Hurricane Irma continues its advance, now with decreasing intensity, towards the southeast of the United States, and storm José, greatly feared, is moving up the Atlantic having caused only minor damage. The most powerful hurricane ever observed in the North Atlantic mobilised Première Urgence Internationale’s teams last week. Olivier Routeau, Head of Emergencies and Operational Development at Première Urgence Internationale, reflects on the situation and explains the emergency response mechanisms that the NGO can activate in the face of a natural disaster.