In 1996, the International Federation set up emergency response units (ERUs), which have responded to the needs of the vulnerable in major disasters.

ERUs are part of the International Federation’s disaster response tools. They provide specific support or direct service when local facilities are either destroyed, overwhelmed by needs, or do not exist.

Using a standardized modular system of equipment and pre-trained teams of National Society technical specialists, ERUs can be deployed within 48 hours to 72 hours.

Since 1996, 40 water and sanitation ERUs have been deployed. They are six types of ERUs, each offering a different specialist activity. These are as follows:

• Basic health care
• Logistics
• Water and sanitation
• Referral hospital facilities (field hospitals)
• Telecommunications
• Relief

The water and sanitation ERU is made up of four modules, which can be deployed separately or jointly based on needs:

1. Treatment and supply module

To provide safe drinking water for up to 40,000 beneficiaries. The module has the maximum capacity to treat, supply and store 600,000 litres of water per day. The module consists of large tanks (70,000 and 95,000 litres) pumps and pipe works and once installed remains in situ. Module volume: 45 m3, weight 11 tons if two supply lines are used.

2. Distribution and trucking module

To enable storage and distribution of drinking water to areas remote from the water treatment plant and provide trucking of water to these points. Especially designed for those circumstances where the availability of safe drinking water is less of a problem BUT where the distribution of water to small remote settlements is difficult. Module consists of bladder tanks designed for trucking operations, light weight pumps and pipeworks. 9 identical storage and supply sites can be set up each able of storing and distributing 75,000 litres. The trucks have to be rented locally. Module volume: 19 m3, weight 5 tons.

3. Specialized water and sanitation module

To provide safe drinking water and basic sanitation facilities and systems for health installations such as hospitals, feeding centres, dispensaries, first aid posts and staff quarters. The module can also be used for smaller population figures of up to 15,000 beneficiaries. The module is highly mobile and can produce 120,000 litres per day. Module volume: 70 m3, weight 15 tons.

4. Mass sanitation module

To provide basic sanitation facilities for larger populations and to initiate hygiene promotional programmes for a maximum 40,000 beneficiaries. Module volume: 25 m3, weight 5 tons.

National Societies providing water and sanitation ERUs