---
title: "6.3 The IASC Phases of Emergency Needs Assessments"
slug: "63-the-iasc-phases-of-emergency-needs-assessments"
updated: 2023-12-06T09:30:37Z
published: 2023-12-06T09:30:37Z
canonical: "handbook.fscluster.org/63-the-iasc-phases-of-emergency-needs-assessments"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://handbook.fscluster.org/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# 6.3 The IASC Phases of Emergency Needs Assessments

**Protracted Emergencies:** For protracted crises, sector specific and, if deemed necessary, multi-sectoral assessments are done with regular intervals to inform sectoral responses and to provide the foundation for joint analysis. This will result in a consolidated overview of the needs of affected people through a Humanitarian Needs Overview (HNO), which is the main analysis tool used during slow onset or protracted crisis, or at a later stage of a sudden onset crisis ([*6.8*](/cc/docs/68-humanitarian-needs-overview)).

**Sudden Onset Emergencies:** For sudden onset emergencies (and in contexts that may result in an IASC Scale-Up activation – [*see 1.2.5*](/cc/docs/125-the-transformative-agenda)), joint inter-sectoral rapid assessments are usually implemented early on to ensure a common understanding of the situation. Based on the findings, humanitarian actors can develop a joint plan (e.g. Flash Appeal), mobilize resources and monitor the situation. The results also inform and support the design of subsequent more detailed sectoral needs assessments and analysis.

**Emergency Assessment Phases:** The current IASC [operational guidance for coordinated assessments](https://interagencystandingcommittee.org/iasc-needs-assessment-task-force/iasc-operational-guidance-coordinated-assessments-humanitarian-crises-2012) identifies **five phases**, each with specific objects and characteristics, to guide a coordinated response.

**Assessment Phases - Operational Guidance** **vs Country Level Reality**In reality, in an emergency, the timeframe of the different phases and related actions will often vary according to the context and there may not be a clear separation between the different phases**.** In addition, the recommended IASC tools / approach are most often adapted to fit the specific country context requirements and resources.

***See [Annex I](/cc/docs/annex-i-the-five-phases-of-the-assessment-framework) for an overview of the five phases of the IASC Assessment Framework*** (including the purpose, assessment level, methods, food security specific output and examples). Check [IASC website](https://interagencystandingcommittee.org/) for updates on guidance.

Humanitarian Needs Overview

Inter-Agency Standing Committee