The time immediately following a crisis, whether it be a peace process, rebuilding after a natural disaster or seeing a new government come into power, creates a window of opportunity to reimagine what the next phase of life can look like.

Heavy monsoon rains and a tropical cyclone have claimed nearly 500 lives in six Asian countries this August, with Myanmar especially hard hit. Widespread flooding and landslides have displaced 240,000 families in 12 states and regions in the country, according to the National Natural Disaster Management Committee, with more than 100 people reported dead. In all, the storms have affected 1.1 million and destroyed well over 15,000 homes.

International Rescue Committee aid workers in Afghanistan and Pakistan are prepared to respond after a massive earthquake centered near Afghanistan's northeastern border rocked the region today.