Tsunamis: Key Messages

Key hazard-specific messages for individuals and communities on how to prepare for, and stay safe during, tsunamis.

Drought: Key messages

Key hazard-specific messages for individuals and communities on how to prepare for, and stay safe during, droughts.

Heat waves: Key messages

Key hazard-specific messages for individuals and communities on how to prepare for, and stay safe during, heat waves.

Extreme cold: Key messages

Key hazard-specific messages for individuals and communities on how to prepare for, and stay safe during, extreme cold.

Hailstorms: Key Messages

Key hazard-specific messages for individuals and communities on how to prepare for, and stay safe during, hailstorms.

Stand with us to Protect Humanity

Violence against humanitarian workers and volunteers must stop. But we can’t make it stop without your help. The Protect Humanity campaign needs you – your voice, your involvement and your action – to help us put an end to violence against those who risk their lives to help others. We must protect the first responders and volunteers who give everything to protect us. Together, we can #ProtectHumanity.

Business opportunities

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is currently seeking to procure the goods and services listed below.

Red Crescent Society of the Islamic Republic of Iran

Alliance for the Amazon: For a resilient and sustainable future

The 2026 'El Niño': How are we preparing for its impact on Latin America and the Caribbean?

The'El Niño'phenomenon is now in its active phase. Sea surface temperatures in the central and tropical Pacific have already exceeded the 0.5 °C above-average threshold established to define an 'El Niño' event. In addition, winds over the equatorial Pacific have begun to shift direction, carrying warm waters toward South America, indicating that the atmosphere is responding to the warming of the ocean. When this occurs, the presence of'El Niño'is officially confirmed.1. Why is there talk of a 'Super El Niño' this year? For the 'El Niño' phenomenon to be officially declared, the temperature of the Pacific Ocean need only rise 0.5°C above the historical average. For 2026, forecasts indicate a 63% probability of a strong El Niño, meaning that sea surface temperatures in the Pacific region will exceed 2.0 °C.It is these expected values that have led to terms such as 'Super El Niño' being used to describe a strong 'El Niño ', as was the case in 2015 with 'Godzilla El Niño'. The transition from cooling conditions (La Niña) to extreme warming has been much faster than usual, forcing humanitarian organizations such as the IFRC to scale up their preparedness levels immediately.2. What impact will 'El Niño' have on Central America and the Caribbean?'El Niño' does not affect the entire continent in the same way. One of the greatest concerns in the north is the reduction in rainfall. In Central America and the Caribbean, 'El Niño' typically manifests as a significant reduction in cumulative rainfall. This does not mean there is no rain at all, but rather that the pattern of precipitation is irregular and insufficient to sustain traditional agricultural cycles. The Central American Dry Corridor is one of the regions where the impact is particularly severe, with prolonged water deficits directly threatening food security and the livelihoods of thousands of families. Water scarcity affects not only crops but also increases public health risks related to access to safe water and hygiene. 3. What effects are expected from 'El Niño' in South America?Unlike in the north, 'El Niño' has the opposite effect in the southern part of the continent. While countries such as Colombia, Venezuela and northern Brazil face drier conditions and an increased risk of wildfires, regions in southern Brazil, Uruguay, northern Argentina and central Chile must prepare for above-average rainfall. This geographical contrast within the same continent means that the Red Cross and its partners must implement different strategies. 4. What is the forecast for the hurricane season under the 'El Niño' 2026?Historically, there has been a direct correlation between the presence of a strong 'El Niño' phenomenon and a decrease in the frequency and intensity of tropical cyclones in the Atlantic basin. In the Pacific, where hurricanes also occur, rising sea temperatures combined with changes in wind patterns caused by 'El Niño' can create conditions that are more favorable for storm formation. Forecasts indicate that the Atlantic will see below-average cyclonic activity, with fewer than the historical average of 14 named storms and seven hurricanes.Meanwhile, forecasts for the Pacific predict between 15 and 22 named storms, of which between nine and 14 are expected to become hurricanes, and between five and nine of those are expected to become major hurricanes.Regardless of the forecast, evidence shows that one single tropical storm forming and making landfall can devastate entire communities. Decades of working with communities at risk from hurricanes have taught the Red Cross that the most efficient, effective and ethical approach is to invest in preparedness and early response initiatives to protect communities and their livelihoods. 5. How do we prepare for the impacts of 'El Niño'? The Red Cross network's main strategy for addressing this phenomenon is anticipatory action, which refers to any action taken before a crisis occurs with the aim of preventing or reducing the potential impacts of a disaster. The Climate Centre collaborates with National Societies to update Early Action Protocols, enabling the immediate release of emergency funding when specific scientific thresholds are met.Three Early Action Protocols have already been activated in the Americas region. Red Cross teams in El Salvador, Guatemala and Colombia developed their protocols to protect over 22,000 people at the first signs of drought.The Disaster Response Emergency Fund (IFRC-DREF) has allocated 1.2 million Swiss francs (CHF)—about 1.5 million U.S. dollars—for early action in response to the drought in the three countries. This funding is not allocated all at once: it is released in stages as forecasts reach risk thresholds agreed upon in advance by communities, authorities, and the Red Cross, so that each tranche of aid is mobilized just before the impact and not after.These funds will provide assistance to 10,000 people in the El Salvadoran departments of Morazán and La Unión; 10,000 more in Guatemalan municipalities in the Dry Corridor, such as Chiquimula, Jalapa, and Quetzaltenango; and 2,400 in Colombia's Tolima and Cesar departments.The Red Cross will support the most vulnerable families by providing them with cash to purchase food, fuel, and other necessities, helping them to avoid depleting their own resources. The Red Cross will also provide drinking water when sources begin to run low, supplies to care for crops and livestock, and training in adaptive agricultural practices, hygiene, and the prevention of heat-related illness. For countries that do not yet have these formal protocols, the IFRC network offers technical assistance tools and access to the Disaster Response Emergency Fund (IFRC-DREF for imminent events. The aim is to anticipate risks, strengthen preparedness and use scientific evidence to protect households, ensure effective humanitarian assistance and safeguard community health before the effects of 'El Niño' peak.Where can I find more information?Our Early Warning, Early Action pageRed Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre websiteAnticipation Hub websiteAnticipatory Pillar of the IFRC’s Disaster Response Emergency Fund

National Society Investment Alliance

The National Society Investment Alliance (NSIA) is a pooled funding mechanism, run jointly by the IFRC and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). It provides flexible, multi-year funding tosupportthe long-term development of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

'This gives us hope': How climate-resilient farming is helping communities in southeastern Zimbabwe reclaim food security in the face of drought and a capricious climate

Heat Action Day 2026: Taking on the dangers of indoor heat

At a school on the Unguja Island, part of the Tanzanian archipelago known as Zanzibar, volunteers from the Tanzania Red Cross Society explain to a classroom full of students how to protect themselves from the dangers of extreme heat.The volunteers’ efforts were part of a larger heatwave awareness campaign in early 2026, led by the Tanzanian Red Cross, that has reached more than 4,000 people in schools, madrasas, markets, and communities around the island.This is just one of many ways Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies around the world regularly work to protect people from the dangers of extreme heat – including the very particular dangers of indoor heat.Why focus on indoor heat?When thinking about or preparing for heatwaves, people often think of blistering days outside in the hot sun. But people living or working indoors, in uncooled or poorly ventilated spaces, can sometimes be at even greater risk of heat stroke, dehydration and other heat-related risks.Those most susceptible to rising body temperatures — children and the elderly — are particularly vulnerable and, often, they must spend long periods of the day inside.These are some of the reasons Heat Action Day 2026 focuses on ‘indoor heat’— putting the spotlight on the health risks people face inside their homes, schools, workplaces, care facilities, transport hubs, prisons and even public vechiles such as busses and taxis. (Learn more about how to #BeatTheHeat and about how to take part in Heat Action Day 2026.)This threat is nothing new to Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers who often go door-to-door during heatwaves, visiting people who live in densely populated urban neighborhoods, work in poorly insulated industrial areas, or live in camps for people displaced by emergencies.Very often, such facilities or temporary shelters lack insulation or access to energy or water sources that can help keep people cool. Building materials, design characteristics, and urban heat island all play a role in determining indoor temperatures.Rising risksWithout respite and access to cooling, high day- and night-time indoor temperatures pose significant health risks, particularly for older people and those with pre-existing medical conditions. Beyond heat stroke, high temperatures can have a wide range of health effects.According to a 2020 study, for example, high indoor temperatures affect multiple aspects of human health, with the strongest evidence for respiratory health, diabetes management and core schizophrenia and dementia symptoms, according to one 2020 study.Other studies show that prolonged exposure to high indoor temperatures is also responsible for sleep disturbances, cognitive impairment of workers, reduced learning uptake in students, and domestic violence.More research needs to be done, however, so policy makers, urban planners and architects can better understand how to reduce extreme urban heat. At the same time, building standards and indoor heat policies need urgent updates. In many places, indoor heat standards do not exist, or they overlook vulnerable populations and climate projections.The good news is that it is possible to improve the way buildings and public spaces are designed and constructed to better protect people living and working indoors. Meanwhile, more governments, agencies and communities are taking action. For example: painting roofs white, keeping windows covered during the hottest times of day, and using passive cooling at night when temperatures outside cool down.There are also many low-cost actions one can take to cool the body: a cool shower, submerging feet in cool water, self-dousing with water, using an evaporative cooler or misting fan, ingesting cold water, wearing clothing made from natural fibres, and sleeping with a wet sheet, among other measures.As part of its 2026 Heat Action Day activation, the IFRC also encourages people to proactively reach out to support the elderly and chronically ill during times of extreme heat, especially those with limited mobility who may need help getting to a cooler space.How can you take part in Heat Action Day?As the organization that created Heat Action Day, the IFRC each year encourages more and more activities to raise awareness and encourage people to take concrete action to prevent heat related illness and death.Whether you're sharing life-saving tips on social media or organizing a community event, there are many ways to get involved and help#BeatTheHeat. Learn more here and register to participate and create your own Heat Action Day event or activity.

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement expresses concern over attack on Red Cross volunteers in Bunia, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

Kinshasa/Nairobi/Geneva, 5 June 2026 – The DRC Red Cross, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) are deeply shocked by the attack on Red Cross volunteers carrying out a safe and dignified burial operation in Bunia on 1 June 2026, as part of efforts to contain the ongoing Ebola outbreak.Several volunteers were injured in the violent incident while performing their humanitarian duties. We condemn this unacceptable act and express our solidarity and support for the affected volunteers and their families.Communities across the DRC face immense challenges as the Ebola outbreak continues to spread. We recognise the fear, uncertainty and frustration felt by many people. Building trust and maintaining dialogue with communities through community engagement remain essential to bringing the outbreak under control. Attacks against volunteers not only endanger lives, they also undermine efforts to contain the outbreak and protect communities.Red Cross volunteers are members of the communities they serve. Every day, they work alongside families and local leaders to help prevent the spread of Ebola, provide reliable information and support those affected by the outbreak. There is no justification for volunteers to be targeted, nor for humanitarian staff or the resources and infrastructure supporting the response.Safe and dignified burials are a vital part of the response to Ebola. The bodies of people who have died from Ebola remain highly infectious and, if not handled safely, can contribute to further spread of the disease. We understand that current procedures pose a challenge for communities wishing to maintain their funeral rites. We remain committed to balancing the public health imperative of containing the outbreak with respect for local customs, traditions and dignity.Misinformation and rumours fuel fear, undermine public health efforts and increase risks for both communities and humanitarian workers. Sustained engagement with communities and transparent communication are essential to addressing concerns, countering misinformation and building trust.The Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement calls for respect, acceptance and support for volunteers working on the frontlines of the Ebola response. Despite the challenges, the Red Cross remains committed to working alongside communities, authorities and partners to help stop the outbreak, protect lives and support those affected.Note to editorsThe International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is the world’s largest humanitarian network. Neutral and independent, it comprises three main complementary components: the National Societies or Red Cross societies in each country, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The network’s mission is to protect the lives, dignity and health of people affected by armed conflict, natural disasters and other emergencies.For further information, please contact:Red Cross of the DRC:Kinshasa :Kally Maluku, +243 81 89 66 243 International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC):KinshasaCate Kamatu, +254 728 815 266Nairobi:    Susan Mbalu, +254 733 827 654Geneva:Tommaso Della Longa +41 79 708 4367 | Paolo Cravero +41 79 894 8396International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)Eléonore Asomani, [email protected] +221 78 186 46 87

Red Cross activates Early Action Protocols at the first signs of drought in El Salvador, Guatemala and Colombia

Panama City, 11 June 2026 — The Red Cross Societies of El Salvador, Guatemala and Colombia have activated their Early Action Protocols to protect more than 22,000 people at the first signs of drought. In all three countries, the lack of rainfall could worsen as a result of the El Niño phenomenon, which, according to the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), entered its active phase on 11 June.Early Action Protocols are instruments that bring together measures agreed in advance among communities, public authorities and the Red Cross, and are triggered when certain risk thresholds are reached, so that aid can be mobilized before damage occurs."Drought is a slow-motion disaster: it does not arrive in a single night and it rarely makes the headlines, which is why aid runs the risk of arriving too late," explained Loyce Pace, IFRC Regional Director for the Americas. "The difference between a hazard and a humanitarian crisis is almost always decided before the impact. This time, thanks to weather forecasts, pre-agreed joint action and anticipatory financing, we know that the moment to protect people is now."In Colombia, El Salvador and Guatemala, the activation of the drought Early Action Protocols is based on data gathered by the three countries' meteorological services, which point to the same forecast: rainfall well below normal for the June-to-August quarter, just as the agricultural cycle begins.In El Salvador, the General Directorate of the Environmental Observatory warned of a rainfall deficit between May and July. In Guatemala, the National Institute of Seismology, Volcanology, Meteorology and Hydrology (INSIVUMEH) forecasts El Niño-related conditions with a 70 per cent probability, along with below-normal rainfall. In Colombia, a cartographic analysis by the Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology and Environmental Studies (IDEAM) estimates a more than 50 per cent probability of below-normal rainfall and a moderate drought index by August.National Red Cross teams had been waiting for this scientific data to launch the readiness activities funded by the IFRC's Disaster Response Emergency Fund (IFRC-DREF). In total, this fund has 1.2 million Swiss francs (CHF) — around 1.5 million US dollars — available for early action against drought in the three countries. This funding is not allocated all at once: it is released in stages, as forecasts reach the risk thresholds agreed in advance among communities, public authorities and the Red Cross, so that each tranche of aid is mobilized just before the impact, not after.IFRC-DREF resources will make it possible to assist 10,000 people in the departments of Morazán and La Unión, in El Salvador; another 10,000 in municipalities of Guatemala's Dry Corridor, such as Chiquimula, Jalapa and Quetzaltenango; and 2,400 in the Colombian departments of Tolima and Cesar.Although each context is different, the measures follow the same logic: to act before the disaster strikes and to protect, at the same time, the food security, livelihoods, health and water access of affected communities — areas that droughts tend to hit simultaneously.The Red Cross will support families in the most vulnerable situations through cash transfers to safeguard food, obtain fuel and cover basic needs without depleting their assets. Teams will also provide safe drinking water as sources begin to run low, supplies to protect crops and livestock, and training in adaptive farming practices, hygiene and the prevention of heat-related illnesses.Worldwide, only one in every 10 dollars allocated to humanitarian action is invested in reducing or mitigating disaster risk. "It is critical that governments, cooperation agencies, financial institutions and international organizations invest in anticipatory action, early warning systems and forecast-based humanitarian action as essential mechanisms to protect lives, reduce economic losses and strengthen resilience," said Pace.For more information, contact: [email protected] Panama: Susana Arroyo Barrantes +50769993199