'We’re always afraid that another storm is on the way'
Meeting the most urgent needs
When strong winds struck Libreville during the night of 15 December, teams from the Gabonese Red Cross were mobilized within the first hours. Volunteers responded rapidly in the hardest-hit neighbourhoods, particularly PK 9, PK 10 and PK 11, to assess the situation and provide initial support to affected communities.
On the ground, the damage was significant: roofs torn off, homes left exposed to the weather, and personal belongings scattered. Families were doing their best to save whatever they could.
In this context, the volunteers’ priority was twofold: to provide immediate psychosocial support to affected people and to conduct a multisectoral assessment to identify the most urgent needs.
'The heart of the response'
Among the volunteers mobilized for the response is Carine, a volunteer and member of the Gabonese Red Cross for the past 15 years. Over the years, she has taken on various roles, including in logistics and procurement, before eventually specializing in disaster risk management.
“On the ground, we volunteers are at the heart of the response, standing alongside communities.”
“Gabon regularly experiences episodes of strong winds between November and December. In 2022, several localities were already affected, and we supported around 450 households in Franceville. This new response confirms the recurring — and at times intensifying — nature of these climate-related events.”
Among the affected families, that of Bangani Marie Christine, 54, illustrates the severity of the impact. Head of an extended household of 21 people, she relied on her home-based sales activity to support her family.
As the winds intensified, she and her relatives tried to take shelter in their small business space. But the storm quickly destroyed everything: “Thirty-five aluminium roofing sheets were blown away, the ceiling collapsed, and many of our belongings were destroyed,” she told me.
What had once been a place of safety and livelihood suddenly became exposed and vulnerable to the elements. In the days that followed, the family slept under the open sky, facing rain and mosquitoes, while living with a constant fear: that another storm could return.
“On the ground, we volunteers are at the heart of the response, standing side by side with communities.”
A response organized in collaboration with local communities
Following the assessments we conducted on the ground, the response was launched through funding from the IFRC’s Disaster Response Emergency Fund (IFRC-DREF). The operation targeted 300 households, reaching around 1,500 people.
The activities implemented combined several complementary components: cash assistance for the most vulnerable households, distribution of hygiene kits and essential household items, water, sanitation and hygiene awareness sessions, as well as psychosocial support activities.
We played a central role at every stage of the response. Through door-to-door outreach, we raised awareness among communities on good hygiene practices, water storage, handwashing and the prevention of waterborne diseases.
Community discussions were also organized with neighbourhood leaders to explain the assistance process and strengthen accountability towards affected populations.
On the ground, we also addressed the risks linked to unsafe and exposed housing structures, as the recent winds highlighted the vulnerability of certain homes.
Community clean-up activities were then carried out together with residents, including neighbourhood cleaning, bush clearing and drainage maintenance. These joint efforts helped strengthen the direct involvement of communities in improving their living environment.
“Raising awareness among communities so they can adopt behaviours that support good health,” Carine explains.
More often and more severe
On the ground, a shared observation is emerging: the intensity of these events appears to be increasing, making it essential to strengthen anticipatory action and community preparedness efforts.
The response continues
An extension of the IFRC-DREF funding is underway to also support 430 vulnerable households in Mouila and Franceville, two areas that were also affected by the strong winds.
The response continues
An extension of the IFRC-DREF funding is underway to also support 430 vulnerable households in Mouila and Franceville, two areas that were also affected by the strong winds.
Local volunteers, acting everywhere
In this 2026 year dedicated to volunteers, this response highlights an essential reality: beyond material assistance, it is volunteers who carry humanitarian action to the heart of communities. Their commitment, presence and ability to adapt remain at the core of the work of the Red Cross and Red Crescent.
On the ground, one reality stands out clearly: humanitarian aid is not only about repairing damage. It is also about accompanying, listening to and supporting communities in moments when vulnerability is at its highest, through the constant dedication of Red Cross volunteers.
Learn more about the IFRC-DREF.
Discover the IFRC-DREF’s 2026–2030 strategic ambition.
Story and photos by Lydie Ngui, Communications Assistant, Yaoundé Cluster.
Built with Shorthand