024: Digital & Blockchain Technologies in Anticipatory Action

Type:

Case study

Organization:

Danish Red Cross, IFRC, Nepal Red Cross Society

In September 2024, the readiness stage was activated for Nepal’s Babai and Karnali River Basins, prompting anticipatory actions in Bardiya and Kailali districts. To improve coordination, transparency, and accountability during…

  • Anticipatory Action
  • Cash technology

23 July 2025

CVA in Emergencies session – 2025 Hurricane Season and Other Emergencies Preparedness Conference IFRC Americas

Type:

Video

Organization:

IFRC

CVA in Emergencies session – 2025 Hurricane Season and Other Emergencies Preparedness Conference IFRC Americas

  • AccessRC
  • Americas Community of Practice
  • Emergencies

8 April 2025

Providing cash and voucher assistance in Brazil

Type:

Video

Organization:

American Red Cross

In late April 2024, the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul suffered from what authorities called the worst disaster in the state’s history. Heavy rains caused unprecedented flooding that…

  • cash
  • cash assistance
  • Emergencies
  • Video

27 March 2025

Cash Assistance for Anticipatory Action and Resilience

Type:

Video

Organization:

Nepal Red Cross Society

In this video, the Nepal Red Cross Society showcases its shift from traditional cash and voucher assistance (CVA) in emergency response to an Anticipatory Action approach, where CVA plays a…

  • Anticipatory Action

In partnership with:

British Red Cross