Thursdays, Sept. 14 and 21, 2023 at 9 p.m. on KPBS 2 / Stream the series now with KPBS Passport!
Today, natural disasters threaten the planet with increasing ferocity. They strike without warning, tearing apart infrastructure and destroying lives. How should the world respond, and how can vulnerable populations be better prepared in the future?
WHEN DISASTER STRIKES, a three-part documentary series, explores what happens after natural disasters occur in three countries: a cyclone that brings biblical floods in Mozambique, a deadly drought that destroys lives and livelihoods in Somalia, and an historic hurricane that ravages the Bahamas. Each episode charts the on-the-ground response over months as frontline workers race to save lives, restore order from chaos and turn despair into hope.
WHEN DISASTER STRIKES offers a rare view into the mechanics of disaster relief, revealing extraordinary stories of bravery and hope as international agencies respond from one global crisis to the next.
From unsung community heroes to humanitarians bringing valuable skills from around the world to government ministers guiding their communities through unprecedented crises, remarkable personal stories of determination and resilience emerge.
Working at a furious pace, relief teams assess and focus on four critical areas of need: food, water, health and shelter. Although facing agonizing decisions and intense pressures, they are determined to ensure that survivors will be ready if it happens again.
EPISODE GUIDE:
Episode 1: “A Perfect Storm: Mozambique” Thursday, Sept. 14 at 9 p.m. on KPBS 2 - Hear the extraordinary story of bravery and hope after Cyclone Idai strikes Mozambique. The world races to help rescue and support survivors from flooding on a biblical scale.
Episode 2: “The Silent Killer: Somalia” Thursday, Sept. 21 at 9 p.m. on KPBS 2 - Hear shocking stories as another drought strikes Somalia. Mass migration, food shortages and malnutrition mean famine is a very real threat, but resolute humanitarians race to meet the basic needs of the most vulnerable.
Episode 3: “Paradise Lost: Bahamas” Stream now with KPBS Passport - Hear an epic tale of survival as one of the Caribbean's strongest hurricanes strikes The Bahamas. The government and international aid workers battle to meet the survivors' basic needs in the chaos of the aftermath.
Watch On Your Schedule:
The series is available on demand now with KPBS Passport, a benefit for members supporting KPBS at $60 or more yearly, using your computer, smartphone, tablet, Roku, AppleTV, Amazon Fire or Chromecast. Learn how to activate your benefit now.
Credits:
A Windfall Films Production for PBS. Johnny Shipley is the series producer. David Dugan is the executive producer. Executive in charge for PBS is Bill Gardner.
