PAHO is the specialized international public health agency of the Americas and serves as the regional office for the Americas of the World Health Organization (WHO). PAHO provides technical cooperation in health to its Member States, combats communicable diseases and attacks chronic diseases and their causes, strengthens health systems, and responds to emergencies and disasters. The public health of the population of the Americas is constantly affected by multiple threats. Natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, hurricanes and outbreaks occur throughout the continent. PAHO provides support to Member States to improve the effectiveness of response to disasters and health emergencies when national capacities are overwhelmed to direct and coordinate the health response to provide relief and recovery to affected populations. During these emergencies, PAHO country offices' response efforts are supported by the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to manage information, coordinate operations, mobilize resources, and respond rapidly.