A humanitarian crisis is a situation in which there is an urgent need to provide assistance and protection to large numbers of people who are affected by conflict, natural disasters or other crises. This may involve providing food, water, shelter, medical care, and other basic necessities to those in need. The term "humanitarian crisis" often implies a sudden and overwhelming increase in the number of people requiring assistance, beyond the capacity of local resources to cope. In such situations, international aid organizations and governments may work together to provide emergency relief efforts to help alleviate suffering and protect those affected by the crisis.