By msn nz

The world's first disaster response game app for iPads and iPhones is now available.

The free app, Earthquake Response, has been launched by Save the Children.

Users play the game by saving the lives of children and their families affected by a massive earthquake.

To do that the gamer assumes the role of a Save the Children aid worker whose job is to direct life-saving aid to the most in need.

As the crisis deepens and as more homeless people need aid such as food, water and shelter, the gamer must make quick decisions to priortise who gets help first The organisation's director of emergency response, Mike Penrose, said the app was "a fast-paced and interactive game about saving lives in an earthquake response".

"A real disaster response is incredibly complicated and challenging, but when you boil it down what we do is save lives by quickly getting food, water, shelter and medicine to people in need," he said.

The app has been launched to coincide with International Day for Disaster Reduction, which falls on October 13.

The free app can be downloaded at Save the Children website.