A selection of images capturing the incredible work of local aid workers who are often the first responders in the aftermath of a disaster and work in some of the world's most challenging environments.

At the heart of the lifesaving aid being delivered by DEC charities and their partners in Gaza, are local aid workers. People who despite dealing with enormous challenges personally and professionally, continue to make incredible sacrifices to help others.

On International Women's Day, the DEC's Shagufta Yaqub remembers three women she met in the aftermath of the February 2023 earthquakes that struck Turkey and Syria.

14 DEC charities and their local partners are responding to the disaster, working with locally-led relief efforts to provide medical treatment, emergency cash payments, shelter, and ensuring people have food and clean water.