Phase One is the Emergency Response, which aims to ensure that effective response such as rescue efforts, fire fighting, emergency medical assistance and evacuation are provided when a disaster takes place. Simplistically, it is a life saving phase.

After Emergency Response is fully met, the next phase will be Recovery, and involves Rehabilitation and Reconstruction. Phase Two aims to provide disaster resilient reconstruction, appropriate land use planning, industrial rehabilitation planning and livelihood support.

Phase Three is equally important as it emphasizes on efforts, which are made to prevent/ mitigate damage when disasters strike. Activities such as utilisation of seismic resistant technology for rebuilding or retrofitting, construction of dikes, replanting mangroves, forestation, construction and operation of meteorological observation systems are essential in this phase in order to prevent or to mitigate damage during earthquake, flood, landslide or storm.

The final phase is called Preparedness or Readiness. It is important for a disaster prone country to be ready or well-prepared whenever a disaster occurs. Preparation of hazard maps, food and material stockpiling and preparation of emergency kits are vital in this phase in order to minimise the impact of a disaster. As a relief organisation too, MERCY Malaysia needs to be in a constant state of readiness to respond to emergencies.