New Red Vest podcast episode: 'Quiet strength' – Three years of conflict in Sudan have forced millions from their homes. While the crisis gets little outside attention, the people of Sudan persevere.

Lives on Hold: Inside Lebanon’s growing displacement crisis

Within this exodus are people like Layla, Adnan, and Nancy. Their stories bridge the gap between tragedy and hope, highlighting the critical humanitarian lifeline provided by the Lebanese Red Cross (LRC), in partnership with the IFRC.Layla’s storyLayla cannot remember the exact date she urgently fled Burj al-Barajneh, a municipality located on the south side of the capital Beirut.“At the beginning of the hostilities, the first strike hit near our home. I grabbed my children and leftin panic.”The streets were chaotic, crowded with people on foot more than in cars.“That first night, we slept on the beach in Ramlet al-Baida. It was very cold. We were exhausted.”After moving from place to place, Layla and her five children eventually found shelter at the Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium in Beirut, where they now live.Managed by the Lebanese Red Cross, the Sports city is Lebanon’s largest collective shelter, hosting more than 1,200 displaced people. The Lebanese Red Cross also provides essential aid nationwide—blankets, mattresses, ready-to-eat meals, bread, and safe drinking water—ensuring support reaches those most in need.“We are six. The situation is difficult, but we thank God. I still don’t know if our home is damaged,” she says.Her youngest, four years old, screams whenever she hears drones or airplanes; she also suffers from heart problems.While her older daughter panics during shelling, and her sons remain silent — “but you can see the fear in their eyes”, Leila adds.Despite everything, Layla expresses gratitude: “The Lebanese Red Cross is doing everything they can. Even their kindness and smiles make a difference.”Her requests are simple—hot water for the children, clothes and shoes, and some fresh food beyond canned items. This is her second displacement in less than two years, and she is still waiting—for safety, and the chance to return home.Adnan’s story“My name is Adnan, and I’m fourteen years old. We fled from Shiyah at the start of March.”He now lives with his family of five in the Sports city shelter.“Being in a shelter is better than nothing, and better than living on the streets,” he says.Adnan misses his school and friends; he studies remotely via lessons sent over WhatsApp. When asked what he wishes for, he answers simply: “I hope the escalation ends. God willing.”Nancy’s Story: ‘The Red Cross is my safe place’“My name is Nancy, and I’m twenty years old. I study psychology at the Lebanese University.”Nancy was displaced from Tyre, a coastal city in southern Lebanon.She now works at the Sports city shelter, supporting displaced families on the ground, while her parents are staying at a separate Lebanese Red Cross-managed shelter at Antelias High School.“I help people with their needs because they are living in the same conditions as I am,” she says. “Being on the ground keeps me stable. Without this work, my mental state would be completely shattered.”Having experienced previous displacements, Nancy emphasizes the importance of psychological support, adding: “Being displaced is never easy. It’s very hard to leave your life, your home, your family, friends, and your university—and not know whether they’ll be safe today or tomorrow”.“The Lebanese Red Cross is my safe space. When I put on this uniform, I feel at home and able to help others.”The broader responseThe Lebanese Red Cross is Lebanon’s main provider of ambulance services, operating 125 ambulances, 12 Mobile Medical Units, and 29 health centers (with some temporarily closed due to the security situation).Sixteen Emergency Operations Rooms coordinate with authorities to support shelter operations, monitor displacement, and plan the humanitarian response. To support hospitals, the LRC maintains an emergency blood supply.IFRC support is critical in sustaining these services. With a CHF 2 million allocation through the IFRC’s Disaster Response Emergency Fund and an extended Emergency Appeal, the IFRC helps ensure ambulance services, health care, blood supply, and relief assistance reach displaced families across Lebanon.The most urgent needs remain shelter, food, emergency medical access, and psychological support, as families arrive with few belongings and no clear timeline for returning home.Through the courage and resilience of people like Layla, Adnan, and Nancy, and the dedication of the Lebanese Red Cross with IFRC support, vital humanitarian aid continues to reach those most in need in Lebanon’s largest shelters.Story by Mey Al SayeghHead of communications for IFRC's Middle East and North Africa region

One year after Myanmar earthquake, local responders drive recovery as international support remains critical

Yangon/Kuala Lumpur/Geneva, 27 March 2026–One year after a devastating earthquake struck central Myanmar, communities and local responders continue to show extraordinary strength as they rebuild amid overlapping crises. Even as thousands of families work to recover from the destruction of homes, schools, and health facilities, ongoing conflict, economic challenges, flooding, and extreme heat have compounded hardship for millions across the country.In the face of these challenges, IFRC support has been critical in helping the Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS) and its network of thousands of trained volunteers to remain a lifeline for communities, often reaching the most vulnerable families in distant and hard to access areas. Support by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and 32 National Societies worldwide, as well as other partners and donors, has brought vital assistance to more than 213,652 people across 31 townships.Local volunteers at the heart of a community-driven recoveryFrom the earliest hours of the disaster, MRCS staff and volunteers mobilised to provide first aid, health care, food and safe water, shelter items, and essential household supplies – often travelling from all corners of the country to assist those in need.“One year after the March 2025 earthquake, communities in Myanmar continue to show remarkable strength and dignity,”said Nadia Khoury, Head of Delegation, IFRC Myanmar.“I have just travelled to activity sites in 16 different villages and wards in several of the earthquake-affected areas and was impressed to see how the Myanmar Red Cross has worked with community committees, with village leaders, and through its volunteers to really address the biggest needs of the communities in an inclusive, participatory, and dignified manner,” she added.Flexible assistance: restoring choice, dignity, and faster recoveryA cornerstone of the response has been multipurpose assistance, which has allowed families to choose what matters most as they start to rebuild their lives. After receiving emergency shelter, health support, and essential items, many used grants to repair homes, buy food, replace lost belongings, or pay medical fees.Through MRCS’s strong community networks, multipurpose assistance has been delivered effectively, including in hard-to-access locations. While working in these locations can be challenging and requires careful management, MRCS has put strong systems in place to ensure funds are used safely and effectively. Over the past year, the IFRC also facilitated using new digital tools to improve transparency, strengthen community feedback, and ensure assistance reaches those most in need, when they need it.Community-led shelters enabling safer, dignified livingIn parallel, the Myanmar Red Cross has enabled hundreds of families to build safe, locally appropriate homes through a community-led shelter approach, with technical assistance and guidance from MRCS and IFRC. Using grants, families select from preferred designs that meet safety standards and incorporate Build Back Safer techniques, including rainwater harvesting, ventilation, sanitation facilities, and solar power. These shelters are built with local materials and enhanced to withstand future hazards such as earthquakes, flooding, and cyclones.Massive needs remain as recovery continuesDespite significant progress, thousands of families still require support to rebuild livelihoods, homes, and essential services. Reconstructing water and sanitation systems, restoring access to health care, and reestablishing sustainable income opportunities will require time and continued investment.“There's still so much to be done this year and in 2027. We've had a remarkable response from the international community. The MRCS has delivered with professionalism, with expertise in a timely manner and we look forward to working together to keep assisting those affected by the earthquake and other vulnerable people here in Myanmar,” said Jonathan Brass,Operations Manager, IFRC Myanmar Delegation.IFRC calls for sustained supportTheIFRC Emergency Appeal for Myanmar remains only 29.4% funded, limiting the ability to scale up recovery activities that communities urgently need. Additional contributions are essential to ensure families can continue rebuilding with dignity and hope.“Recovery is far from over. Now we look forward to the recovery phase through livelihood, additional integrated shelter and sanitation and embedding sustainability and disaster preparedness in our community work,” added Nadia Khoury.Note to editors:Visuals:PhotosandB-roll are available. Story:One year after the earthquake, rebuilding lives and livelihoodsFor more information or to request an interview, please contact:[email protected] Kuala Lumpur:Afrhill Rances, +60 19 271 3641In Geneva: Tommaso Della Longa, +41 79 708 4367

Sounds like home: One year after the earthquake, rebuilding lives and livelihoods

Under pressure: Special World Water Day reporting from camps in eastern Chad, where refugees are coping with extreme heat, water scarcity, and rising food prices.

The long road to recovery: Six months after the quake in Afghanistan's Kunar Province, the memories remain painfully vivid

IOM and IFRC Assume Co-Leadership of Global Shelter, Land and Site Coordination Cluster

Geneva, 19 February 2026 – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) have assumed joint leadership of the new Global Shelter, Land and Site Coordination Cluster, marking a major step forward in delivering faster, fairer, and more effective humanitarian assistance worldwide.“This is about putting people at the centre of humanitarian response,” said IOM's Director General Amy Pope. “When shelter, land and site coordination work together, families are safer, communities are more stable, and recovery can begin sooner. It gives people not just support in a crisis, but a stronger foundation to rebuild their lives with dignity.”The new approach brings together shelter assistance, site coordination, and housing, land and property support under a single, integrated framework. It is a critical outcome of both the Humanitarian Reset – the system-wide effort to simplify humanitarian coordination, reduce duplication, and make responses faster, more accountable, and closer to the needs of people affected by crises and displacement – and IFRC’s Renewal, the organization’s strategic reorientation to focus on where and how it can have the most impact at the local level.Building on their long-standing collaboration, IOM and IFRC will share responsibility for global coordination in both conflict and disaster settings. The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) will continue to lead coordination on housing, land and property issues, ensuring continuity and strong technical leadership.The new global platform reflects the realities of how people in crisis live, whether in camps, informal sites, host communities, and urban neighbourhoods and rural areas. It recognizes the broader impact of shelter, not just in providing safety and stability, but also as a critical enabler of other humanitarian outcomes, such as health or education, and will serve as a key platform for coordination across different sectors in displacement settings. It also considers how climate change and environmental pressures shape where and how people live, and places a strong emphasis on community engagement and locally led responses. By involving communities directly in decisions that affect their lives, it supports solutions to displacement that are led by communities themselves and built to last.“This new cluster represents a shift in mindset to a truly place-based, people-centred approach. Its remit starts with where people actually live - their homes, neighbourhoods and communities - and organises support around that. And we shift leadership closer to those contexts, enabling national and local actors to lead coordination wherever possible, with international partners supporting rather than substituting local capacity,” said Jagan Chapagain, Secretary General and CEO of the IFRC.The impact of this closer collaboration is already visible. During the recent floods in Sri Lanka, IOM and IFRC worked side by side to support affected communities, combining emergency shelter assistance with site coordination and longer-term recovery planning, demonstrating how integrated coordination can accelerate support and improve outcomes for families.IOM and IFRC also thank UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, as well as UN-Habitat and NRC for their close collaboration throughout the transition and for their continued partnership as this new global approach moves forward.For more information, please visit IOM’s Media Centre and IFRC Media Hub, or email [email protected]

Philippines earthquake: 30 seconds and a life turned upside down

The Colombian Red Cross has assisted in the return of over 5,300 people so far in 2025 as part of its National Migration Strategy

Today, on International Migrants Day, we honour the journeys, dignity and resilience of those who move, as well as the humanity behind every act of welcome.The Colombian Red Cross demonstrates this commitment every week in its auxiliary role, when its staff and volunteers support Colombians returning on flights from the United States.What started as an unexpected request has evolved into a well-organised, compassionate and deeply humane response centred on protection, active listening and adaptability.As of 16 December 2025, the Colombian Red Cross has assisted 5,334 people arriving on 47 flights operated by the Colombian Air Force to El Dorado Airport, thanks to support from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies' Disaster Response Emergency Fund (IFRC-DREF).The first step: facing the unknownElizabeth Becerra, leader of the Colombian Red Cross migration team, recalls the chaos of those first few hours:“When we received the call from the Foreign Ministry the night before the flight arrived, we immediately activated the preparation process together with the different mission areas of our National Society,” she recalls. “Although we were facing an unknown scenario, our staff and volunteers arrived with a clear mission: to assist our fellow citizens with compassion and dedication. Some accompanied children, while others provided psychosocial support, shared a hot meal or provided primary healthcare, once again demonstrating the humanitarian commitment that characterises us.”That first night marked the start of a learning journey that has led to a response grounded in the principles of humanity, impartiality, and profound respect for people's rights.As the flights continued, support increased. Volunteers brought colours, plasticine and open hearts to welcome those returning home.Then, at the request of the Foreign Ministry, teams began accompanying people on their journey home and providing care during the flight. They listened to stories for over five hours, bearing witness to moments of catharsis and relief, and adapted each service to meet people's individual needs.“The children told us about events they had experienced months earlier. For them, it was reassuring to be on a plane that would take them home,” explains Elizabeth.As they got to know and understand the needs and preferences of the migrants, the team adapted their response. A hot empanada or a ponimalta became more than just food — they were a symbol of a warm welcome home.“The faces are etched in your memory when you give someone an empanada, they look at it, look at you, and start crying. It's strange for you because it's just an empanada, but for someone who has gone through this process, it's a psychosocial empanada; it's food that makes them feel at home,” says Fabiana Parra, Project Officer at the Colombian Red Cross.Expanding the scope: support from IFRC-DREF“We then realised that we needed both an air and a ground response. So we started looking for resources and deployed even more,”Elizabeth explains.That's when the support of the IFRC network came into play. Thanks to the Disaster Response Emergency Fund (IFRC-DREF), the Colombian Red Cross was able to increase its on-the-ground assistance, providing hydration, food, legal guidance, psychosocial support, personalised care, safe shelter and the simple yet powerful gesture of asking, "Would you like some coffee? How would you like it?” Because dignity begins with choice."It's impossible not to be moved when you see their faces as they enter the accommodation service. After so much uncertainty and exhaustion, it's almost unimaginable for many to be able to rest in a clean bed in a quiet room with privacy and choose from a buffet breakfast,” says Elizabeth. “In those small gestures, they feel they can finally breathe. For them, it's like touching the sky.”“This humanitarian response has transformed the way we understand our daily work. We have witnessed hugs that had been years in the making, parents and children being reunited after long periods of silence” Elizabeth continues.“We have accompanied families who arrive at the airport on flight after flight, clinging to the hope of hearing news from their loved ones, with our hearts in our hands. Amidst all these stories, we have also felt how love can bridge distances through a simple phone call, bringing comfort, relief and dignity to those who need it most.”National Migration Strategy 2024–2030The immediate response work at El Dorado Airport is just one visible sign of a deeper commitment.In line with the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement's Global Migration Strategy, the Colombian Red Cross formalised its National Migration Strategy 2024–2030 in 2024. This long-term, rights-based framework recognises migration as a human right, committing the institution to providing multisectoral, humane and inclusive support throughout the country.The strategy strengthens protection pathways, expands access to healthcare, integrates legal and psychosocial support, promotes social inclusion and reinforces humanitarian diplomacy and coordination with local, national and international authorities."Everyone has been involved in this process, from our managers to those who support us in administrative areas and the mission teams,” explains Elizabeth. “It has been deeply meaningful to see how, even from behind a desk, humanity can be transformed into a concrete response for our fellow citizens. That is priceless.”Every Thursday over the past year, as the flights arrive, Red Cross teams have encountered people who are exhausted and emotionally drained. The following morning, after resting, showering and eating a hot meal, the teams see renewed faces, reunited families and people who feel at home again.

Beyond the blackouts: Ukraine facing its hardest winter yet, IFRC warns

Kyiv/Budapest/Geneva, 14 November 2025 – This coming winter may be the hardest one in years for many people in Ukraine, warns the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).With savings exhausted, prices soaring, and livelihoods destroyed, millions now face a season where survival depends on the support of others. The Ukrainian Red Cross and the IFRC Network are scaling up their efforts - helping communities prepare before the cold sets in and supporting communities to survive through the hardest months of winter.Last winter, 60 per cent of people surveyed by the Ukrainian Red Cross said that they did not have enough food, and 50 per cent did not have stable access to water, electricity and gas.i“Almost four years of conflict have eroded people’s resources. Many families are entering this winter with no financial buffer – seven out of ten people said they don’t have any savings left,” said Jaime Wah, Deputy Head of Delegation for IFRC in Ukraine.Across Ukraine, frequent power cuts plunge neighbourhoods into darkness, cut heating, and force hospitals onto emergency power. For older people and vulnerable people in high-rise buildings, blackouts can mean hours or days of isolation without elevators, heat, and often without food or medicine.But the impact goes beyond that: shops are closing early, restaurants are losing their food stock, and farmers can’t store what they produce. Prices continue to rise as small businesses are closing, and people are losing their jobs.A plan to keep families warm and safeTo meet the rising needs, the IFRC Network and the Ukrainian Red Cross have launched a 38 million Swiss franc winterization plan that aims to reach nearly half a million people. Red Cross teams are mobilizing to reach vulnerable households across frontline and affected regions, distributing basic items, insulation materials and lighting kits. They are also helping with small repairs and replacing broken windows to keep houses warm.People living in rural areas will receive small grants for agricultural projects and veterinary assistance to help restore their livelihoods. The Red Cross is also assisting with the rehabilitation of critical infrastructure and developing local emergency capacities in communities, so that they are better prepared for the cold months ahead.We have been providing support to people for several years, but our resources are also running thin. The scale of the needs is overwhelming, and with each passing day, those needs only grow. There are still millions who need our help, and we are calling on governments and donors to invest in emergency response and long-term recovery,” said Jaime Wah.Note to editors:Under the IFRC Network’s winterization plan:18,000 people will receive cash assistance to cover essential winter expenses117,000 people will regain access to heat, energy, and clean water29,500 people will be assisted through evacuation and preparedness activities3,310 rural households will benefit from livelihood grants, veterinary assistance, and agricultural training150 communities will be equipped to better respond to emergenciesVisuals: photos and videos available here: LINKAudio: An interview on IFRC News, IFRC’s new weekly news podcast – on help for Ukrainians to prepare for the winter ahead.For more information or to request an interview, please contact: [email protected] Bucharest: Diana Hohol, +40 730 865 106In Budapest: Nora Peter, +36 70 953 7709In Geneva: Tommaso Della Longa, +41 79 708 4367

15 days of action: Well before Hurricane Melissa struck, the Red Cross was on full alert, helping people get ready. Now, they’re at the heart of the response

For the people who lived through Hurricane Melissa, it was a storm like no other they had ever experienced.Melissa made landfall in southwestern Jamaica on 28 October as a Category 5 hurricane, with winds exceeding 160 mph, making it the most severe storm to hit the island in known history. Then, itmoved eastward towards Cuba, where it struck twelve hours later as a Category 3 hurricane.Fortunately, the severity of the hurricane was not entirely unexpected. Thanks to forecasts, the Red Cross network in the region had already begun preparing for the storm. A week before landfall, when the first weather forecasts showed the formation of Hurricane Melissa and its possible paths in the central Caribbean, the Red Cross was already active, coordinating with local groups and agencies, warning the communities and helping them prepare, and placing critical supplies in places where they were likely to be needed most. Local Red Cross teams in Cuba, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic and Haiti, activated their contingency plans and began preparing communities for what would become one of the most powerful hurricanes ever recorded in the Atlantic. The damage in Jamaica was devastating. The government estimates that losses amount to around 30 percent of the national GDP. Flooding destroyed roads and damaged crops, leaving more than 70 percent of the population without electricity. Around 7,200 people sought shelter in the 881shelters that were opened across the country, eight of which are still being managed by the Jamaican Red Cross.“It was very traumatic. I lost my storeroom, my shed down there, and the water in the gully was rising. When I peeped through the window and saw the kind of breeze along with the rain, it was very traumatic,” says Mr. Lawrence, Doctor, former Emergency Chair for the Red Cross St Elizabeth branch. “As you can see, all my fruit trees have died. The fish that I feed every morning they turned over, they all swam away.”In Cuba, winds of up to 195 km/h and heavy rainfall caused rivers to overflow and triggered landslides, interrupting basic services. It is estimated that 2.2 million people have been severely affected.“We were not able to arrive to Santiago because the road is blocked by what is full of water,” said Nicolás Segura, IFRC’s Disaster Response Coordinator for the Latin Caribbean.“We were able to see a lot of damage, a lot of devastation, a lot of dead animals on the road and also a couple of road accidents and people trying to get to their houses, trying to recover everything.”Anticipatory action saves livesIn Jamaica, the Red Cross launched preventive measures in eight high-risk parishes, supported by the IFRC’s Disaster Response Emergency Fund (IFRC-DREF). Volunteers visited at-risk communities to disseminate early warning messages, prepared shelters and distributed essential items.. Thanks to these measures, more than 300 people and five institutions received essential non-food items and preparedness support well before the storm made landfall.Meanwhile, the Cuban Red Cross activated its contingency plan for hydrometeorological events, deploying staff and volunteers to vulnerable areas. They reinforced community communications, checked evacuation centres and pre-positioned humanitarian aid kits and rescue equipment in provinces such as Granma, Santiago de Cuba and Holguín. This advance preparation meant that, when Melissa finally made landfall, both National Societies were ready to respond immediately without wasting any critical time. From day one, teams on both islands have been working tirelessly. The Jamaica Red Cross mobilised 400 volunteers and immediately distributed 750 blankets, 250 cleaning kits, 250 hygiene kits, 250 shelter tool kits and 500 tarpaulins. In Cuba, specialised brigades have supported evacuations, rescued over 500 people, and provided psychosocial support to families in crisis.International appeals for recovery supportThe scale of the disaster has prompted the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to launch two emergency appeals to strengthen operations in both countries. The emergency appeal in Jamaica aims to raise 19 million Swiss francs (US$23 million) to assist 180,000 people over the next two years. The operation will provide shelter, livelihoods, and cashassistance, helping families rebuild safely and recover with dignity.Special attention will be given to single mothers, families with young children or older adults, and people with disabilities. All interventions will be guided by protection, gender inclusion and community engagement and accountability, ensuring that assistance is fair and transparent, and helping communities prepare for future climate crises. In Cuba, the emergency appeal aims to raise CHF 15 million (USD 18 million) to support 100,000 people in the worst-affected provinces. The operation combines emergency relief, early recovery, and long-term resilience, helping families rebuild homes, restore safe water, and recover their health and livelihoods.This two-year appeal invests in climate-resilient reconstruction. Families will receive roofing kits, tools, and training in safe, sustainable building techniques, along with solar-powered water systems to secure clean water even when power fails. The goal: help communities recover today and then have what they need to resist tomorrow’s storms.Active global networkIn the seven days following the storm, the Red Cross's global network delivered over 180 tonnes of humanitarian supplies to the Caribbean. These included shelter kits, cleaning kits, kitchen sets, hygiene kits, jerry cans, buckets and blankets. On Sunday, 2 November, an IFRC charter flight landed in Santiago de Cuba with the first 20 tons of humanitarian aid for those affected by Hurricane Melissa. 'We are in the warehouses where we have our 20-tonne load of humanitarian aid that arrived recently. Our objective is to check it and establish distribution guidelines', said Luis Enrique Calderón Rodríguez on 4 November. He is the Head of Operations and Rescue at the Cuban Red Cross. 'We have already verified that the loads are ready and that we can begin delivering to families today.'This shipmentenables the Cuban Red Cross to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to 1,500 people in the most affected areas, including kitchen kits, hygiene kits, bedding, blankets, mosquito nets, solar lamps, shelter tool kits and plastic sheeting.In Jamaica, 160 tons of Red Cross humanitarian aid arrived in the seven days following Melissa's landfall. Shipments reinforce local distribution, enabling thousands of families to receive hygiene, cleaning, and cooking items in the early days of the emergency. These actions were made possible by international solidarity. The Canadian Red Cross, the French Red Cross's Regional Intervention Platform of the Americas-Caribbean (PIRAC) and the IFRC's Regional Logistics Centre in Panama coordinated the shipment of supplies by air and sea to ensure aid reached those most in need quickly. Volunteers from the Cuban and Jamaican Red Cross Societies, meanwhile, are still extremely busy throughout the region, carrying out damage and needs assessments, distributing emergency supplies, cleaning up and providing emotional support.Helping people cope with shock and lossNot all the support being provided comes in the form of physical goods or supplies.There is a strong and widespread need for psychosocial support in the worst-affected communities, including among Red Cross members. Volunteers and staff have been working tirelessly for days. Some volunteers have seen their homes completely destroyed.“We recognise that there is a very real and strong need for health services, medical care, and psychosocial support,” said Ruth Howard to BBC on October 31, Howard is the Deputy Public Relations Chair for the Jamaica Red Cross. “The psychosocial support is essential, because this has been one of the most traumatic events that many of our people have ever experienced in their lives,” she continued.Yet they continue to support those most in need, demonstrating that Red Cross help begins in communities. Every kit delivered, every safe evacuation and every hug of support is made possible by these dedicated volunteers. Hurricane Melissa reminded us once again that preparedness saves lives. The anticipatory actions implemented before the storm made landfall proved their effectiveness, making the difference between total devastation and resilience. Over the next months, the IFRC and the National Societies of Jamaica and Cuba will continue to collaborate to bolster community resilience in the face of future climate events.

Finding a new way of life in the camps of Cox’s Bazar

Sayedul was thirty-five-years-old when he and his wife Setara fled violence in Rakhine State, Myanmar and took shelter in the camps of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, carrying nothing but fear and a newborn in his arms.The journey was long and painful, walking through forests, surviving on nothing, and constantly worrying about what awaited them.When they finally found refuge in what is now known as Camp 13 in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, Sayedul thought the worst was over. But life in Camp 13 proved otherwise.The shelter was cramped, the surroundings were unhygienic. Common diseases like diarrhea and scabies spread fast. With his health deteriorating, Sayedul was unable to work. Moreover, there was no work to be had.With two little children to care for, the couple lived in fear, uncertainty and hopelessness.“I would just sit in front of our shelter and stare at nothing. I had no strength, no purpose. Everything felt like it was falling apart,” Sayedul recalls.But that despair has now been transformed. Over years of living in the camp — it’s now been eight years since the crisis began — Sayedul Amin is a respected figure, a source of inspiration and a role model for the community.Neighbours come to him with questions about health, hygiene or even family planning, and he loves using his time to talk to neighbours. His story inspires many others who are still struggling with life in the camp.“I tell them—look at me. I was once sick and hopeless. But someone believed in me, and I decided to change,” he says.Today, Setara and Sayedul’s home stands as a quiet example of healthy, dignified living. Their shelter is clean and organized, with a small homestead garden where fresh vegetables grow.Their two sons practice the habit of handwashing and cleanliness as their parents had regularly taught these practices to them.According to Sayedul and Setara, the turnaround was due in large part to the diligence of a volunteer from the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society named Marijan. Also a resident of the camp, Marijan came by regularly to talk about how to maintain good hygiene practices in a camp setting.As a result, Sayedul then began cleaning the surroundings of the family shelter regularly, ensuring his wife and children followed hygiene routines. The benefits have been apparent: during the last scabies outbreak in Camp 13, for example, Sayedul’s household remained incredibly unaffected.Setara herself found purpose as well—she started to work as a volunteer for a local non-governmental organization in the camp. Every day, she goes out to help others.“She puts on her volunteer vest with pride,” Sayedul stated proudly. “And while she’s away, I take care of the kids and make sure they don’t skip their school.”The family finally found a rhythm. Their two sons, now old enough to attend the learning center, are picking up reading, writing, and even basic life skills.‘What could a stranger do?’The new life of Sayedul and Setara did not come about overnight. It was a gradual journey. And, this happened because of the persistence and dedication of Marijan, who works on something called evidence-based Community-Based Health and First Aid.The flagship health initiative of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, this approach is designed to put communities — and the detailed information they share about their collective health — at the centre of health initiatives.When Marijan first visited Sayedul Amin’s shelter in the camps of Ukhiya, he was doubtful.“What could a stranger do for us?” he thought. But Marijan kept returning, encouraging and sharing small tips about health and hygiene.Gradually, her presence became familiar and comforting. She helped Sayedul understand how small changes could make a big difference. She taught Setara about handwashing with soap, safe drinking water, and how to keep their children clean and healthy. Marijan also introduced them to the idea of family planning—a concept that was entirely new to them.“It wasn’t easy to talk about such personal matters with someone outside the family,” Setara says with a smile. “But Marijan made us feel respected and comfortable.”The couple began to discuss their future openly for the first time in months. They decided together to use family planning methods and focus on raising their two sons in a healthier, more stable environment.A journey from despair to refound dignityHis journey from despair to dignity was not easy, Marijan’s regular visits, gentle counseling, and tireless support were a turning point in Sayedul’s life.In this way, organizations like the IFRC and Bangladesh Red Crescent Society are redefining what it means to support the displaced people in their population movement operation.By focusing on health, hygiene, family planning, and community mobilization, they are helping individuals take control of their lives, one visit, one conversation at a time.“We didn’t just survive; we learned to live again,” Sayedul says with quiet pride.There are many stories of hope like this in the camps of Coxs Bazar. But many also continue to face tremendous hardship and challenges as the crisis now enters its eighth year. With the support of the IFRC's Population Movement Operation, and an international appeal for support, the Bangladesh Red Crescent continues to work every day in the displaced camps, bringing a wide range of support and services.Through this operation, more than 650,000 people in the camps of Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar have been supported so far with shelter, health care, wash and hygiene, livelihoods, as well as other initiatives aimed at ensuring protection and inclusion of all people impacted by the crisis, as well as ongoing community, engagement and accountability.

Bangladesh: After the storm, hope is growing thanks to support for livelihoods and shelter

A private tutor by profession, Shanjeet has always depended on his students to make ends meet and he’s always struggled to meet basic living costs with his limited earnings.And that was before the cyclone tore up nearly everything he owned and depended on to make a living. Like many, Shanjeet lost everything when Cyclone Remal hit his village in May 2024. His house, trees, books, tubewell, and latrine were all washed away.“It was a horrible, sleepless night,”he recalls. “I was at the cyclone shelter. When I returned the next morning, I found knee-deep water all around. My house was destroyed. My favourite books were floating in the muddy water. The old mango tree in my yard, where I used to teach my students, had fallen right on top of my house.”But now around him, new hope is growing. As Shanjeet was speaking these words, a Red Crescent Youth volunteer was planting a new mango tree in the same spot where the old one once stood.It’s a powerful symbol of renewal and hope that comes thanks to the IFRC Remal Recovery Initiative being implemented by the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society. With support from that initiative, Shanjeet was able to build an entirely new shelter and latrine, as well as improve his livelihood.Since he depends on teaching for a living, Shanjeet used his livelihood support to buy stationery items like exercise books, pens, and other supplies.“I had no income for months after the cyclone. Now my students are back, and I have a small shop supported by Red Crescent where I earn extra by selling stationery to them,” said Shanjeet.“I’m slowly stepping into a new life I never imagined. I enjoy spending time with my students, who are mostly children. At the same time, I am trying to stay strong, because who knows when the next cyclone or disaster might come. But this time, I want to be more prepared.”Rebuilding homes and dignity: The story of Khalil and TaslimaIn Saudkhali village of Indurkani sub-district, a similar story is unfolding. 60-year-old Khalil and his wife Taslima are among the many people who are also participating in the recovery project.Their village is located beside the Bageshwari River, which flows into to the Bay of Bengal. The community was severely impacted by Cyclone Remal, which destroyed hundreds of shelters, sanitation facilities, and sources of livelihood.Khalil is physically challenged, and the family depends on the income of his wife, who works as a domestic worker in different houses in the village. Her earnings are far below the living wage, and they always struggled to meet their basic needs. They had a very small house, which was destroyed and washed away during the cyclone.When Khalil spoke about his current situation in front of his new house, supported under the IFRC initiative, the happiness and smile on his face were priceless.“I am very happy!” he says with a smile. “I got cattle, chickens, ducks, a new house, and a latrine. I don’t know how to describe the peace we feel now.”“We haven’t started earning yet because the chickens are yet to produce eggs, but for the first time in my life, I will be able to earn some income.”Stories of recovery across the cyclone-impacted areasWith support from the IFRC and Bangladesh Red Crescent Cyclone recovery operation, stories like this one are being repeated throughout the areas impacted by the cyclone. Individual people and families have received cash support that allows them to address their specific needs within various categories.Under this initiative, for example, families have received 85,000 Bangladeshi Taka (BDT) for shelter (the equivalent of $US 695), BDT 25,000 ($US 205) for building or repairing latrines, and BDT 35,000 ($US 286) to rebuild their livelihoods.To benefit from the support for income-generating activities, each family submitted a written request for their preferred livelihood support option, based on their expertise, location, circumstances, available time, and family needs.At the time of this publication:• 192 families received livestock (cows and goats),• 12 families received support for chicken farming,• 23 families were supported to start small businesses (such as shops and tailoring), 36 families received boats and fishing equipment, and• 17 families received vans.In Pirojpur and Khulna, two heavily impacted areas, a total of 535 affected families have been supported with construction or repair of latrines as part of water, sanitation and hygiene support and shelter rebuilding. In addition to household support, the recovery efforts included the installation of new tubewells.Story by Shameul Islam Shovon, with editing by Raqibul AlamRead more stories about IFRC and Bangladesh Red Crescent Cyclone Remal recovery:Bangladesh: One year after the cyclone, a new home and a new juice cart brings family new hope

At a small school in Myanmar’s Sagaing region, people find safe haven after a devastating earthquake

When 26-year-old Khin Su Wai walks through the shattered grounds of Yadana Theingi Nun Monastery School in Sagaing Region, the memories are painful, but her dedication to her work as a teacher remains unshaken.“I lost everything – my two sons, my husband, and my mother-in-law,” she says quietly.On 28 March 2025, a powerful 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar, destroying homes and turning entire communities to rubble. Yadana Theingi Nun Monastery School was among the hardest hit in Sagaing.Sixteen people lost their lives at school, including Khin’s loved ones. Khin has been a volunteer teacher at this school for more than 7 years.“I couldn’t eat or sleep. I didn’t even recognize myself in those early days,” she recalls.Yadana Theingi is not an ordinary monastic school. It is a place where internally displaced people from across Myanmar were hosted even before the earthquake happened. It is a sanctuary for over 100 students (ranging in age from 5 to 18) including novice monks, nuns, and children from diverse ethnic backgrounds such as Chin, Paluang, Shan, Burma, and Pa-O (from the Eastof the country).Everything changedAfter the earthquake, everything changed. Previously seated at desks in classrooms, the children now study on bare floors sharing only one whiteboard. When the main building collapsed, safe sleeping spaces also became limited.“There are not enough places for the children to sleep,” Khin explains. “We do what we can, but it’s very difficult.”In the immediate aftermath of the quake, volunteers from the Myanmar Red Cross – many from communities hard hit by the quake – jumped into action.In response to community requests, they set up tents provided to IFRC by the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) with funding from the Government of the Republic of Korea. These tents offered a critical, temporary safe place for people as they work toward rebuilding their livelihoods, homes and communities.Red Cross volunteers also installed tents in nearby places such as mosques and community areas in Poe Tan Quarter, Sagaing.A comprehensive response enters a critical phaseBut this is only a small part of the support the Myanmar Red Cross delivered. In five states and regions impacted by the quake (Sagaing, Mandalay, Naypyitaw, southern part of Shan and eastern part of Bago), Red Cross volunteers provided tarpaulins, shelter kits, cash assistance, health care, mental health and psycho-social support, safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene services, and many other forms of support.With support of theIFRC Emergency Appealand other International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement partners, as well as other donors,the Myanmar Red Cross has so far reached close to 200,000 people with emergency shelter, health care, safe water, and cash assistance.This includes over 23,000 shelter kits, 6,000 family tents, and over 13,000 people reached with health care, including through mobile clinics.As we mark 100 days since the earthquake, the IFRC honors the dedication of Myanmar Red Cross volunteers – as well as volunteer teachers like Khin Su Wai – who have given so much to help their communities cope with these tragic events.The IFRC also calls for far greater support for its Myanmar Earthquake Emergency Appeal in order to enable the Myanmar Red Cross to help more people rebuild their homes, re-establish livelihoods, and restore communities.The next 100 days will be a particularly critical phasegiven that rebuilding safe transitional shelter and sustainable livelihoods takes more time and investment than the early, emergency response phase. At the same time, the Myanmar Red Cross will be helping these communities prepare for potential future shocks.Unfortunately, as of now, the IFRC’s Myanmar Earthquake Emergency Appeal has only garnered 22 per cent of the funds that would be needed to help the Red Cross achieve these goals.Reviving displaced dreamsAt the Yadana Theingi Nun Monastery School, the desire to rebuild is strong as many people yearn to get beyond relief and begin pursuing their real life dreams.“I want to help people rebuild the buildings safer,” says 16-year-old novice monk Khaw Gay Shwe, a student at the school. Khaw was displaced due to civil unrest from Chin State. His favorite subject is English, and he dreams of studying overseas to become a civil engineer.Another 12-year-old novice, Aung Khant wants to become a teacher like Khin. Like many of the students, Aung Khant has been helping to clear the debris from the collapsed building outside of school hours.Meanwhile, the young novice monks sleep safely at night inside the tents. “The novices really love the tents,” Khin says with a rare smile. “They aren’t forced to sleep there - they want to. It feels fun for them.”During the day, the children don’t stay in tents because they are exposed to the scorching 40-degree Celsius heat. But come nightfall, the tents transform into places of rest and comfort.For Khin, there is no going back to her old life. “I plan to volunteer at this school for the rest of my life,” she says. “I have nowhere else to go. Even though it’s painful, I will do my best to keep going."I’m truly grateful to the volunteers and donors who provided tents to our school as temporary shelter. There are still a lot of critical needs, from rebuilding the school to securing teaching materials and food. But step by step, we will rebuild."Learn more about the IFRC’s Myanmar Earthquake Emergency AppealOther articles about Myanmar earthquakeIn the wake of Myanmar earthquake, a mother finds strength in helping othersA tale of two emotions: In Myanmar, visiting people whose lives were upended by the March 28 earthquake, I am torn between hope and fearFrom the classroom to the frontlines: In the wake of crisis, ‘Teacher Honey’ transforms from educator to emergency responderMyanmar earthquake one-month on: needs remain massiveGruelling conditions in Myanmar as humanitarian needs remain high following devastating earthquakeOne Week On: IFRC Scales Up Myanmar Earthquake Response Amid Massive Humanitarian NeedsMyanmar Red Cross races against time to save lives after the earthquakePowerful earthquake rocks central Myanmar: Red Cross responds

In the wake of Myanmar earthquake, a mother finds strength in helping others

Yadanar Yu Hlaing Kyuu, a30-year-old single mother of one,recalls the event of 28 March 2025 vividly. She andher family were having lunch in the outdoor, palm-roofed kitchen next to their home in Shwe Lunn Village, Mandalay, when the tremors began.At first, it felt like a minor shake. But soon, the ground shook violently. Yadanar instinctively hid her son under a table in the kitchen and shielded him with her body. Moments later, concrete buildings within their compound began to fall, and their house came crashing down.Yadanar, her son, and other family memberswere lucky to survive with no injuries.In the aftermath, she joined her neighbors in searching for survivors. At the same time, she frantically tried to reach her co-workers at a popular coffee shop in Mandalay to find out whether they were okay.Once telephone lines were restored, and she was able to speak with one of her co-workers,Yadanarlearnt that the shop had collapsed. While she was lucky to have survived, it hit her that she had lost both her home and her job.One hundred days after this life-changing disaster, the memories are still fresh for many like Yadanar who lost homes, livelihoods and loved ones due to the quake. But many here also remember the bravery and solidarity of people like Yadanar, who immediately joined neighbors in searching for survivors and helping people get through those first terrible days.Support from the Myanmar Red Cross, and the IFRC network (which launchedan emergency appeal and allocated 2 million Swiss francs from theDisaster Response Emergency Fund), has also helped people meet basic nutritional, health, water and shelter needs since the quake (see below for statistics on relief already delivered).Looking ahead to the next 100 days, continued local, national and international solidarity will be critical as the Myanmar Red Cross helps even more people such as Yadanar rebuild homes, livelihoods, support their families while preparing for potential future shocks.For this reason, the IFRC is calling for even greater support of its Myanmar Earthquake Emergency Appeal. Helping people to move back to earthquake resilient shelters and rebuilding livelihoods, takes more time and a larger investment than providing immediate relief after a disaster. Still, the IFRC’s international emergency appeal has received only 22 per cent of the funds needed to help the Myanmar Red Cross meet its earthquake response goals.From survivor to volunteerMeanwhile, in Yadanar’s community, solidarity between neighbors is what has helped them to survive day to day. It started from the moment the shaking stopped.As soon as the earth stopped trembling, Yadanar recalls, her family called out for help, a neighbor came and guided them to safety. Looking back, they saw that their home had been completely destroyed.Fearing more tremors, Yadanar’s mother urged everyone to run to a nearby field. While they were running, a second powerful quake struck. Temples and nearby buildings collapsed before their eyes.In the chaos, Yadanar didn’t hesitate to help. She joined efforts to rescue children trapped beneath rubble, using her bare hands to move heavy bricks and debris. With roads blocked and emergency vehicles unable to reach them, injured residents had to be taken to hospitals on motorcycles.For nearly 15 days, families slept in the open field, too afraid to return to their damaged homes as aftershocks continued.When Red Cross volunteers arrived to assess the damage, they visited each household and added Yadanar’s destroyed home to their list. Then, they returned with much-needed aid — tarpaulins for shelter, clean drinking water, and basic shelter toolkits.Impact with dignityFor Yadanar, the dignity kit provided by the Myanmar Red Cross was especially meaningful. At that point, she and her family didn’t even have spare clothes. The dignity kit included essential items for women, giving her comfort and a sense of dignity during a very difficult time.“The personal items and shelter materials helped us stay protected while we had no proper house,” she said. “We were so happy to receive these things, especially because it’s not easy to go out and buy anything after a disaster like this.”Yadanar says she is deeply grateful to the Myanmar Red Cross team and the donors who supported their recovery. She remembers how the volunteers walked from house to house under the hot sun to make sure families like hers were not forgotten.“Their support made a big difference in our lives,” she said. “I pray that all the donor families stay healthy and never have to face something like this.”Just a year before the earthquake, Yadanar went through a personal crisis and even attempted to take her own life. It was her father who saved her. Surviving the earthquake and seeing her son and family safe gave her a new sense of purpose and strength.Today, Yadanar serves as a volunteer camp committee leader at the earthquake relief camp where 126 families are currently staying near her home. She helps collect the names of people in need, organizes lists of homes that require rebuilding, and supports the distribution of relief items.The camp committee prioritizes families that are very poor or unable to rebuild on their own. She also contributes to building temporary shelters. Though she cannot give money, she gives her time and energy to help others in need.“If I can help others in this life, then maybe in the next life, I’ll be in a better place,” she said. “I hope my son will grow up in a happy family, with both a mother and a father.”Yadanar’s greatest hope now is to build a small earthquake-resilient house made of wood – a safe place where her family can live together again.In the meantime, her son is her biggest source of strength. After a long day of volunteering, he runs to her and calls out, “Mommy!” His love and pride push her to keep going. Her mother also encourages her.“My mother says she’s proud of me,”says Yadanar. “And people tell my mother, ‘Your daughter is amazing,’ and that means a lot … And for my son, people say, ‘Your mother is helping others.’ I want him to be proud of me.”Learn more about the IFRC and Myanmar Red Cross response:As of 30 June 2025, with support of theIFRC Emergency Appeal and other International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement partners, as well as other donors, the Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS) has reached almost 200,000 people. This includes:• More than 86,000 people have received health care• More than 1.3 million liters of drinking water have been distributed.• Sanitation and hygiene services have benefitted thousands of people through the construction of latrines, distribution of hygiene kits, and hygiene awareness.• More than 156,000 people have received household items such as shelter kits, mosquito nets, and kitchen sets.• More than 100,000 people have received complementary cash assistance.• 19,000 people have been reached with gender- and age-specific items such as dignity kits, infant kits, and delivery kits.Donate to the Myanmar Earthquake Emergency Appeal

IFRC Emergency Appeal launched as Afghan returnee crisis escalates

Kabul/Kuala Lumpur/Geneva, 2 May 2025 – Nearly one million Afghans have made the challenging journey back to Afghanistan from Pakistan in the last 18 months, with almost 145,000 people returning this month alone – a massive eight times more than in February.Upon return, many of these people are confronted with dire conditions, including overcrowded temporary shelters accommodating up to 4 families in one tent. The unprecedented increase in people returning in a short time (an estimated 4,000 to 6,000 people crossing borders daily) is placing immense strain on Afghanistan’s already fragile healthcare system, essential services and food stocks.Initially, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) allocated 750,000 Swiss Francs from its Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) to support the Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS) in delivering urgently needed shelter, emergency healthcare, food, and water—basic resources that are now in short supply.Given the scale and gravity of this escalating and intensifying crisis, however, the IFRC is now launching a comprehensive Emergency Appeal, aiming to raise 25 million Swiss francs in order to deliver vital lifesaving aid over the next two years, covering support for recovery and reintegration including income generation activities, vocational training and cash-for-work opportunities.The appeal funds will be funneled to the most at-risk and vulnerable returnees, including pregnant women, unaccompanied children, the elderly, those with disabilities, and families lacking shelter. The aim is to mitigate threats such as gender-based violence, malnutrition, and social marginalization— and to ensure that vital assistance reaches those in greatest need.The humanitarian challenges facing returnees are profound and heartbreaking. Many have sacrificed their livelihoods, belongings, and stability in Pakistan, only to face overwhelming difficulties upon their return to Afghanistan. Children, already more at risk, are suffering from malnutrition and urgently require specialized care and nutritional support. In many cases, families have been torn apart during their migration journey, leaving individuals stranded and desperate to reconnect.Salima*, a mother who gave birth to her baby at Spin Boldak Crossing Point in Kandahar while on the move, said:“My children were born in Pakistan and don’t have any form of identification. I don’t know how or where to obtain ID cards for them. Their education has already been delayed significantly, and I don’t know how to enroll them in schools here in Afghanistan. We have no shelter in Kabul or Baghlan. We don’t know where to go or how to meet our daily needs.”Beyond immediate relief, we must act decisively to provide long-term support that empowers people to rebuild their lives, gain access to education, secure livelihoods, and reintegrate into their communities in Afghanistan.Mawlawi Sheikh Shahabuddin Delawar, Acting President of the Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS), makes a heartfelt plea for swift action:“Returnees are facing insurmountable challenges—many have lost their homes, livelihoods, and loved ones along their journey. Women, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities are particularly vulnerable, and ensuring their safety and dignity must be our highest priority. Through this emergency response, we are dedicated to delivering lifesaving aid now and providing sustainable support that respects their dignity as they work to rebuild their lives.”Ahmed Suliman, the interim IFRC Head of Delegation in Afghanistan, highlighted the urgency of the situation:“This crisis is evolving at an alarming pace, and its impact will resonate with millions of already vulnerable people. Our immediate focus is on delivering essential aid—food, healthcare, and shelter—to those in desperate need. Simultaneously, we are committed to partnering closely with ARCS, Red Cross and Crescent Movement partners and other stakeholders to create long-term solutions that enable returnees to restore their lives and heal from this crisis.”The IFRC urgently calls upon the international community, partners, and donors to unite in support of Afghans during this critical juncture. Your contribution to the Emergency Appeal can make a life-changing difference, ensuring that those who are returning or displaced have the opportunity to rebuild their lives in safety and dignity.*name has been changed to protect identityFor more information or to request an interview, please contact: [email protected]   Pictures and AV material can be found here.In Afghanistan:  Sayed Eshaq Muqbel: +93 70 733 6040 In Kuala Lumpur: Afrhill Rances: +60 19 271 3641 In Geneva: Hannah Copeland: +41 76 236 91 09

Afghanistan: Population movement (returnees)

Since September 2023, nearly one million Afghans, including over 118,400 in April 2025 alone, have returned from Pakistan following the implementation of the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan. A further 1.5 million people are estimated to be affected or at risk in the months ahead. As they arrive in communities already strained by poverty, food insecurity, and limited healthcare, urgent support is needed to help them rebuild their lives safely and with dignity.Your donation will help the Afghan Red Crescent Society provide vital support to returnees and the communities that host them.

United States: Red Cross volunteers bring hope in wake of southern California wildfires

Originally from Colombia, Kennis Eduardo Díaz lost his home and all his possessions in the fires. With nowhere else to go, he found refuge at a newly-created, temporary shelter operated by the American Red Cross.The shelter in this case is a section of the Pasadena Convention Center. Normally a place for large business gatherings and trade shows, the center’s massive rooms have been transformed into a temporary shelter for hundreds of evacuees.Here, Kennis has received more than just meals and a safe place to sleep. He’s also found a path toward recovery thanks to the support of local Red Cross volunteers.“They’re giving me the help I didn’t have,” Kennis shared.One of those volunteers isGracie Castro, from the San Bernardinochapter of the American Red Cross and part of a team thathelps evacuees like Kennis with tackling administrative tasks,findingfinancial assistance, and getting referrals to services that help homeowners and renters find longer-term housing solutions, among other things.“My role is to see how we can get him where he wants to go,” said Gracie.Stories ofresilience andkindnessBlanca Pérez’s story is another testament to the power of community and compassion.Along with her husband Antonio, her daughter, and her daughter’s boyfriend, Blanca had toevacuate theirapartment inAltadena with their pets in tow, leaving behind their home and Blanca’s beloved dress shop.Days later, they learned boththeir home and the dress shophad been destroyed by the flames.Despite this profound loss, Blanca found solace in the support provided by the Red Cross. When she received news of her uncle’s passing due to the fires, a volunteer offered immediate emotional support,supportingher through her grief and connecting her with spiritual care services.“I’ve made new friends at the shelter, and the Red Cross volunteers have shown such kindness and genuine interest in our well-being,” Blanca shared. Small gestures, like receiving knitting supplies to keep her hands busy, have brought moments of peace amid the chaos.These are just two of the many stories unfolding at Red Cross shelters around the Los Angeles metropolitan area. In total, about 580 people are staying in Red Cross emergency shelters and each person has a unique set of needs. So far, the Red Cross has provided more than 11,300 overnight stays and more than 102,000 meals and snacks with the support of its partners.Volunteersfrom around the countryThe Red Cross’s response to the Southern California wildfires would not be possible withoutthe support ofvolunteers from around the country. Fernando Fernández, a disaster services volunteer from the Texas Gulf Coast Chapter, traveled to California to offer spiritual care to people who were forced to evacuate.A 15-year volunteer and U.S. Coast Guard veteran, Fernando understands the importance of being a comforting presence. “Most of the people I’ve helped just need someone to listen,” he said. Over 60 per cent of people he’s supported in this crisis have been Hispanic, he says, underscoring the vital role of culturally sensitive care in disaster response.Beyondshelter:there for the long runThe Red Cross’ssupport extends beyond immediate shelter. Financial assistance programs are now underway for residentsin numerous municipalities that have been severely impacted by the fires.This financial aid helps evacuees cover basic needs, from replacing hygiene products to purchasing appropriate clothing.All services are available to individuals regardless of nationality, race, gender, or citizenship status, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to inclusivity.“If you need help, don’t be afraid to ask the Red Cross,” urged Fernando,the volunteer from theTexas Gulf Coast Chapter,echoing a sentiment shared by many volunteers and survivors.As communities start rebuilding after the wildfires, the Red Cross remains steadfast in its mission to provide hope, safety, and resources to those in need. Indeed, those needs are immense and are likely not to diminish even as the fires are contained.Over 16,000 structures have been destroyed by the fires so people will be in need of temporary shelter for some time. Meanwhile, anticipated rains pose the prospectof new threats — flash flooding and landslides over the burn-scarred areas.Whatever the case, the Red Cross will remain by the side of people in need. Some 580 Red Cross responders are making sure people are not alone.As communities reopen, meanwhile, Red Crossers are also there with support including cleaning supplies, flashlights, face masks, gloves, water and other essentials. Almost 22,000 relief items were provided by end of January.

Palestine Red Crescent: Supporting Gaza through winter cold, sudden floods and a crisis of mental health

“We received more than 22,000 aid trucks before the closure of Rafah crossing in May 2024. Since the closure, the Palestine Red Crescent Society only received 58 aid trucks, which is absolutely nothing.”This is how Nebal Farsakh, Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS)’s spokesperson, summed up the tragic humanitarian situation in Gaza, which is now aggravated by harsh winter conditions.Overwhelmed by cold temperatures, heavy rain and flooding, hundreds of thousands of people in Gaza are further at risk of diseases and death. Many are living in tents, open spaces or even on the streets, with almost no protection.“Many families in displaced camps don’t have the clothing and equipment needed to protect them from the harsh weather,”Farsakh continued. “Moreover, recent reports say only 20 per cent of shelter needs are being addressed, leaving more than one million people without adequate places to stay.”Displaced people lacking proper winterization for their shelters face serious threats. Severe weather can damage their shelters, and flooding can contaminate water sources, increasing the spread of diseases.Severe winter conditions, compounded with insufficient aid, have severely hampered the ability of PRCS teams to provide essential support. Yet, the challenges don’t end there.Fuel shortages have crippled ambulance services, forcing evacuations to be often conducted on foot in treacherous weather conditions. This places a severe burden on not only PRCS crews but also on the elderly and people with disabilities who must endure long journeys.The impact of displacement, physical hardship, and the constant fear for their safety and well-being has had devastating consequences on the mental health of everyone in Gaza, especially children.“There is ongoing concern for the mental health of everybody in Gaza, and particularly for children who are so deeply traumatized,” Farsakh emphasized. “There are at least 17,000 unaccompanied children or separated from their parents. Most children are not able to go to school; they live under constant bombing and don’t have access to food.”PRCS mental health and psychosocial support teams are working tirelessly to provide a sense of relief. In shelters across South and central Gaza, they’ve organized events featuring performances, games, and other activities to bring moments of joy to children. But the scale of the crisis is overwhelming.A staggering 1.2 million children in Gaza face a heightened risk of long-term mental health consequences if they do not receive the urgent and critical support they require. The psychological impact of this conflict will likely be profound and lifelong for these children unless they are adequately protected and supported.Without a dramatic improvement in humanitarian access and the flow of supplies, people in Gaza will continue to endure significant physical and mental suffering.Meanwhile, food aid and supplies mobilized by the IFRC network are sitting on the tarmac and in warehousesas the challenges in getting the supplies into Gaza continue.“The aid we have received since the closure of the Rafah crossing is negligible, and this is significantly impacting our relief services. We are unable to do our work. People in Gaza are dying of hunger, cold and diseases because they’re not getting the aid they need.”“This cannot go on.”concluded Farsakh.

Southwest Indian Ocean: Tropical Cyclone Chido

Tropical Cyclone Chido, a Category 4-equivalent storm with devastating winds and rains, severely impacted the Southwest Indian Ocean region, causing at least 117 deaths and affecting over a million people across Madagascar, the Comoros, Mayotte, Mozambique, and Malawi. Chido is the third named storm in the 2024-2025 cyclone season which is expected to continue until May 2025. Your donation will help the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in Mozambique, Madagascar, Comoros, and Malawi to provide life-saving assistance, and enhance preparedness for future storms.

Afghanistan: One year after devastating quakes in 2023, residents get keys to a new life

It was a celebration of resilience and the possibility of a new life. In early November 2024, people in the Gulran and Zinda Jan districts of Herat, Afghanistan, gathered to mark the completion of 288 newly built homes.The new dwellings were constructed by the Afghan Red Crescent, the IFRC and other local partners for people who lost their homes due to a devastating series of quakes that hit the region in October 2023.Attended by staff members of the IFRC, the Afghan Red Crescent, the provincial governor of Herat, and local media, the event also acknowledged the resilience of families who faced so much devastation after the earthquake – some losing many family members.After receiving the keys to their new homes, the families began the process of moving in.“We are so happy to have a new home,” said Fahima, a 45-year-old woman whose family now has a safe place to live. “We have been staying in tents, but now we have proper shelter.”“When the earthquake wiped away our house and belongings, we lost everything,”she added. “We struggled to find food to survive, and our children had to sleep in tents. We are eight family members, and now, with this home, our lives are so much better compared to what we endured before the earthquake.” ‘Terrifying nights’Gulalai (not her real name), from Shakar Ab village in the Gulran District, says the new shelter offers her family a chance to start again."We are a family of 11," she shared, recalling the chaotic moments during the quake. “When the earthquake struck, we fled our home and sought refuge outdoors. We faced terrifying nights in makeshift accommodations, terrified for our safety. At least now we have a proper home just nearby, and I can say with certainty that we are going to start a new life in our new home.”Before getting access to her new home, she and her three children resorted to huddling together under a tattered blanket. The weight of fear and helplessness as they struggled to endure the cold nights without shelter or security still plagues her.The 40-year-old mother's home in Zinda Jan was reduced to ruins by a disaster that left its mark across four provinces, claiming over 2,000 lives and ravaging 382 villages in ten districts.In the wake of the disaster, the IFRC developed a comprehensive shelter strategy in which support was provided through conditional cash grants, with people from the affected communities carrying out the construction work. They were aided by masons, volunteers, social mobilisers, and engineers from ARCS and IFRC.Religious scholars and key community members were also included in many stages of the planning and execution.“It took about seven months, and the shelter work was completed,” says Hafiz Sadat, an IFRC Senior Shelter Officer who managed the project and provided technical support to the ARCS team.‘It was catastrophic’Ghulam Mahboob, a 45-year-old resident of Shakar Ab village, reflects on the devastation caused by the earthquake."It was catastrophic; many people lost their lives and their homes," he says. "We had no choice but to live for a very long time in the tent provided by the ARCS. Well, our shelters are finally ready, and we are very grateful to ARCS and everyone who helped address our most pressing needs. We still face urgent challenges in other areas, such as access to electricity, clean drinking water, and education for our children."At the onset of the earthquake, the IFRC shelter, and disaster response teams were deployed to the impacted areas and, in collaboration with the ARCS, emergency items, cash, psychosocial support were delivered to the affected families.While medical care, psychosocial support, water and sanitation were the most immediate needs, there were other needs as many of the people who kept family and community life going lost their lives during the quake.“Both my sons have lost their wives in the earthquake,”said one elderly man. “Not only is there is no one to help make bread for the family, but there is no cooking and heating equipment as well. My sons and I must go outside of the village to earn a living.”Even with the new homes, therefore, the families still face many challenges ahead. For this reason, the IFRC and ARCS continue their commitment to accompany the impacted families in their path to recovery.That support has been consistent since the beginning. With support from the IFRC, the ARCS has reached 2,100 households with emergency shelters and household items such as tents or tarpaulins, blankets, jerry cans, kitchen sets and sleeping pads. Overall, the ARCS provided a wide range of assistance to more than 87,000 people.Much of this support was made possible by resources mobilized through a comprehensive IFRC Emergency Appeal that addressed the impacts of multiple shocks, including severe drought, flooding, public health emergencies, economic hardship and the Herat earthquakes. See a more detailed description of the appeal and response operations here.Text by IFRC senior communications officers Sayed Eshaq Muqbel and Rachel Punitha

Lebanon: A former hospital has become a place of shelter and hope

In the Jnah area of Beirut, a former hospital that closed its doors more than a decade ago has been transformed into a shelter for families who were forced to leave their homes due to weeks of escalating conflict in Lebanon.Where there was once medical care and recovery, the building now shelters people who have lost everything, filling its halls with stories of struggle and survival.Among the shelter’s residents is Ahmed, a fourteen-year-old boy whose life has been turned upside down by the conflict. After being forced to move three times, Ahmed’s family finally arrived at this shelter, having escaped their suburban Beirut home one night when bombs shattered the neighborhood’s quiet.“That night, we just ran,” he recalled. They first took shelter on a beach until morning, then moved to Tripoli, 70 km north of Beirut, before eventually moving back to Beirut.Now, he continues his education remotely with lessons sent by email, though it’s not the same as being in school with friends.“I miss my friends,” he shared quietly. Despite the challenges, he expressed gratitude for the support his family has received from the Lebanese Red Cross, which has provided food, mattresses, and medical services.Another resident, Zahraa, was studying educational management and planning a career in teaching. She fled her home in the early hours of the morning when bombings made it unsafe to stay. Though her career is on hold, she is thankful for the shelter and the small comforts it offers, such as private bathrooms in each room.“We’re lucky to have found this shelter. It used to be a hospital, so every room has a bathroom, which makes things a bit easier,” Zahraa said, acknowledging the challenges while remaining hopeful for a more stable future.Kamal, another resident, has suffered an especially heavy loss—he has not only lost his home and livelihood but also four family members to the conflict. After leaving Nabatieh, South Lebanon, his family initially sought refuge in Ouzai, another Beirut suburb, but soon had to leave there as well. Now at the shelter, he’s struggling to rebuild his life from the ground up.Being forced to flee their homes multiple times was a common experience among residents of this shelter. And while many share a deep desire to return home, that hope feels distant. The areas they left behind are still dangerous, and some people don’t even have homes to return to anymore. Still, the displaced families express appreciation for the services provided by the Lebanese Red Cross.Reem, a volunteer with the Lebanese Red Cross from South Lebanon, has been helping her community for years. She was among those who built the Lebanese Red Cross center in the city of Nabatieh. Forced to leave her own home, she now finds herself in the role of both volunteer and displaced resident.“It’s incredibly hard to leave, but we have no choice,” she said as her eyes filled with tears.Despite the difficult circumstances, Reem is determined to keep wearing the red vest and continue supporting people in need..The support that Reem and other volunteers are providing is being backed up byaglobal emergency appeal, launched by the IFRC inNovember, that aims to address the urgent needs of 600,000 people.With the recent increase in airstrikes and attacks, the conflict has resulted in over 3,500 deaths and 15,000 injuries as of 28 October 2024. Through the emergency appeal, the IFRC will support the Lebanese Red Cross providing healthcare, food and shelter, as well as support with water, sanitation and hygiene. This appeal will also help scale up the search and rescue capacity of the Lebanese Red Cross.

IFRC launches Emergency Appeal to address immense humanitarian impact of hostilities in Lebanon

Geneva/Beirut, 5 November 2024: In the wake of the dramatic escalation of hostilities in Lebanon in September, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has today launched a Federation-wideEmergency Appealfor 100 million Swiss Francs.The ‘Lebanon: Complex Emergency Appeal’ aims to provide immediate and long-term relief to around 600,000 people affected by the conflict there and to support the critical ambulance services of the Lebanese Red Cross, whose volunteers have been on high alert since October last year.From the outset of escalations, the Lebanese Red Cross (LRC) mobilised its staff and volunteers and activated contingency plans to address the ongoing crisis, with support from the IFRC, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and other Red Cross Red Crescent Movement partners.The severe escalation of hostilities has led to widespread destruction and mass displacement in Lebanon, exacerbating an already dire socio-economic situation, and necessitating a new appeal to address the rapidly evolving humanitarian situation there more effectively.With winter approaching and many people now homeless or living in overcrowded conditions without proper heating, theLRC is crucial to the humanitarian response, providing essential relief including food, water, first aid, ambulance services, primary healthcare, hygiene kits and psychosocial support."We are seeing a huge need for basic goods to help the hundreds of thousands of people who have fled their homes. Many are now staying with family members or living in temporary shelters, such as schools,"said Lotte Ruppert, Operations Manager for the IFRC in Beirut."Going back to their houses is not an option at this moment, as the conflict areas are still very dangerous. On top of that, we are concerned for the safety of all health workers, including LRC volunteers, especially in the south of Lebanon.”On a visit to Beirut to launch the appeal and meet with the LRC, Jagan Chapagain, Secretary General of the IFRC, said,“Humanitarian needs in Lebanon are growing by the day. The funds raised in this appeal will allow the Lebanese Red Cross to sustain their life saving programmes and to reach far more people with far more positive impact. The needs are immense. I urge potential donors to do what they can to help contribute.”As the country faces one of its worst humanitarian crises in decades, the launch of this new Emergency Appeal will ensure a robust IFRC-wide response to the current crisis in Lebanon, while also addressing the longer-term consequences through recovery efforts.In parallel, the Middle East Complex Emergency Crisis Appeal will remain active until December 2025, covering the Red Cross Red Crescent response across the region. From November 2024, contributions to support the response efforts in Lebanon should be directed through this new Lebanon Complex Emergency Appeal. For more information, please contact:[email protected] Geneva:Tommaso Della Longa, +41 79708 4367Hannah Copeland+41 76 236 9109In Beirut:Mey Al Sayegh, +961 7617 4468Bastiaan van Blokland, +31 6 46 80 80 96

Lebanon: Complex Emergency

Following an escalation of hostilities in early 2026, the IFRC has revised its emergency appeal to reach 1.2 million people across Lebanon with life-saving services including emergency medical care, food, shelter, and clean water. The Lebanese Red Cross is on the ground around the clock — running ambulances, search and rescue teams, and relief distributions — but needs are growing faster than current resources allow. Donate now to help the Lebanese Red Cross scale up its life-saving response.

Morocco Earthquake: One year later, a local volunteer breaks new ground as she helps her country rebuild

When a powerful 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck Morocco on September 8, 2023, Naima wanted to do what she could to help others in Chichaoua province where she lived and worked in the education sector.It was the deadliest earthquake in Morocco since 2004. According to the national authorities, 2,946 people died and 5,674 were injured. It is estimated that 59,674 houses were destroyed or damaged."After the earthquake, I had the opportunity to volunteer with the Moroccan Red Crescent,” she recalls. "In the first few days, I participated in various activities, including community engagement, in the douars[admnistrative districts] affected by the earthquake.”“Since I speak the local language, Tamazight, I was able to get closer to the people and to understand in depth the needs of the population, whether it’s women, men or children, in this time of crisis.”At first, Naima could only volunteer on the weekends because of her work. But over time, her passion for helping people led her to take on a new role as Moroccan Red Crescent shelter officer in Chichaoua Province. Located in the Atlas Mountains, Chichaoua was one of several areas most heavily impacted by the quake.Breaking new groundThe first female to work in the shelter team of the Moroccan Red Crescent, her role is to support the construction of temporary housing units for those affected by the earthquake.Naima also meets with women in the affected communities to understand their needs and concerns, and to answer any questions they have about the recovery efforts."I decided to join the Moroccan Red Crescent as a shelter assistant because I wanted to be on the front line to help my community recover from this devastating earthquake. I have always believed in the power of teamwork and knew that as a member of the Shelter team, I could make a direct and meaningful impact on the lives of those who need it most.“Seeing the immediate difference that even small actions can make in the face of enormous needs has been very gratifying."The efforts of Moroccan Red Crescent staff and volunteers has been the backbone of the international response to the earthquake as well. With support of the IFRC, which launched an emergency appeal four days after the quake, the Moroccan Red Crescent Society (MRCS) had delivered aid to approximately 55,000 people as of March 2024.The work has been hard – and it’s ongoing – but it has also been a rewarding experience for Naima to see her work and her example making a difference to people in her province.“My involvement with the Moroccan Red Crescent has a positive impact on my life. I am very proud to be a volunteer and to be the first woman to work in the field of shelter. This motivated many other volunteers to get involved and also encouraged women in the affected douars to participate in shelter activities with more confidence.“Involving women in the decision-making process is very important to ensure that their needs are taken into account.”More support still neededThe Moroccan Red Crescent’s aid so far has included essential supplies such as hygiene kits, sanitary pads, household items, and food parcels. Over 300 temporary shelter units have been set up, with plans to install over 1,000. More than 18,000 people have received support for shelter, housing, and settlements.Food security and livelihood programs have helped 6,500 households, while 228 households have received multi-purpose cash assistance. More than 14,000 people have received water, sanitation and hygiene support.However, the communities where Naima works continue to need support. Some have told her about the difficulties they face in paying for transport to the weekly market, while others have indicated having difficulties acquiring hygiene products or accessing medical care. Increased food prices have led some to adjust the composition of their meals.The Moroccan Red Crescent, meanwhile, is accelerating and scaling up long-term recovery efforts in affected villages through cash assistance, livelihood support, protection services and preparedness for future disasters.It will take years for people in Morocco to fully recover, but the Moroccan Red Crescent, with the support of their Red Cross Red Crescent partners, will continue to work with communities in the affected areas to ensure their full recovery over the long term.Text by Pamela Riley