Emergency situations and disasters affect vulnerable communities disproportionately. The general living conditions and the precarious location of these communities often make them the first affected by a crisis and its impact more devastating. Most often disaster response efforts — rescue, relief and rehabilitation, do not reach them or they are not able to access them immediately. Recognising this reality ActionAid India’s emergency response seeks to target people living in poverty and exclusion, and amongst them women, children, the aged and people with disability. ActionAid believes that people without access to information and resources are less able to protect themselves from the impact of disasters, and to access the help to which they are entitled. We believe that change will only happen and be sustainable if rights holders are aware, conscious and organised to challenge power and hold the state and other duty bearers accountable in all situations –including in emergencies.