disaster recovery

Banknotes remain a cornerstone of national health security, ensuring resilience, accessibility, and trust. Cash protects societies from digital vulnerabilities while promoting financial inclusion for all citizens, particularly during emergencies when offline options are critical.

In post-conflict societies, cash is a symbolic anchor for political stabilisation. In Syria, the 2026 banknote redesign—featuring agricultural motifs instead of political portraits—signals a break with the past, promotes inclusivity, and rebuilds trust in state institutions. High-quality banknotes communicate institutional competence and legitimacy, essential for restoring faith in the financial system. Cash becomes a tactile affirmation of a transition from chaos to stability.

In a proactive move, the EU recommends every household assemble a 72-hour survival kit, including essentials like food, water, medicine, and cash.

While Sudan will require food aid in the short term, the bulk of the response is likely to involve cash transfers. But in what form?

The Austrian National Bank (OeNB) advises storing a small amount of cash at home for emergencies – such as a blackout or cyberattack.

Elsewhere on the Web provides weekly updates and links to articles related to cash, money, and payments curated on the web.

Crises such as the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine demonstrate the importance of a resilient cash cycle. Several countries are taking measures to further secure the supply of cash in times of crisis.

A massive winter storm caused widespread power outages across the United States. Cash demonstrated its resilience during the blizzard in the worst-affected Buffalo area.

Afghanistan has faced a severe liquidity crisis and financial collapse since the return of the Taliban in August 2021, aggravated by a shortage of banknotes. New banknotes are due to arrive from overseas.

The ATM Appreciation Society announces the world’s smallest ATM as its ‘Extreme ATM of the Year 2022’.

Watch the presentation video by ATMIA of some of the previous years’ top ATMmy’s winners who discuss the strategy, development, and results of their leading campaigns.

After Hurricane Ida’s landfall on the coast of Louisiana, cash remained the most reliable payment instrument during disaster and relief recovery efforts.