Study: Climate change fuels fire weather threatening the world’s oldest trees in Argentina and Chile

By The Climate CentreThe IFRC last week allocated half a million Swiss francs from its Disaster Response Emergency Fund to reinforce the Chilean Red Cross response to the large-scale forest-fire emergency that began in January in the Ñuble and Biobío regions in the centre of the country.“On 18 January, these fires went uncontrolled and rapidly spread due to adverse weather conditions and a sudden change of wind direction locally known as viento puelche, entering in a few hours in highly populated neighbourhoods,” IFRC-DREF said.The fires evolved rapidly and the authorities declared a catastrophe the same day, deploying the full resources of the national response system.“The emergency has had significant humanitarian impacts, including mass evacuations [of some 50,000 people], loss of life, damage to homes, disruption to livelihoods, and significant alterations in access to basic services and critical infrastructure,” IFRC-DREF added.The Chilean Red Cross earlier activated its simplified early action protocol for wildfire, the first of its kind in the world, releasing 95,000 CHF to assist 2,000 people.Human-induced climate change has made the fire weather that accompanied the recent blazes in both Chile and Argentina up to three times more likely, a new analysis by World Weather Attribution published today has found; La Niña is also shown to have played a lesser role in promoting the dry conditions.‘Massive impact in multiple areas’The scientists say these regions are getting up to 25 per cent less rainfall than they would have in a world without the burning of fossil fuels, while the fires were also driven by temperatures approaching 40°C and winds of some 40kph.The province mainly affected in Argentina, Chubut, includes the Los Alerces National Park in Patagonia that borders Chile and is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.Argentine scientist Juan Antonio Rivera of the Scientific and Technological Center in the central city of Mendoza and a WWA study author said: “These fires are striking at the heart of our communities and natural heritage. In Patagonia, we are seeing blazes threaten the Alerce trees – ancient giants that have stood undisturbed for thousands of years."“The combination of human-induced warming and natural cycles like La Niña has created an aridity that fires thrive on. For Chile and Argentina, the drying of our landscapes is no longer a projection but a crisis that needs an urgent response to protect our unique biodiversity and the people of our region.”The WWA statement today said that “iconic landscapes, glacial lakes, mountain towns, and peak summer tourism hubs, quickly became evacuation zones as fires advanced along the eastern slopes of the Andes.”The Climate Centre’s senior urban specialist Aynur Kadihasanoglu adds: “In Chile, the proximity of flammable pine plantations and human settlements puts lives and livelihoods at risk … To save lives, we must address not only the emissions driving rising temperatures, but also the local exposure that leaves communities so vulnerable.”The Chilean Red Cross has been involved in wildfire emergencies at the national level in 2012, 2014, 2017, 2022–23, and 2024, assisting thousands of affected people, but “the increase in the frequency and intensity of these threats due to climate change and population flows to areas of urbanization not regulated by the state have transformed these scenarios into events with massive impact in multiple areas,” IFRC-DREF says.

IFRC: Acting before disasters strike is key to saving lives and protecting human development progress in South America

Santiago, Chile, September 4, 2025 — More than 100 representatives from governments, international organizations, civil society, and communities affected by emergencies and disasters participated in the 7th Platform for Dialogue on Anticipatory Action in South America, held in Santiago, Chile, under the slogan “Act sooner, protect better: strengthening anticipatory action in South America.”Anticipatory Action is an innovative approach that seeks to prepare and protect communities and their livelihoods before disasters strike. This is achieved by using science, technology, and the knowledge of specialists and the population itself to develop measures that, when implemented before crises, help to keep people and their vital resources and assets safe. These measures may include cash transfers, forecast-based decision-making, early warning systems, drills, training, and distribution of essential items.The event was a key space for sharing lessons learned and strengthening anticipatory action in the face of increasingly intense and frequent floods, droughts, landslides, and hydrometeorological phenomena in South America.It was organized by the Anticipation Hub and co-organized by the Chilean Red Cross, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Practical Action, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the American Red Cross, the German Red Cross, Start Network, and the Danish Refugee Council (DRC)."Acting earlier, protecting better is the essence of anticipatory action: transforming response into prevention and reducing the impact on people's lives. FAO has prioritized this approach as a strategic pillar for safeguarding agricultural livelihoods and food security, integrating it into its emergency and resilience programs around the world," said Maya Takagi, Regional Program Leader at the FAO Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean, during the opening of the meeting.For her part, Loyce Pace, IFRC Director for the Americas, stressed that "in times of uncertainty and limited investment in humanitarian action, being prepared is not optional: it is vital. Although we do not know exactly when the next disaster will strike, we do know that it is possible to anticipate and reduce its impact by promoting local and global initiatives that combine science, technology, data, and public policy."Governments, civil society, the private sector, and humanitarian and cooperation agencies must join forces to make every dollar, every minute, and every life count."Although the exact figures vary, for every US dollar invested in risk reduction and prevention, up to US$15 can be saved in recovery costs after a disaster.In Latin America and the Caribbean, the IFRC and its network of Red Cross Societies promote anticipatory action by strengthening early warning systems, disseminating emergency alerts, combating misinformation, partnering with forecasting centers, and continuously conducting drills. They also develop evacuation and shelter plans for people and animals and integrate anticipatory initiatives into national policies and budgets.At its meeting in Santiago, Chile, the dialogue platform promoted innovative solutions, the strengthening of synergies, and the integration of anticipatory action into institutional and operational frameworks for South American countries.Since 2018, the dialogue platforms in Arequipa (Peru), Punta Cana (Dominican Republic), Panama City (Panama), Antigua Guatemala (Guatemala), San Pedro Sula (Honduras), and Cartagena de Indias (Colombia) have been instrumental in consolidating a regional community of practice that promotes cooperation between governments, subregional organizations, humanitarian actors, scientists, and community members. The Santiago meeting reinforces this process, renewing the region's commitment to anticipatory action in the face of disasters and crises.For more information, please contact: [email protected] Panama: Susana Arroyo Barrantes +507 6999-3199In Geneva: Tommaso Della Longa +41 7970-84367  Hannah Copeland +41 7623-69109 

Red Cross youth camps in the Americas: A chance to grow, celebrate and keep the flame of humanity alive

At a time when the challenges humanity faces seem increasingly complex, and the only consistent feature of modern life is rapid societal and technology change, the creativity and energy of young people is more critical than ever. Young people have a unique ability to adapt, propose innovative solutions, and redefine humanitarian leadership for the future—yet they often face an uncertain path, unsure of how to make a meaningful impact.That’s why National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies organize youth camps that give them opportunities to learn, grow, and build lasting connections, trusting that they will become the next generation of humanitarian leaders.Latin America is one of the regions where this tradition is especially strong: every year, hundreds of young people come together to share cultures, celebrate local identities, and connect with others from the youth movement, both within their countries and around the world.2025 is no exception. As we mark International Youth Day, we share the story of this long-standing regional tradition, which is more relevant than ever."In the 1980s, several thematic volunteer networks were created, including the first aid and paramedic networks. This began to be used more in Central America, then spread throughout the continent. In fact, there were Central American first aid camps, as well as camps focusing on other topics. From there, youth networks and camps also emerged.”Andrés Morales, Thematic Lead for Volunteer Development and Youth Engagement for the IFRC in the Americas.Currently, there are three youth networks in the Americas: Central America, South America and the Caribbean. Not all countries hold the camps, and the frequency varies according to local capacity. However, in countries such as Mexico and Costa Rica, the camps have been held consistently over time and are held every year.This year, Costa Rican Red Cross welcomed seven delegations of young people from the Red Cross in Italy, Mexico, Panama, the United Kingdom, the United States, Suriname and Venezuela. From Costa Rica, there were more than 500 young people from all over the country.“The Red Cross youth programme in Costa Rica has been around for over 100 years. We have been running camps for over 50 years.”Dyanne Marenco, President of the Costa Rican Red Cross, during the Coatí 2025 camp in January this year.“We really enjoyed the recreational and cultural activities and spending time with fellow members from other National Societies.”Sergio Jaén , National Director of Red Cross Youth in Panama, who participated in the Costa Rican Red Cross camp.Uruguay, Panama and Chile are examples of countries that also held camps in the first months of this year to strengthen the technical and leadership skills of young volunteers.In Mexico, the Mexican Red Cross national youth camp is taking place at the time of this publication, from August 6 to 9.“We are gathering in Morelos, in Tepoztlán, with more than 1,500 young people from all states of the Republic. We will be spending four days sharing knowledge, emotions, and, among all of us, family ties.”Judith López, from the National Youth Coordination of Mexican Red Cross.What are the youth camps like?Every camp is unique, whether it lasts one day or three, or whether it involves dozens or hundreds of participants. The important thing is to create a space where people can meet and share.“It's a place where young people can develop, learn, grow a lot as individuals, and have fun while doing something good for others. For me, being a Red Cross volunteer is an opportunity to grow as a person and develop skills that can be useful in my personal life and in my future professional life.”Luisa Ana Paula Carrasco, a volunteer and participant in the Red Cross Youth camp in Chile.From Andrés' perspective, beyond the tents and cooking stoves, a Red Cross youth camp is a place where four major dimensions come together:1. Celebration of young people and their communitiesThe camps recognize and celebrate the diversity of young identities within the Red Cross Movement, as well as the power of young people in humanitarian action.Meals, customs, dances and music from different regions of each country are shared at the camps, enriching the experience and promoting enjoyment and healthy interactions.2. Sharing achievements and experiencesFrom environmental and migration initiatives to mental health and road safety campaigns, camps provide the perfect opportunity to showcase the successes of youth programmes and share experiences and insights with people from different places.3. Learning and growthFrom first aid to reproductive health education, young people gain the tools they need to make a positive impact in their communities.At the camps, young people facilitate practical workshops, disaster simulations, sports competitions, rallies involving physical and mental challenges, and cultural presentations. These activities strengthen personal growth and leadership skills.4. Connecting with other peopleThe most compelling reason to organise a camp is to meet people from different places and backgrounds who share the same Red Cross values.Connecting with young people from different places, including other countries and continents, broadens your worldview and inspires you to work towards your dreams and goals.“The Red Cross is a place where I feel safe to share my ideas, to share what I think, and to share what I have to contribute to society, knowing that these ideas will be heard and taken into consideration."Alexandra Fernández, volunteer and participant in the Uruguayan Red Cross youth camp.Why are these camps important?For Andrés, these spaces serve as a reminder that, even in times of crisis and disaster, there is a network of young people willing to support their communities and help those in need.Additionally, camps and youth programmes frequently provide opportunities for nurturing new leadership within the Red Cross. Many current board members began their journey in a youth programme. This shows, yet again, that investing in young people is investing in the future of humanitarian action.“What I have learned at the Red Cross is that it doesn't matter what color your skin is, how much money you have, or anything else, because we will always help those in need.”Allison Gutiérrez, a young volunteer and participant in the Costa Rican Red Cross youth camp.If you are a young volunteer interested in organizing a camp or similar activity, contact your nearest Red Cross branch. Sometimes all it takes is a little encouragement to make our dreams come true.Read more about Red Cross Red Crescent youth initiatives:Uruguayan Red Cross project sends life-saving message: the lives of young people cannot be left just to chance – suicide is preventable | IFRC

Wildfires in Chile: Red Cross leads new way of managing wildfires, well before the crisis hits

Marion Sandoval began her career at the Chilean Red Cross 15 years ago as a volunteer so she knows how crisis can turn peoples’ lives upside down. Now, as national disaster risk management director for the Chilean Red Cross, she uses that experience in helping to build a new way of managing emergencies, one that starts well before the crisis hits.Following several years of devastating wildfires around the country, the National Society engaged numerous communities to develop what is known as an “early action protocol.”It may sound somewhat technical, but the basic concept is fairly simple: give people the tools and knowledge they need before a crisis hits so they can minimize the impact that fires or other emergencies might have on their community. We wanted to know more so we talked to Marion Sandoval about this novel approach.Why did the Chilean Red Cross develop this early action protocol for wildfires?For about the last 15 years, we have had a significant recurrence of forest fires. We have gone through mega fires like the one in 2017 that affected the Maule region and that had a significant impact on homes and also claimed many lives. These losses are being lamented to this day.The problem is that many people lack sufficient knowledge about fire behavior and the actions they need to take to stay safe. This is especially critical in communities located near forestry lands, or where timber companies are operating and where wildfire risk is high.That’s why it’s essential to support these communities—so they can better understand how fire behaves and how to reduce its impact and protect their lives, belongings, and livelihoods.What are some of the key actions in the protocols that help the people get ahead of the fires?One of the first ones is to know their environment, so that they can know where they should make firebreaks (places cleared of trees that can slow or stop a fire from spreading further) and how and where to evacuate safely.During the spring season, for example, the fields near people’s houses are filled with grass or, as summer arrives, dry plantations. So the houses are surrounded by vegetation that becomes a real risk factor.So in the first stage, we deliver a firebreak kit consisting of tools to make ditches or firewalls and to clean out the areas surrounding their homes. Along with this, people will receive an evacuation kit that includes a backpack with items to protect from smoke, plus a first-aid kit that contains eye medication and items to protect lungs and eyes from smoke and particulate matter. All this will be accompanied by the training of volunteers and community members.What we are hoping for is to encourage communities to evacuateas soon as we have the declaration of what we call “the red button” – a warning system that that is activated by the National Forestry Corporation, based on real-time monitoring of the fire’s movement. The red button activation means the community is likely to be exposed – in 2 or 3 days -- to the impact of the fire.One of the big problems in Chile is that communities often do not evacuate because of the fear of losing their belongings and their homes. So, in this case, the early action protocol promotes safe evacuations because people feel more assured that their belongings and their homes will be protected.This protection is also critical for recovery afterwards because these households are also what allow people to have electricity, hot water, a shower, a refrigerator or cooked food – things that also help prevent diseases. After fires, forest water sources are lost or contaminated, which could lead to diseases.At the same time, local authorities are encouraging people to build and improve their homes with more solid, fire-resistant materials such as concrete, bricks, blocks, rather than wood or other lightweight materials.In this way, we are also ensuring the subsequent recovery of people’s livelihoods. When these fires strike, not only is the housing lost, but also the plantations people have made for personal consumption and for animal fodder are lost. This means byproducts such as milk, cheese, poultry and eggs –which people sell or consume – are also lost.All the work you are doing in response to forest fires connects with the high temperatures and heatwaves. How are the these two phenomena connected?Clearly, if we have fires in an area and a heat wave happening at the same time, we are going to have a greater impact and, in turn, a greater advance of the fire. So, we have now started to review heat waves. We also want to advance in a protocol for heat waves.We are now entering winter, but in the last summer we had a heat wave alert almost once a week d uring the months of February, March, even December last year. So, the dynamics of heat waves is happening a lot in the southern part of our country and here in the big cities because of the buildings.So we also want to look for key messages for our community and work on delivering recommendations that are feasible and that can be foreseen. For example, if we have heat waves, there is the issue of hydration, sunscreen, of walking in the shade, doing sports. There a lot of recommendations that we could be delivering to our community to prevent the impact of heat waves.Are there any other actions being carried out by the Chilean Red Cross to prevent fires, or threats related to extreme temperatures?We have a program in which schools, communities, neighborhood councils, the community itself knows its risks and can identify the needs, not only for forest fires and heat waves, but also for floods, tsunami effect, landslides and other emergencies.The key to any situation is to be prepared, to have contingency plans, to have family emergency plans, to be clear about what we are going to do when we have a heat wave or when we have a forest fire or any other event that could affect us.

Extreme fire-weather in Chile driven by climate change and El Niño

By the Climate CentreOn Monday 12 February the IFRC approved a Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) operation for half a million Swiss francs to help the Chilean Red Cross assist nearly 10,000 people affected by the fires, which it says have had “profound consequences” and are notably worse than similar wildfires a year ago.The Chilean Red Cross is continuing to assist thousands of people affected by the wildfires that the UN now says are believed to be the deadliest on record in the country, collecting aid in kind donated by residents all over the country, and partnering with a local bank to expedite online donations.The Red Cross is also assisting on the ground with first aid and has set up a hotline to help family members separated by the fires to re-establish contact.A full account of the Chilean Red Cross response to the disaster – which President Gabriel Boric earlier this week described as the “biggest tragedy” since the 2010 earthquake – is now available (in Spanish) via an IFRC X/Twitter space.“The inhabitants of Viña del Mar, of Quilpué, of Villa Alemana, have gone through and are experiencing a situation that has been tremendously catastrophic, exceptional, unprecedented and painful,” President Boric said.Chilean authorities said Tuesday that 131 bodies had been recovered from burnt-out neighbourhoods.Destructive seasonsThe fires in Chile come two weeks after Colombia declared a disaster as nearly 30 wildfires continued to rage there out of more then 300 since November, UNDRR noted, adding that a 2022 report by the UN Environment Programme anticipated a global increase of extreme fires of up to 14 per cent by 2030 “due to climate change and land-use change”.In Chile, wildfires have “dramatically risen in recent years”, according to a study published late last month in Nature journal, which researched the 2022–23 southern hemisphere summer fire-season. Nearly 2 million hectares have been ravaged by wildfires over the past ten years, the study says, three times the amount for the preceding decade, with all but one of the seven most destructive seasons observed since 2014.“Fire weather conditions (including high temperatures, low humidity, dryness, and strong winds) increase the potential for wildfires, once ignited, to rapidly spread,” the Nature authors write, while “the concurrence of El Niño and climate-fuelled droughts and heatwaves boost the local fire risk and have decisively contributed to the intense fire activity recently seen in central Chile.”MegadroughtJuan Bazo, the Climate Centre’s regional representative for Latin America, said today: “There is clear evidence that climate change and variability, including ENSO, have a significant relationship to fires in Chile, especially in the past decade when they’ve been increasingly extreme".“Unprecedentedly severe droughts and heatwaves are closely linked to wildfires and are having a serious impact on the most vulnerable communities.”Additional investments in adaptation and resilience that may be needed in the light of intensifying climate impacts include “include improving the country’s Early Warning System (EWS), a critical tool to take early action, reduce disaster risk, and support climate adaptation,” the Nature article adds.“These systems allow forecasting hazardous weather and help to minimize impacts by opportunely informing governments, communities, and individuals.”For much of the last decade, Chile has also been in the grip of what is termed a megadrought – the longest since records began, heightening the risk still further.

Off the radar: Ten disasters of 2023 you’ve likely never heard of

Maybe it's because the disaster happened in a remote, rural area, far from media hubs. Maybe it’s “too small” to warrant a global reaction. Whatever the reason, some emergencies don't get as much attention as others. For the people living through these crises, however, they are just as real, heartbreaking and life-changing as the big catastrophes that go viral or that benefit from the ‘CNN effect’. And when you’ve lost your home to a flood, fire or landslide – or you’ve had to leave town with nothing but the clothes on your back – you don’t have time for the world to catch on. This is why the IFRC has a rapid-response funding mechanism called the Disaster Response Emergency Fund (IFRC-DREF) that gets funds quickly to all crises, large or small. Here are ten of the least-known disasters that IFRC-DREF responded to in 2023. 1. El Nino in Ecuador In the later half of 2023, extreme rainfall generated by the El Niño phenomenon on the Ecuadorian coast caused rapid flooding. Fortunately, affected communities were more prepared than in the past thanks to actions they took ahead of the rains. When the El Nino’s impacts were first forecast, government agencies declared that preparing for and preventing damage from the expected heavy rains was a national priority. For its part, the IFRC-DREF allocated funds to ensure 1,000 at-risk families would have safe drinking water, proper waste management, food set aside and many other precautionary measures. 2. Cholera outbreak in Zimbabwe Like many other relatively localized or regional epidemics, the cholera outbreak in Zimbabwe in 2023 has received little international attention. It started in February 2023 and to date, suspected and confirmed cases have been reported in 41 districts in all the country’s 10 provinces. The IFRC has launched an emergency appeal to support the work of the Zimbabwe Red Cross, but even before that, IFRC-DREF dispersed CHF 500,000 to support 141,257 people with health care and water, sanitation and hygiene support in key impacted areas. The goal is to prevent and control the spread of Cholera, interrupt the chain of transmission, facilitate the improvement of case management and improve basic sanitation, hygiene practices and access to safe drinking water. 3. Floods in Bosnia-Herzegovina The northwestern area of Bosnia and Herzegovina experienced intense rainfall in mid-May 2023, causing widespread flooding and extensive damage to people’s houses and local infrastructure. The floods also destroyed crops and rendered much farmland and dairy production inoperable. It was a severe blow to one of the lowest-income areas in Europe, a region that relies on local agriculture for sustenance and income. IFRC-DREF allocated CHF 126,504 to the Bosnian Red Cross to support 1500 people through a variety of assistance measures, including cash transfers, distribution of essential equipment and hygiene supplie, and dissemination of health information, among other things. 4. Storms and floods on top of drought and conflict Sometimes disasters are hidden by the larger crisis enveloping a particular region. The scale of the humanitarian suffering in Yemen is so massive and widespread, there was little notice of the tropical cyclone that hit the country in October 2023. Tropical Cyclone Tej made landfall over the southern coast of Al Mahrah Governorate on the night of 23 October and continued to move northwestward. The cyclone caused widespread flooding, infrastructure destruction, displacement of communities, and the loss of many lives. IFRC-DREF quickly supported the response of Yemen Red Crescent with CHF 281,000 to support internally displaced people, host communities, returnees, marginalized groups, and migrants/refugees. 5. Fires in Chile In Febuary 2023, strong winds and high temperatures caused dozens of forest fires across central and southern Chile, leading to casualties and widespread damage. They followed earlier, destructive forest fires in December 2022 that spread rapidly around the city of Viña del Mar. With IFRC-DREF funding, the Chilean Red Cross provided support to more than 5,000 people. Staff and volunteer teams provided medical support and distributed cash so that people could buy the things they needed to recover.More information. 6. Deadly Marburg outbreak in Gabon In early February 2023, the Government of Equatorial Guinea reported the death of nine people who presented symptoms of hemorrhagic fever and soon after the WHO confirmed the country was experiencing an epidemic of Marburg disease. The Gabon Red Cross contributed to the government’s preventive measures and by 15 May, the epidemic over. Roughly CHF 140,000 in emergency DREF funds are now being used to increase the Gabon Red Cross’s ability to respond to Marburg disease and other outbreaks in the future by ensuring the mobilized personnel can detect suspected cases quickly, anticipate spread and prepare for a coordinated response with health authorities. 7. Severe hail storms in Armenia In June 2023, severe hailstorms struck various regions of Armenia, causing extensive damage and disruption. In the southern region, rural communities near the border experienced heavy precipitation that overwhelmed sewage systems, flooded streets and houses, and rendered roads and bridges impassable. The hail and subsequent flooding resulted in significant damage to houses, livestock, gardens, and food stocks. IFRC-DREF quickly allocated CHF 386,194to support Armenian Red Cross's efforts to help 2,390 people who lost crops, livelihoods or who suffered extreme damage to their homes. 8. Population Movement in Benin Around the world, there are hundreds of places where people are fleeing violence that rarely gets reported in international media. Here’s one case in point: over the past three years, non-state armed groups in the Sahel region has increased in the border area of Burkina Faso with Benin and Togo, forcing thousands to leave their homes. The IFRC-DREF allocated CHF 259,928 to support Benin Red Cross in assisting displaced people and host communities in Benin. The funds were used to provide immediate food and material aid to the most vulnerable households, covering immediate needs (shelter, access to drinking water, basic household supplies) for at least 3,000 people. 9. Cold spells and snowstorms in Mongolia A devastating snowstorm swept across eastern parts of Mongolia and certain provinces in Gobi areas, starting on 19 May 2023. The storm brought high winds and 124 people (mostly from herder community) were reported missing after following their livestock, which wandered off because of the storm. A total of 122 people were found, but tragically 2 people died. There were also severe damage to infrastructure, including the collapse of 22 electricity sub-stations, which caused power outage in several counties. Nearly 150 households suffered loss or severe damage to their “gers” or yurts (traditional circular, domed structures), as well as widespread death of livestock. IFRC-DREF allocated CHF 337,609 to support the Mongolian Red Cross's efforts to provide shelter, cash assistance and psychosocial support to 3,400 people. 10. Drought in Uruguay Uruguay is currently experiencing widespread drought due to a lack of rainfall since September 2022 and increasingly high temperatures in the summer seasons—prompting the Uruguayan government to declare a state of emergency. The government officially requested the support of the Uruguayan Red Cross to conduct a needs assessment of the drought, so it could understand how it was impacting people and agricultural industries. With funding IFRC-DREF, Uruguayan Red Cross teams headed out into the most-affected areas to speak to more than 1,300 familiesabout the drought’s impact on their health, livelihoods and access to water. Their findings are helping the government make more informed decisions on how to address the drought, taking into account the real needs of those affected.More information.

7 disasters in the Americas in 2023 that you may not have heard about

Disasters and crises happen all the time around the world. Some make international headlines – like the earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria or the international armed conflict in Ukraine – but others go unheard of to people outside the countries where they strike. These smaller, lesser-known disasters still claim lives, destroy livelihoods, and set entire communities back. The Americas region alone has faced many small and medium-sized disasters so far this year. But while these disasters may have gone unnoticed to the wider world, Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies across the region have been there – right by the side of communities. The IFRC has supported – getting money to our National Societies quickly through our Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) so they can prepare and respond effectively. Let’s take a look at seven disasters in the Americas you may not have heard about from the first half of 2023, and how the IFRC network has supported the people affected. 1. Chile - forest fires: In Febuary 2023, strong winds and high temperatures caused dozens of forest fires across central and southern Chile, leading to casualties and widespread damage. They followed earlier, destructive forest fires in December 2022 that spread rapidly around the city of Viña del Mar. With DREF funding, the Chilean Red Cross provided support to more than 5,000 people affected by the fires over the following months. Staff and volunteer teams provided medical support to communities and distributed cash so that people could buy the things they needed to recover. More information. 2. Uruguay - drought: Uruguay is currently experiencing widespread drought due to a lack of rainfall since September 2022 and increasingly high temperatures in the summer seasons—prompting the Uruguayan government to declare a state of emergency. The government officially requested the support of the Uruguayan Red Cross to conduct a needs assessment of the drought, so it could understand how it was impacting people and agricultural industries. With funding from the DREF, Uruguayan Red Cross teams headed out into the most-affected areas to speak to more than 1,300 familiesabout the drought’s impact on their health, livelihoods and access to water. Their findings are helping the government to make better-informed decisions on how to address the drought, taking into account the real needs of those affected. This is the first time DREF funding has been used to support a damage assessment in this way. More information. 3. Paraguay - floods: In February and March 2023, heavy rains in northern Paraguay caused severe flooding—forcing many families to abandon their homes and paralyzing key infrastructure and industries. The Paraguayan Red Cross responded, providing first aid and psychosocial support to people in temporary shelters. Volunteers also shared information with communities on how to protect themselves from water-borne diseases and from the increase in mosquitoes. More information. 4. Ecuador - floods, earthquake, and landslides: In the first quarter of 2023, Ecuador was struck by several, simultaneous disasters—floods, landslides, building collapses, hailstorms and an earthquake—that put the Ecuadorian Red Cross to the test. Their volunteers deployed quickly provided wide-ranging support to people affected--including shelter, health care, water, sanitation and cash assistance. They also conducted surveys to understand exactly how people had been affected, and what they most needed to recover. More information. 5. Argentina - floods: In June, heavy rains caused flash flooding in the municipality of Quilmes, Buenos Aires, affecting an estimated 4,000 families. The flooding caused power outages, road closures and a contamination of water supplies—prompting the local authorities to request the support of the Argentine Red Cross. Volunteer teams quickly mobilized to provide first aid and psychosocial support to people who had moved to evacuation centres in the area. In the coming weeks and months, the Argentine Red Cross – with DREF funding – will provide shelter, health, water, sanitation and hygiene support to 500 of the most vulnerable families affected by the floods. More information. 6. Haiti floods: Flash floods also struck Haiti in early June following an exceptionally heavy rainstorm that swept the entire country. Though not classified as a cyclone or tropical downpour, the rainstorm nonetheless affected thousands of families, claimed more than 50 lives and submerged entire houses. The Haitian Red Cross quicklydeployed rescue workers to provide first aid and assist with evacuations. Working alongside Movement partners, and with DREF support, they’ve also been distributing mattresses, shovels, rakes, hygiene kits, water treatment kits and plastic sheeting. In a country already experiencing a cholera epidemic, Haitian Red Cross volunteers continue to share important information with communities about how to stay healthy and adopt good hygiene practices—especially important due to the increased risk from flood waters. More information. 7. Dominican Republic - floods: This same rainstorm in Haiti also affected communities across the border in the Dominican Republic, causing flash flooding in the country’s west. The Dominican Red Cross has been providing humanitarian assistance in the form of search and rescue, evacuation, health and hygiene services, psychological first aid and restoring family links (RFL) services. More information. -- These are just a few examples of the many disasters that have hit the Americas so far this year. With DREF support, Red Cross Societies across the region have been able to respond quickly to these disasters—providing effective and local humanitarian assistance directly to those who need it. If you would like to help our network to continue responding to smaller disasters like these, please consider donating to our Disaster Response Emergency Fund today.

Chilean Red Cross

We make the impossible, possible

By Olivia Acosta David Brito is studying to be a commercial engineer in Chile and in the meantime he is thinking about how to help most affected people by COVID-19 in his country. And he comes up with some good ideas. His mother was already a volunteer with the Chilean Red Cross for the extinction of forest fires, when her 23-year-old son joined the O'Higgins Regional Committee three years ago, where he works and develops his creativity in the fight against COVID-19. Since the declaration of the pandemic, David has been thinking about how the Red Cross could help people who were feeling lonely and isolated during the months of confinement. At the same time, many of the organization's senior volunteers were also very frustrated about having to stay home from volunteering. And so, in late March, the Speak to Me project was born. "It all started with the purchase of a SIM card that cost less than 2,000 Chilean pesos (2 euros). With that card and a phone, we were able to make ourselves available to people in confinement who were looking for an emotional distress... At first, we were surprised to find that not only elderly living alone called us, also parents or even young people who were looking to talk to someone who would listen to them and get truthful information about the virus, did it. This service is helping us a lot to fight false rumors that put people's health at risk”. First it was the phone, but such was the acceptance in the community that they quickly set up a WhatsApp line and a Facebook account so they could reach more people. Several senior volunteers in their 70s and 80s answer the calls, while younger ones take care of Facebook and WhatsApp line. According to David: "I thought the project was an excellent idea to offer a double service of psychosocial support: on one hand, senior volunteers who could not leave their homes due to the confinement restrictions, now can work from their homes without over-exposure themselves to the virus, and on the other hand, many people in need are receiving support during these difficult times." The team of 7 volunteers who answer the calls have psychosocial training, and to attend most difficult cases they receive counseling from a psychologist. "I must admit that it was not easy to start”, continues David, "because everyone thought it was very complicated to do it right, but now we have become so famous that we also get calls from other countries. I remember one day when the phone rang at four in the morning... it was an old lady from Spain, Doña Concepción, who was very lonely and needed support. We referred the case to the Spanish Red Cross so they could take care of her from there." They also receive calls from people who have detected that a neighbor is very lonely and needs company, or food, hygiene items, or even medicine. One of the saddest cases was a call that came in about 32 migrant families from different Latin American countries who were living in confinement, crowded together in a tiny space, in terrible conditions. "It was gratifying to be able to help them, especially the children, who were really in need… the best payment is a sincere smile from someone who says thank you.” According to David, "we adapt to any situation no matter how difficult it is, the will of the whole team made the project moving forward because we are not going to give up on our fight against coronavirus. Our motto is: we make the imposible, possible," he ends. The Chilean Red Cross in response to the pandemic has provided more than 49,000 services in polyclinic activities, support to vaccination campaigns, delivery of humanitarian aid to migrants and vulnerable communities, distribution of PPE, food distribution, psychosocial support, etc. In addition, it has disseminated information and prevention measures and has made home visits to people with mobility difficulties and the elderly.

Chile: Fighting COVID-19 in planes

By Fernando Gandarillas. Cristian is a volunteer of the Chilean Red Cross and a specialist in psychosocial support. Along with other medical and psychological volunteers, he has been providing psychosocial support since April to passengers on domestic flights. So far, nearly 1,000 people have been reached in 15 trips, thanks to a partnership with the private company in Chile. "The combination of a pandemic and air travel can be intimidating for a person. People get very nervous", Cristian said. He is in the aisle, talking to passengers and giving them psychosocial support. As he finishes his talk, another volunteer waves at him from the other side of the aisle, so that he moves closer to an older woman who is in a state of panic. Minutes earlier, the Red Cross medical volunteers were giving practical demonstrations on the use of masks and proper hand washing, when one of them noticed the woman had injuries on her hands, and was very stressed. He waited for Cristian to finish talking and called for his attention. Cristian starts talking to the woman to create trust. She says she is returning to Santiago de Chile after attending a family wake in Iquique. During the last few days, she had washed her hands with chlorine, mistakenly believing that this would stop COVID-19. She tells Cristian how petrified she is of catching COVID-19 on the plane and bringing the virus home. It's 10 pm and the flight is about to arrive in Santiago. Cristian moves away from the woman and they both take their seat to prepare for landing. It has been a long day for the volunteers. At 6 am they were already at the Arturo Merino Benitez Airport in Santiago to provide support to the crew and passengers who were travelling on the outbound flight from the capital to Iquique. "People who leave the capital for different regions usually present significant levels of anxiety. However, those who travel from small cities or towns in the country to Santiago are the ones who face higher levels of fear, because they know that the capital is where the greatest concentration of cases are. Many of these people need to travel to the capital because they have to undergo health treatment," Cristian says. Chile is one of the countries in the region most impacted by COVID-19. To respond to the pandemic, the Chilean Red Cross has been working to raise public awareness of disease prevention, providing psychosocial support, and delivering personal protection equipment to various cities throughout the country. To strengthen this work, actions have been coordinated with the private sector. The support that volunteers provide on commercial flights within Chile is part of these coordinated efforts to stop the spread of the virus. The plane lands and Cristian, together with his colleagues, waits for all the passengers to leave. "I learned a lot about prevention measures on this flight, and above all I felt support. I loved the emotional release techniques they taught us," said one of the passengers. Before getting off the plane, the Red Cross volunteers hold a small meeting to listen to the flight captain and crew's observations. "As soon as we get into the plane, they welcome us and make us feel part of their team," Cristian says. Satisfied of providing help in the fight against the pandemic, Cristian crosses the runway to go to airport control. "Personally, I think this is a way of fulfilling our humanitarian mission. And for me it's a way to thank life.”