The 72-hour Assessment Approach is WFP’s rapid methodology for vulnerability and spatial analysis in sudden-onset disasters. This guide enables country offices and partners to deliver timely, actionable information for emergency response within the first three days after a disaster strikes.
Purpose of the 72-hour Assessment Approach
Provide a “good enough” snapshot of needs and priority areas within 72 hours of a sudden-onset disaster
Support immediate operational decisions with the best available data and assumptions
Enable continuous refinement of estimates as new information becomes available
Key Phases
Phase I: Data Preparedness: Establish and maintain an organized, georeferenced data system before disasters occur. This includes up-to-date GIS layers, demographic, poverty, food security, and nutrition data, as well as pre-disaster satellite imagery and baseline maps
Phase II: Initial Assessment: Within 72 hours, use the best available secondary data and disaster impact information to answer two critical questions:
Which are the priority areas for assistance?
How many people need assistance?
Phase III: Field Verification
In the days following the initial report, verify and refine assumptions through field data collection, remote sensing, key informant interviews, and other rapid methods. Release a rapid assessment report within 7–10 days, updating figures and priority areas as needed
Best Practices
Invest in data preparedness and partnerships before disasters
Use a mix of secondary data, geospatial analysis, and rapid field tools
Clearly state all assumptions and data sources in reports
Continuously update and disseminate findings as new data emerges
Resources
For more information, please contact the Assessments and Targeting Unit in HQ VAM at global.assessmentandtargeting@wfp.org.