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What do people left homeless by disaster or war need to survive?
Click on the links to find out about the basic minimum that aid agencies try to provide.

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Minimum requirement*: 30-45 square metres per person
In fast-moving emergencies, refugees and disaster victims may flock to available free sites ranging from schools to stadiums to abandoned warehouses. But conditions can quickly become squalid and overcrowded.

When aid agencies set up an official camp, they try to find a site with a water supply and all weather truck access. It should not be prone to flooding, erosion or disease.

They aim to provide one toilet per 20 people, with no dwelling more than 500m from the nearest water point. Hand-washing facilities, segregated bathing areas and access for the young, old, disabled and pregnant should also be provided.

*Requirements recommended by the Sphere Project, an umbrella group of aid agencies

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