The Multi Cluster/Sector Initial Rapid Assessment (MIRA) Approach

In response, the Inter Agency Standing Committee (IASC) created the Needs Assessment Task Force (NATF) in 2009 to promote cross-sectoral needs assessment initiatives and the holistic, consistent, reliable and timely collection and analysis of data on humanitarian needs in complex emergencies and natural disasters. To address calls for the cross-sectoral identification of key strategic humanitarian priorities, the IASC NATF developed the Multi-Cluster/Sector Initial Rapid Assessment (MIRA) Approach. A MIRA is the assessment and analysis of needs carried out during the first two weeks of a sudden onset disaster. It is a multi-sector assessment carried out by key stakeholders which endeavors to provide the basic information fundamental to all actors, namely the overview of affected population needs and response priorities for international support. The MIRA allows stakeholders to reach a shared understanding of the humanitarian situation and its likely evolution at its earliest stages to support initial strategic response decisions.