Uneven rains, unequal impact: Drought and hunger in Northern Kenya. The IFRC and the Kenya Red Cross respond.

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

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

Climate Action Summit

Climate disasters are accelerating – but the most effective solutions are often led locally. The Climate Action Summit, hosted by the IFRC and the Red Cross and Red Crescent Climate Centre, will bring together global leaders, community voices, and climate innovators to explore how locally led action can help the world get ahead of climate disasters. As the world’s largest humanitarian network, the IFRC works in communities facing climate impacts every day. This summit will spotlight the solutions already emerging locally and the partnerships needed to scale them globally.

Study: Record downpours that caused lethal landslides in Brazil will worsen with further warming

This is an adaptation by the Climate Centre of a press release issued by World Weather Attribution on 12 March 2026.The landslides that struck the state of Minas Gerais in south-east Brazil last month (pictured) have laid bare the vulnerability of the country’s cities and its coffee industry to an increasingly volatile climate, World Weather Attribution scientists said.The WWA team warn in a new study that this event is a preview of the heavier rainfall expected as global temperatures rise further.It was the wettest month on record in the worst-affected city of Juiz de Fora: 65 people were killed there and over 6,400 were forced from their homes after particularly intense rainfall fell between 22 and 24 February; seven other people more were killed in Uba.Minas Gerais is the heart of Brazil’s coffee industry and the leading producer of arabica beans. After years of extreme weather caused as much as a 20 per cent reduction in output and global spikes in prices, there were hopes for a better harvest this year, but the above-average rainfall is now fueling disease across plantations.While the scientists didn’t find definitive evidence that climate change increased the intensity of rainfall in this event, models do show the strength of these downpours worsening by an estimated 7 per cent as global temperatures rise, but the true number could be higher.Rapid urban growth on steep slopes and floodplains has seen natural vegetation replaced by paved surfaces, reducing water drainage and increasing runoff, they add.‘Early warning systems are thedecisive instrument for saving lives’Pedro Camarinha, Deputy Director at the Brazilian National Center for Monitoring and Early Warning of Natural Disasters, said: “This disaster made clear how extreme rainfall can trigger the consequences of risk that was already known, but insufficiently addressed through preventive public policies.”“Where land-use planning, risk reduction measures, and the protection of exposed communities remain inadequate, early warning systems become the decisive instrument for saving lives.”“Their effectiveness, however, depends on disaster risk being communicated clearly to the population through coordinated action among institutions and with society as a central actor in the system.”“Early warning systems must therefore be better valued and continuously improved, while risk awareness is strengthened among exposed communities and urgent action is taken to reduce exposure and vulnerability.”Regina R. Rodrigues, a professor at the Federal University of Santa Catarina in Florianopolis, added: “Looking to the future, there are clear implications for Brazil’s leaders to ensure people aren’t living in harm’s way as we see more of these events unfold.”“Minas Gerais is the heartbeat of Brazil’s coffee production and this rainfall is another example of the extreme weather it is having to deal with. It’s a reminder that our changing climate is already pushing up prices and disrupting supplies for products people around the world take for granted.”

Where art meets education, resilience grows

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.

So far and so cold: How the 'snow-how' of Norwegian Red Cross helps Arctic Communities prepare for emergencies

Early action in Yemen: How Red Crescent volunteers protected families from the floods

When heavy rains swept across Abs district in Yemen’s Hajjah governorate last August, thousands of internally displaced families - uprooted by conflict and living in fragile shelters - found themselves exposed within minutes.Tents collapsed, roofs made of lightweight materials disintegrated, and families woke up surrounded by mud and rising water with nowhere to go.For many, the night felt endless. For some, it was life-threatening."It was very intense and very frightening." — A father’s night of fearHadi Mohammed Shaer Al-Aslami recounts the fear:"The rain was heavy and frightening. From 9 at night until 3 in the morning, it didn’t stop. It felt like a hurricane, extremely scary. I was holding onto the door with my young son next to me, crying. My mother’s shelter collapsed completely over her head. We never know how strong the rains will be each year, but this year, they were very intense and very frightening."Early preparedness supported by IFRC-DREFIn the days before the heaviest rains, Yemen Red Crescent Society (YRCS) teams had already been monitoring alerts, identifying at-risk areas, and encouraging families to move away from flood channels.These steps - supported by IFRC’s Disaster Response Emergency Fund (IFRC-DREF) - helped position teams and materials closer to high-risk communities.Dr. Ahmed Abdulkarim Nassar, Executive Director of YRCS in Hajjah, explains: "We were able to anticipate the disaster. We prepared our teams and identified the communities most at risk. We didn’t wait, we acted early."A race against rising waterWhen the rain intensified overnight, volunteers moved immediately. Thanks in part to the DREF allocation, YRCS teams reached displacement sites within the first hour, while the flooding was still unfolding."The response was quick and humane. Our teams were distributing relief items, providing first aid, and setting up temporary shelter," Dr. Ahmed recalls.Across the district, the destruction was severe.Volunteer Nasser Al-Adba'i describes: "Homes were destroyed and many families had nothing left. People were in the open, without shelter or food."YRCS was the only actor able to reach the sites in time."We were the only ones in the field at the right moment. We assessed the needs and started distributions right away," he says.Volunteers standing by familiesPreparedness measures taken days earlier, including awareness sessions, simple protective barriers to divert floodwater, and helping families move away from dangerous flood paths, reduced the impact in several high-risk areas."These early steps really helped," Nasser says.Volunteer Jaradah Abdullah recalls how a small protective barrier built earlier prevented an entire displacement site from being swept away: "Without it, we could have lost lives, not just homes."Shelter, cash, and relief for families who lost everythingYRCS volunteers worked around the clock to provide emergency shelter materials, transitional tents, mattresses, blankets, and cash assistance to help affected families buy food and essential items.Volunteer Lina Mohjib says: "The damage was huge, but the support gave people hope again. Without shelter and cash assistance, many would have had to leave the area completely."Volunteer Khaled Sultan also recalls families sleeping in the open, waiting for help: "People were outside with no shelter and no food. We were able to provide transitional shelters during those first days to protect them from the ongoing rains."Local action, strengthened by timely supportThe August floods in Abs highlighted the importance of local presence, early preparedness, and fast mobilization. Volunteers - many from the same communities affected - moved quickly to reach those in greatest danger.As Dr. Ahmed reflects: "This response strengthened our confidence in our ability to protect people early, before the situation becomes a tragedy."Preparedness and early action like this save lives.To see how the IFRC and its member National Societies help communities act before hazards turn into disasters, explore:• Early warning, early action at IFRC• How the IFRC-DREF supports rapid local response

Severe flooding across Asia: millions affected – urgent humanitarian response underway

Kuala Lumpur, Geneva 1 December 2025 - The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is responding to severe flooding that has affected millions of people across Southeast and South Asia. Countries including Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Viet Nam are reporting widespread devastation, displacement, and urgent humanitarian needs.Intense monsoon rains and climate-driven weather extremes have triggered rapid-onset floods and landslides, destroying homes, livelihoods, and critical infrastructure. Families have lost homes and incomes, and thousands are sheltering in evacuation centers. Health risks from waterborne diseases and sanitation challenges are rising, while flooded roads and damaged bridges are cutting off access to essential services.In Indonesia, severe flooding and landslides have impacted 39 districts across Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra, following high-intensity rains linked to Tropical Cyclone Senyar. Approximately 1.1 million people have been affected, with 290,700 displaced and 435 deaths reported. The Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) has mobilized staff and volunteers to conduct evacuations, provide First Aid, distribute clean water, and operate public kitchens, but access remains difficult and resources are stretched.In Sri Lanka, more than 968,000 people across 25 districts have been affected, with 193 deaths and 228 missing. Over 41,000 families are sheltering in official safety centers, while thousands remain with relatives. The Sri Lanka Red Cross Society (SLRCS) has deployed over 3,500 volunteers to provide First Aid and distribute water, hygiene kits, bedding, and clothing. However, road closures and the risk of secondary landslides continue to hamper relief efforts.In Malaysia and Viet Nam, localized flooding has disrupted transport and essential services, compounding vulnerabilities for communities already facing economic pressures and climate-related shocks. Recovery will be slow and difficult without sustained support.Beyond immediate response, these floods underscore the urgent need for stronger legal and policy frameworks to protect people in disasters. The goal of the ongoing negotiations towards a Treaty on the Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters (PPED) aims to establish binding international obligations for disaster risk reduction and humanitarian assistance. The Philippines and Thailand have played key roles in advancing this treaty, which would help ensure faster, more coordinated support and better protection for vulnerable communities in future crises.“The picture in Southeast Asia shows that you still need even better early warning systems. Even better shelter for people to go to in times of flooding if you're really going to mitigate these risks. Even more nature-based solutions - the planting of trees and mangroves in those places, particularly at risk of flooding to keep people safer. Better social protection systems in disaster so they can immediately get cash and get the food, the medicine, and the shelter they need when a disaster strikes. These are all things that the IFRC is working on and we'll continue to work on in the years to come,” says Alexander Matheou, IFRC Regional Director for Asia Pacific.Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies are on the frontlines of the response, but the scale of needs is growing faster than local capacity. IFRC calls for urgent international support to meet immediate humanitarian needs and help communities rebuild. These floods are a stark reminder that climate-driven disasters are becoming the new normal, and investment in resilience and preparedness is critical.Note to editors:Visuals:Sri LankaThailandViet NamPhilippinesFor 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 Scott Craig, +41 76 370 3575

Climate of storms: New Red Vest podcast episode explores link between a warming world and a recent string of super storms

Alliance for the Amazon: IFRC and TNC present a 10-year commitment to strengthen community resilience and climate adaptation

Belém do Pará/Panama City/Geneva, 15 November -The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) unveiled the Alliance for the Amazon’s ten-year program (2025–2035), focused on disaster risk reduction and climate resilience through the deployment of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) across the Amazon rainforest.During a joint event at COP30 in Brazil, the two organizations issued a call to raise the first 10 million Swiss francs (approximately 12 million USD) to launch the initial phase of this program, which aims to strengthen the resilience of Amazonian communities threatened by wildfires, droughts, floods, extreme temperatures, socioeconomic complexities, and displacement—combining humanitarian action and environmental science to protect both people and nature.Created nearly a year ago, the Alliance for the Amazon is a long-term, collective effort that brings together communities, Indigenous Peoples, governments, and organizations committed to safeguarding the Amazon. Convened by the IFRC as a network rooted in local presence and regional leadership, the Alliance unites knowledge, resources, and partnerships to build a more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive Amazon, especially fostering partnerships between humanitarian, environmental, and development sectorsOver the past year, the IFRC has led a series of Amazonian Knowledge System Dialogues in Bolivia and Colombia, gathering hundreds of community leaders, scientists, and Red Cross teams to co-design locally led solutions. These dialogues, along with joint analyses carried out with expert organizations, such as TNC, have informed a new regional program framework and pilot projects focused on ecosystem restoration, climate-smart agriculture, and community health.“The Alliance for the Amazon embodies the Red Cross spirit of humanity, trust and localization,” said Loyce Pace, IFRC Regional Director for the Americas. “Together with partners, we are mobilizing to protect communities facing wildfires, droughts, floods, and climate displacement. Our goal is not only to anticipate and respond to disasters and health crises—but to help people thrive amid a changing climate.”The Alliance for the Amazon is structured around three strategic pillars that guide its long-term action and embed Locally Led Adaptation. The first focuses on risk management and anticipatory climate action, emphasizing local preparedness, inclusive local governance, and effective early warning systems. The second centers on sustainable and resilient livelihoods, supporting nature-based solutions, green economies, and food sovereignty. The third pillar promotes integral health and community well-being, connecting physical, mental, and spiritual health with environmental stewardship.“This partnership brings the best of humanitarian and developmental action together with environmental science to support those who safeguard the Amazon every day,” said Clare Shakya, TNC's Global Climate Managing Director at The Nature Conservancy (TNC). “By restoring ecosystems, strengthening community leadership, investing in nature-based solutions, and addressing structural inequities in adaptation finance systems, the Alliance can support Amazon communities adapt and thrive, while protecting its biodiversity, and the climate systems we all depend on.” Organizations, governments, corporations, and Indigenous Peoples and communities interested in contributing to this initiative are invited to join the Alliance and collaborate in advancing climate resilience and humanitarian and developmental action across the Amazon.With the active participation of National Red Cross Societies across the nine Amazonian countries, in partnership with TNC and other actors working in key areas of the basin, the Alliance seeks to reach 4 million people over the next decade. Its approach centers on local leadership, intercultural dialogue, and long-term partnerships—key ingredients for addressing one of the most complex humanitarian and environmental challenges of our time.For more information and to set up an interview, please contact: [email protected] Panama: María Victoria Langman, +507 6550 1090In Geneva: Tommaso Della Longa, +41 79 708 4367

‘I can rise again’: They lost everything to Hurricane Melissa. But they are resilient and determined to rebuild.

Alliance for the Amazon: For a resilient and sustainable future

‘You can’t capture it in pictures’: Hurricane Melissa leaves path of destruction in Western Jamaica

In a residential part of Westmoreland, a parish on the western point of Jamaica, Maceo Sibbles stands amid a swath of broken branches and fallen trees. Behind him, the trees that still stand are bent, twisted and stripped of their leaves and branches.“The damage has been catastrophic,” says Sibbles, who serves as director of the Westmoreland Branch of the Jamaica Red Cross. Hurricane Melissa, the strongest Hurricane to ever hit Jamaica – and the third largest storm to ever be recorded in the Caribbean – has caused widespread destruction across the west of the country.“You can’t capture it in pictures, not even videos, you need to see it with your own two eyes,” he says. “It’s really horrific.”There are some areas of Westmoreland that are still completely inaccessible, ten days after the hurricane made landfall. People are desperately in need of the most basic amenities, having had their entire lives shattered, blown into the wind.“We’ve had areas where the only thing left standing is the bathroom, the concrete bathroom that the person built. If it’s not concrete, it’s not there, everything else is flat."Maceo Sibbles, director of the Westmoreland Branch of the Jamaica Red Cross.“We’ve had areas where houses are primarily built with board and zinc and most of those are completely devastated,” Maceo says.“We are trying our best to reach out and get out into the communities but haven’t even gotten to the hills yet. We are getting reports of a lot of people have passed away due to the storm."‘Everyone is hurting’Jamaica Red Cross staff and volunteers are currently facing immense challenges reaching affected areas due to downed power lines, flooding, and impassable roads. It took some volunteers several days to even reach their local Red Cross branch office to support with humanitarian aid distribution, because the areas surrounding their homes were so badly damaged.“It took a lot of volunteers days to come out from where they were, getting through trees, getting through the downed powerlines on the roads,” Maceo says. “You can’t drive out, you have to walk out and then you’re dealing with water that is chest or waist height.”“We have people who are marooned. We can’t get to them because of the distance to the closest driving point and it’s hard to go there and pass everybody on the way who can’t go out for themselves.”Watch this interview with hurricane survivor Dwayne Francis:Needs are vast: Emergency funding triggered and appeals launchedDespite the difficulties, Red Cross teams have started distributing goods to affected communities, including food packages, water and items like tarpaulins, shelter kits, hygiene kits, cleaning kits and jerry cans.The needs are so vast it is impossible to reach everyone who needs support right now, so Maceo and his team are focusing on individuals and communities who are most vulnerable.“We have started distributing to the elderly, people who have small children and people with disabilities, physical challenges or mental challenges,” he says. “We have also distributed from a location in Savanna La Mar for people who can actually reach there, to get some of their supplies.To support the response to Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica, the IFRC has launched an emergency appeal for 19 million Swiss francs and allocated 80,000 Swiss francs from its Disaster Response Emergency Fund in advance of the storm's arrival in order to support emergency preparations.Working togetherThe scale of this disaster requires a coordinated response, with the many actors on the ground. Agencies need to ensure they are working together and pooling their resources to work as efficiently and effectively as possible.“This is not the Red Cross only, it’s not the Ministry of Labour and Social Security only,”Maceo adds. “We’ve had World Central Kitchen come with hot meals, but everyone is chipping in little by little by little.“I know some people are getting impatient and we can’t ask them to be patient; we just have to get to them as soon as we can. And that’s what we’re trying to do, day by day. We are going to keep pushing.”In total, 881 shelters were activated across the island and are providing support to over 7,200 people. These shelters have largely been community halls, schools and churches, buildings that managed to withstand the force of the hurricane. Now, roughly 88 of these shelters remain active, with the Jamaican Red Cross managing eight of them.Community ResilienceMany of Maceo’s volunteers who are working tirelessly each day to provide food, supplies and other forms of help have also been badly affected. Despite their exhaustion and personal loss, they continue to support their neighbours.“I know some of my volunteers have been working from 6 in the morning until twelve midnight and they are exhausted,” Maceo says. “We are trying to rotate through as much as possible, so there is no burn out, but on the ground, we are working as hard as we can, to get to people who need help.“We have volunteers who are homeless right now. They are with somebody who may have gotten damaged and has pitched up part of their home to accommodate them.”Maceo Sibbles, director of the Westmoreland Branch of the Jamaica Red Cross.“We have volunteers who are homeless right now. They are with somebody who may have gotten damaged and has pitched up part of their home to accommodate them.”“A lot of our volunteers, when they go home, they are going home to darkness, to no water, to mud, going through several feet of water just to get home. Our volunteers push, our volunteers work hard, they are volunteering from the heart.”While Jamaica Red Cross volunteers are providing psychological support to people who are still living through a traumatic experience, they volunteers are also in need of psychosocial support.“We are going to be doing a lot of psychosocial first aid, because this hurricane shook a lot of people,” says Maceo. “I was in it personally. It was terrifying. For me, I don’t panic but I know my daughter was scared. It was like nothing I’ve ever seen before.”Another challenge communities worst hit by the Hurricane have been experiencing is telecommunication outages. There are many areas of the country that will be without power for weeks to come and so a network of satellite communication devices has started to emerge, spanning the length of the country. The Westmoreland branch has become a hub for one of these devices, called a Starlink.“We’ve had the Starlink here for two days,” Maceo explains. “It’s being used by the community. We run it on the generator. It has issues but we’re really thankful for it. With the Starlink people are able to reach out to family members but also get some entertainment, because you know psychosocial support and people’s wellbeing is important. People need to have time to decompress and breathe, to achieve some semblances of normal life. It’s really important.”Hopes and fearsThere are so many barriers to overcome and there will be bumps in the road to recovery. The true extent of the damage and secondary hazards are still being identified. One such area of concern for Maceo is waste management and sanitisation issues.“I am worried about the disposal of waste,” he says. “We already had a problem with garbage being picked pre-Melissa, but now you have human waste and bodily waste, where people are utilising public spaces because they don’t have anything else.“One of my greatest concerns is that it might turn into some kind of communicable disease. I think we need public education on the matter, and we need to figure out a way to help these people have better hygiene practices.“Right now, people are just surviving, and you can’t look at a person whose surviving and tell them they need to do something different. We need to come up with a better option.”In terms of his hopes, Maceo has faith that his country will recover. Jamaican people are resilient and if we can garner enough support from the international community, there will be a light at the end of the tunnel, he says.“My hope is that we can build better, that we can do what needs to be done, so everybody gets the help that they need. I believe that we can do it, but we must get a lot of support,” he says.

Kenya: IFRC launches CHF 15 million emergency appeal as climate extremes push millions to the brink

Nairobi, Geneva, 4 November 2025 — Kenya is in the grip of a worsening climate and humanitarian crisis. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has launched a CHF 15 million emergency appeal to help the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) deliver life-saving support to 300,000 people affected by worsening hunger, water shortages, rising malnutrition and disease outbreaks across drought and flood-hit counties.Naemi Heita, IFRC Head of Delegation, Nairobi Country Cluster for Kenya and Somalia, said:“This is a complex emergency that goes beyond drought. Families are grappling with hunger, water scarcity, health risks, and displacement. Kenya Red Cross volunteers are on the frontlines every day, delivering life-saving assistance in some of the hardest-hit areas. Through this appeal, we aim to mobilize resources that not only address immediate needs but also strengthen communities against future climate shocks.”Escalating Humanitarian NeedsAcross Kenya’s arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), home to 16 million people, families are walking for hours each day to find water as rivers and pans dry up. Crops have failed, livestock are dying, and malnutrition rates are soaring among children and pregnant women. In some counties, intense rainfall is now bringing flash floods that destroy what little remains including landslides, while disease outbreaks such as cholera, malaria and Rift Valley Fever continue to spread.Forecasts point to below-average rains in 23 drought-affected counties and above-average rainfall in parts of Turkana and the Lake Basin, threatening further displacement and contamination of scarce water sources. Protection concerns, including gender-based violence and early marriage, are also increasing as families resort to desperate coping strategies. With limited humanitarian funding, health facilities in remote areas struggle to provide basic care, immunisation, and maternal health services.IFRC and Kenya Red Cross ResponseKenya Red Cross has over 262,000 volunteers and 700 staff across all 47 branches. KRCS has been delivering food, cash assistance, clean water, and emergency healthcare to those most in need. The IFRC appeal will boost these efforts, enabling the organisation to expand water trucking, repair and solarise boreholes, treat acute malnutrition, and deploy mobile health and nutrition teams to hard-to-reach areas. It will also support climate-smart agriculture, livestock protection, and livelihood recovery to help families rebuild.On 31 October 2025, heavy rains triggered deadly landslides in Moror and Chesongoch villages in Marakwet East, Elgeyo Marakwet County, killing 26 people, injuring 26, and leaving 25 missing, according to official figures. The landslides displaced 151 households and destroyed homes and vital infrastructure. Despite access challenges, the Kenya Red Cross Society, working with county authorities and other members of the multi-agency response team, evacuated the injured and delivered emergency relief to affected families. Authorities have since warned of further landslides as rainfall continues, compounding an already critical humanitarian situation across the country.KRCS is equally prioritising protection and inclusion, ensuring that women, children, and marginalised groups have safe, equitable access to assistance and that feedback from communities shapes ongoing response efforts.Dr Ahmed Idris, Secretary General, Kenya Red Cross Society, said:“Communities in Kenya’s ASALs are facing overlapping crises: prolonged drought, acute food insecurity, rising malnutrition, and protection risks, while disease outbreaks such as cholera and Rift Valley Fever compound the situation. In some areas, flooding adds further strain. Kenya Red Cross volunteers continue to reach the most vulnerable and hard-to-access areas, ensuring critical assistance gets where it is needed most. This appeal will enable us to scale up life-saving support and strengthen resilience against these multiple shocks.”A Call for Collective ActionThe IFRC and Kenya Red Cross are urging governments, donors, humanitarian agencies, and the private sector to step up support immediately. Every delay deepens the crisis and puts more families in danger. The appeal seeks to ensure that no Kenyan goes hungry, thirsty, or without healthcare as climate extremes intensify.Note to editors: Audiovisual materials of the emergency response are available for download.For more information, please contact: [email protected] NairobiTimothy Maina, +254 110 848 161Susan Mbalu, +254 733 827 654In GenevaTommaso Della Longa: +41 79 708 43 67  Scott Craig: +41 76 370 35 75   

Ahead of COP30, IFRC warns against slowing climate action amid multiple global crises

Geneva, 6November 2025 – As the world prepares to meet at COP30, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) warns that amid multiple overlapping global crises, the world cannot afford to lose focus on the climate emergency, as climate-related humanitarian needs escalate.Across the world, the IFRC network is responding to more frequent and severe floods, droughts, storms, heatwaves and wildfires, as climate-related humanitarian needs rise, threatening health, food security, water supplies, lives and livelihoods. Without urgent action to reduce emissions and strengthen local resilience, these needs will only continue to rise.Investment in early action and preparedness for climate-related disasters is key to saving lives – as demonstrated recently with Hurricane Melissa where preparedness and early action gave teams on the ground valuable time to build shelters, evacuate people out of harm’s way, preposition aid and help to prepare communities to weather this unprecedented category 5 hurricane. “Hurricane Melissa is the latest reminder that the humanitarian consequences of climate change are becoming ever clearer. It also shows how being prepared before climate-related disasters strike can save many lives. At COP30, we need action and investment that strengthen community resilience to climate extremes, because if we fail to do so, these humanitarian needs being driven by climate change will only continue to rise,” said Jagan Chapagain, IFRC Secretary General.At COP30, IFRC will call for urgent climate action, focused on three priorities:Health and well-being: Protecting people from the health impacts of climate change by building climate-resilient cities and health systems. Extreme heat, water scarcity and climate-related diseases are already affecting millions, and climate-related health risks are expected to rise sharply if action is delayed. Investment in people and communities: Scaling up locally led climate action and ensuring climate finance reaches the communities who need it most. Less than 10 per cent of global climate finance is estimated to reach the local level, leaving many of the most affected communities without the resources they need to adapt. A more ambitious adaptation finance target would ensure resources reach communities who need them most, especially those in fragile and crisis-affected settings. Timing: Getting ahead of disasters. Investing in preparedness, early warning and anticipatory action to save lives and livelihoods before climate-related disasters strike. IFRC continues to lead global efforts to ensure everyone has access to early warnings and can take action to reduce loss and damage.People are already facing the limits of adaptation and experiencing loss and damage from climate impacts. Some areas are becoming too hot to sustain livelihoods, while rising sea levels are destroying farmland and freshwater supplies. The IFRC is calling for predictable and accessible support for communities most affected, particularly those that have contributed least to the climate crisis and have the fewest resources to recover.At COP30, the IFRC will work with a wide range of partners, governments and donors to ensure that the voices of Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies, and the needs of the communities most at risk, are front and centre in the global climate agenda and to deliver on commitments to protect those most at risk.More information on IFRC’s climate programming - including data, reports and stories - is available here.For more information or to request an interview, please contact: [email protected] Panama:Susana Arroyo Barrantes, +507 6999-3199María Victoria Langman, +507 6550-1090 In Geneva:Tommaso Della Longa, +41 79 708 4367Scott Craig, +41 76 370 3575

Pacific Red Cross Leaders Unite in Fiji to Strengthen Regional Humanitarian Response  

Suva, Fiji, 17 October 2025 – As the Pacific grapples with intensifying climate risks, dwindling humanitarian funding, and rising disaster displacement, Red Cross leaders from across the region have convened in Suva to strengthen disaster preparedness, climate resilience and locally led humanitarian action.Kate Forbes, President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) - on her first official visit to the Pacific - joined the meeting, underscoring IFRC's deep commitment to elevating Pacific voices and ensuring the region’s unique challenges are represented in global humanitarian priorities.“The Pacific may be on the frontline of the climate crisis, but it is also on the frontline of resilience, innovation, and hope,” said Forbes during her keynote address. “True humanitarian leadership is grounded in local realities, informed by cultural wisdom, and driven by compassion - not capacity alone.”A key focus of the meeting is the vital role of young people in shaping the future of humanitarian action. Forbes reaffirmed the Red Cross’s commitment not only to include youth in decision-making, but to empower them as leaders in community engagement, climate action, and digital innovation.“We must create spaces for youth to direct their energy and creativity toward building solutions for their communities,” she said. The active participation of Red Cross youth in this meeting highlights the Movement’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of humanitarian leaders.With more than four decades of experience in the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement, Forbes is a long-standing champion of transparency, equity, and volunteer-driven impact. As former Chair of the IFRC Audit and Risk Commission, she played a critical role in strengthening accountability and ensuring humanitarian resources reach communities swiftly and responsibly.During her visit, Forbes will meet with volunteers and partners and participate in a community engagement visit to Moala village on 18 October - witnessing firsthand how local Red Cross initiatives are helping build community resilience in the face of overlapping crises.This meeting comes at a pivotal moment for the region, as Pacific communities continue to face more frequent and severe climate-related emergencies, all while operating with limited resources and growing international competition for funding.As Forbes emphasized, “Sustainability is not a luxury; it is a necessity for credibility and continuity of our efforts.” The IFRC remains committed to supporting Pacific National Societies in building strong, sustainable foundations that can meet today’s challenges and tomorrow’s uncertainties.For more information or to request an interview, please contact: [email protected] Suva: Seci Burese, +679 9923937In Kuala Lumpur: Afrhill Rances, +60 19 271 3641

New podcast episode: Fighting hunger through the power of motherhood and fatherhood

Africa Zero Hunger: The empowering journey of Mtakuja's women farmers

In the quiet, sunbaked landscape of Mtakuja Village in Taita Taveta County, Kenya, farming has always posed significant challenges. The heat is often extreme, the soil dry, and the rains delayed for months. Yet, amid these challenges, a spirit of resilience is flourishing.At the heart of this transformation are women such as Margaret, a farmer and mother whose calm, steady voice carries the weight of years of hard work. Not long ago, each day was filled with worry. Buying food often meant borrowing money she could not repay, and repeated crop failures left her efforts feeling futile.The turning point came when she and a local Friends Women Group she is part of received support through the Integrated Food Security Project established by the Kenya Red Cross Society.The project works with over 1,000 farmers, who receive training and support in a variety of agricultural specialisations — including gala goats, poultry, apiculture, horticulture, sunflower, and vegetables.In the case of Margaret’s group, the programme gave each of the eight women members a female goat, while the group shared a he-goat for breeding. What seemed like a modest gift became the foundation for a more resilient livelihood.“Being part of the Friends Women Group has really helped me. It has given me a sense of belonging and support,” she says. “I am able to share ideas with my fellow members, and I always feel encouraged to keep pushing forward even when challenges come.”By breeding their goats, Margaret soon became the proud owner of eight healthy animals. From this herd, she now provides fresh milk for her family and occasionally sells some to buy sugar or soap. “I enjoy my goat milk with each cup of tea I sip,”she says with a smile, her pride unmistakable.From struggles to smart savingsThe Integrated Food Security Project is one of many initiatives supported by the Africa Zero Hunger campaign, recently launched by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).This campaign champions community-led durable solutions and calls for urgent investment in sustainable programmes that harness local resilience to tackle the root causes of food insecurity across the continent.In this case, donations to the Africa Zero Hunger campaign would help the Kenya Red Cross expand the project to reach more farmers and extend its impact into other drought-affected areas, turning a proven solution into a wider movement for food security.Projects like this work best alongside other community-based microeconomic initiatives that empower local farmers. In Margaret’s case, for example, she joined a Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA), where she learned how to save, borrow small loans, and invest wisely. With her earnings, she began farming kale in her compound. Thanks to water conservation techniques she learned through the programme, her small garden remains green even when water is scarce.“Through using improved kale seeds, together with the training I went through, I have gained the knowledge and skills to take better care of my crops. These practices have made my farming more productive,” she explains.Resilience through every challengeEarlier this year, Margaret faced a painful setback when elephants invaded Mtakuja and destroyed her entire kale garden in a single night. The loss was a harsh reminder of the ongoing human-wildlife conflict in the region. Yet, she refused to be defeated. Determined, she set her sights on replanting and rebuilding with even greater resolve.Today, Margaret’s home is alive with hope. Rows of kale once again line her compound, while the gentle sound of goats fills the air. A small bucket of milk often sits beside freshly harvested vegetables. Every scene tells a story of effort, perseverance, and renewal.This spirit of change is spreading across Mtakuja. Through the VSLA model and the solidarity within the Friends Women Group, more women are saving, investing, and securing a better future for their families.Now, the Integrated Food Security Project has reached around 1,500 farmers in total. Among them, about 350 farmers are keeping goats, while poultry farmers have been trained to use solarized incubators to scale up egg production and to produce sustainable poultry feeds for both consumption and sale.Those who grow sunflowers, many from rain-fed areas, are preparing to benefit from a new sunflower oil processing plant, which will add value to their harvests and boost their incomes.Margaret no longer lives under the shadow of food insecurity. Her children, now grown, have joined her in farming, caring for goats and crops, turning agriculture into a shared family strength. The women here are no longer only farmers. They are pillars of resilience and progress in their community.Story and photos by Gidraph Mbugua GitemaGet involved and make a difference:Join the Zero Hunger Campaign and help vulnerable communities on a path to resilience.

Red Cross in Kiribati and Vanuatu launch new climate resilience initiative

Suva, Kuala Lumpur, Geneva, September 15, 2025 - Nowhere are the impacts of climate change more tangible than in the Pacific — and hardly anywhere is the need for urgent, locally led action more critical. In Kiribati and Vanuatu, climate change is not a distant threat - you can see it everywhere.Rising seas, saltwater intrusion, and extreme weather are already disrupting people’s lives, livelihoods, and ways of life. These island nations contribute just 0.02 per cent of global emissions — yet they face some of the most devastating consequences.That’s why the Vanuatu Red Cross Society and Kiribati Red Cross Society, together with IFRC have launched a new climate resilience project, funded by DG Clima of the European Union, to strengthen locally led adaptation to the changing climate.The project is risk-informed, to ensure any project interventions address identified challenges.Vanuatu Red Cross Secretary General Dickinson Tevi said:“The risk assessment process will guide us towards identifying risk-informed solutions to the challenges that we face. "Building on existing local expertise and capacity, the project supports locally led interventions to address those increasing risks faced by the most vulnerable — the people who have contributed the least to this crisis but are living its harshest reality every day."Including the traditional context and knowledge in locally driven programming will ensure Red Cross programmes focus on sustainability as well as respect for culture, people and place,” Mr Tevi said.Programs to address climate change are vital in the Pacific."Such programs like this, which consider ecosystem-based adaptation and other measures to respond to the effects of climate change, are crucial to ensure the effects lessen and the safety of communities, their environment and its people are secured,” said Tiina Tetabea, Kiribati Government's Ministry of Environment, Lands and Agricultural Development, during the stakeholder engagement session at the inception workshop in Tarawa, Kiribati.The project is also planned to expand to Belize and Guyana in the Caribbean, supporting climate-affected communities across multiple regions.For more information or to request an interview, please contact: [email protected] Suva: Nete Logavatu Tamanitoakula, [email protected] Kuala Lumpur: Afrhill Rances, +60 19 271 3641 In Geneva: Scott Craig, +41 76 370 35 75

World First Aid Day 2025: How first aid training prepares Lao PDR for a changing climate

Every year, millions of people face sudden emergencies — from road accidents to floods and heatwaves. As the climate crisis fuels more extreme weather, the ability to provide lifesaving First Aid has never been more critical.In Lao PDR, where floods, landslides, and droughts are becoming more frequent, community members are often the first responders. First Aid training enables people to treat injuries, prevent complications, and stabilize lives until medical help arrives.Since July 2025, for example, the Lao Red Cross (LRC) has been responding to widespread flooding triggered by Tropical Depression Wipha, which has affected more than 172,000 people across multiple provinces.With support from the IFRC Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF), LRC branches have provided relief and essential services including First Aid for injured community members.These recent emergency response interventions underscore how lifesaving First Aid skills are critical not only in daily life but also in the face of climate-driven disasters.One of the most vital skills is Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). Survival chances decrease by 10 per cent for every minute without CPR and defibrillation. These skills are especially crucial in remote areas, where access to health services is limited or delayed after disasters.Red Cross first-aid trainers such as Kaithong Sesavath, who is also Deputy Head of the LRC Basic Health Department, bring these life-saving lessons regularly to schools and community gatherings.“By bringing training into schools, LRC is empowering teachers and students with practical skills that save lives in both everyday accidents and climate-related emergencies,” says Kaithong. “CPR is especially important because it keeps blood and oxygen flowing when someone stops breathing or their heart stops.”Backed by international solidaritySupport for this work comes from the Japanese Red Cross Society (JRCS) through the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). For the past six years, this support has allowed LRC to implement a comprehensive project aimed at “strengthening the capacity of Lao Red Cross staff on First Aid promotion for the public and communities”.Since 2019, 76 staff from LRC Headquarters and provincial branches have been trained to become first aid trainers, and more than 2,500 teachers and students across 16 provinces have been trained in first aid.The project is now at the end of Phase II, which focuses on six provinces (Oudomxay, Xiengkhouang, Bokeo, Champasak, Savannakhet, and Xaysomboun). During this phase, LRC also developed and launched training materials, including a first aid manual and guidelines tailored to the country’s specific needs, according to Dr. Soulany Chansy, Head of the LRC Emergency Health Division.Likewise, the trainings are adapted to meet the needs of local communities and integrated with local emergency response planning.“Earlier this year, during a monitoring visit in Bokeo province, I saw how staff adapted training to local contexts and strengthened coordination,” added Aya Mizutani, IFRC Health Delegate. “Their practical demonstrations reflected not only knowledge gained but also motivation to improve First Aid delivery.”The project also allows them to share knowledge and experience throughout the country. In July 2025, LRC hosted its First Aid Annual Meeting and Workshop in Vientiane. The two-day event gathered representatives from LRC headquarters and six provincial branches, IFRC, JRCS, and national ministries, to reflect on progress, share experiences, and plan for the next phase.First aid for a safer futureThe LRC experience shows that First Aid is more than an emergency response — it is a foundation for resilience. By equipping communities with lifesaving knowledge, First Aid is not only protecting lives today but also preparing Lao PDR to face the growing risks of climate change with strength and readiness.This commitment reflects IFRC’s Strategy 2030, which aims to make First Aid accessible to everyone, everywhere. By embedding it into daily life, communities are ready not only for today’s accidents but also for tomorrow’s climate-driven emergencies.By Kwanta Norkum, IFRC, Communications and Reporting Officer

PARLATINO and the Red Cross launch climate action and community resilience alliances ahead of COP30

Panama City, September 25, 2025. PARLATINO and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) launched the Parliamentary Alliance for Climate Action and the Alliance for the Amazon, their respective legislative and multisectoral coordination initiatives to promote adaptation to climate change, the reduction of hydrometeorological disaster risks, and the strengthening of community resilience in the Amazon.Both organizations are joining forces ahead of the 30th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, COP30, to be held in November in Belém do Pará, Brazil.Congressman Rolando González Patricio, president of PARLATINO, explained that PARLATINO leads the Parliamentary Alliance for Climate Action and Just Transition (APACTJ), a regional platform with global reach made up of legislators from Latin America, the Caribbean, and around the world. This space coordinates, hand in hand with specialized organizations, efforts aimed at strengthening and accelerating parliamentary contributions to the creation and maintenance of a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, where humanity lives in harmony with nature.“The Parliamentary Alliance for Climate Action and Just Transition seeks to leverage each country's constitutional mandates to deploy more immediate and effective climate action for a just transition that leaves no one behind,” explained González Patricio.Within the framework of global climate agreements and with a ten-year vision, the IFRC and its National Red Cross Societies presented their Alliance for the Amazon. This initiative combines science, humanitarian expertise, and ancestral knowledge to protect Amazonian communities and their livelihoods from the effects of disasters, exacerbated by the climate crisis and the complex challenges facing that territory.“Our alliance has a purpose that is as ambitious as it is urgent: to strengthen the resilience, health, and income of the most vulnerable families,” explained Loyce Pace, IFRC Regional Director for the Americas. “Forest fires, floods, and droughts—which are becoming increasingly prolonged, recurrent, and intense—are threatening the survival of the Amazon ecosystem and decades of progress in human development and community resilience. No community, no country, and no organization can face these threats alone, which is why coordinated work between the Red Cross, states, international organizations, and the private sector is key.”The IFRC and PARLATINO presented these initiatives at the event “Joining forces towards COP30,” held at PARLATINO headquarters in Panama City, which was also attended by representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in the country and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).At the meeting, Gustavo Da Veiga Guimarães, Counselor at the Brazilian Embassy in Panama, delivered a message about COP 30, highlighting that the choice of Belém do Pará, the gateway to the Amazon, reinforces Brazil's commitment to tropical forests and sustainable development in the region. "COP30 will be a milestone for dialogue, inclusion, and international solidarity, addressing five challenges: increasing climate finance for developing countries, strengthening emission reduction targets, transitioning to clean and renewable energy, conserving the Amazon rainforest and other key ecosystems, and last but not least, but no less importantly, the need to strengthen climate justice for vulnerable populations."For her part, the Deputy Regional Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Andrea Brusco, led the interactive dialogue: Protecting the Amazon as a global symbol. Brusco explained that protecting ecosystems and populations from the climate crisis is a complex, immense, and urgent issue, the scale of which should not discourage us but rather spur us to take prompt and effective action, always with the human dimension at its core.PARLATINO joins the Charter on Climate and the EnvironmentReaffirming its role as a catalyst for consensus and an active voice in building climate solutions from and for Latin America and the Caribbean, during the event PARLATINO also signed the Charter on Climate and the Environment for Humanitarian Organizations.This charter, promoted by the IFRC and other humanitarian actors, establishes commitments and a framework for action that guides its signatories and humanitarian organizations in general in promoting community resilience, adapting to new climate realities, and reducing environmental impact and carbon footprint.For more information:Mariana Carmona – PARLATINO Press Director: [email protected] Arroyo Barrantes – IFRC Communications Manager, Americas Office: [email protected] | +50769993199

Protecting the Amazonian cocoa: innovation, science and early warning from the Ecuadorian Red Cross

In the Ecuadorian Amazon, where the rainforest is integrated into every aspect of life and culture, cacao is more than just a crop; it is a source of sustenance and a tradition.Ecuador is the world's third-largest exporter of fine aroma cocoa, a product that sweetens our palates, drives the local economy, and supports thousands of families in the Zamora Chinchipe region of the Amazon, near the border with Peru.However, cocoa crops are under threat from climate change and phenomena such as El Niño. In major cocoa-exporting countries such as Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire, extreme rainfall and prolonged droughts have led to the emergence of pests that have wiped out entire plantations.When plantations are lost, chocolate production declines, poverty increases, and food security is compromised. In this multi-threat scenario, timely information and anticipation can mean the difference between losing or saving a crop.To protect cocoa in the Amazon rainforest, two young volunteers from the Ecuadorian Red Cross branch in Zamora Chinchipe have combined science, innovation and local knowledge to design an Early Warning System to help cocoa-growing families anticipate risks and plan preventive actions.One of the two young women who promoted this initiative is Josselyn Balcázar. She is very clear about the problems facing cocoa-producing communities:‘The problem we identified is the vulnerability of cocoa producers due to the empirical management of their plantations, which does not take into account meteorological measurements in the context of climate change impacts,’ she explains.Technology to the rescue of cocoaThis Early Warning System is called SATHEOBROMA, which refers to theobroma, the scientific name for the cocoa plant. The project was launched in 2023 thanks to the Limitless programme of the Solferino Academy.‘It is a mini weather station that records precipitation, temperature, humidity and other variables daily. This information helps producers to understand when pests are likely to appear, enabling them to take appropriate measures and avoid losing their crops,’ explains Verónica Andrade, national climate change adaptation technician at the Ecuadorian Red Cross.The information is analysed to detect conditions that favour the proliferation of pests such as the well-known monilia, which can destroy entire plantations.While the initiative cannot stop the rains or prevent droughts, it does enable action to be taken before the problem escalates into a disaster. Producers receive alerts so they can act quickly and prevent losses from spreading.‘It's crucial to bring this technology to the field because without local information, we can't prevent problems,’ says Oswaldo Castillo, a Shuar cocoa technician.‘This is a very important initiative so that we can take timely action and avoid low yields,’ says Bolívar Flores, a local producer.A pilot version of the system was installed on one farm to demonstrate its functionality, before being expanded to two more farms. The Ecuadorian Red Cross plans to roll it out more widely in future to benefit additional cocoa-producing communities in the area.The initiative has even caught the interest of local institutions.'With the support of technology and technical assistance, we must prepare so that, when effects occur, we can mitigate and counteract them,' said Karla Reátegui, Prefect of Zamora Chinchipe.'From the prefecture, we also reaffirm our willingness to coordinate actions that will allow us to continue expanding the benefits to more farms and producers,' she concluded.Climate change will continue to present challenges, but with tools such as SATHEOBROMA, agricultural families are not alone.In a world where weather events are increasingly unpredictable, early warning systems are essential for ensuring food security and enabling communities to adapt.This initiative demonstrates that involving communities in decision-making allows us to identify and plan preventive measures, prepare for and respond effectively to multiple crises and disasters, and ensure that resources are directed to those who need them most.

Climate-related disasters force millions from their homes in Asia Pacific, but local action offers hope

Across Asia Pacific, disasters and the impacts of climate change continue to force millions from their homes. According to the Internal Displacement Monitoring Center, in 2024 alone, there were 24 million disaster displacements across the region – more than half of the global total.From floods to supercharged storms, the Asia Pacific region is one of the most significantly impacted by disaster displacement. However, a new report from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) reveals not only how the scale of the crisis affects communities in the region, but also the power of local action in supporting people to adapt, prepare and become more resilient.“For millions of people across Asia Pacific this is not a distant possibility, it is a daily reality,” says Alexander Matheou, IFRC Regional Director for Asia Pacific. “Whether on a tiny island or in a sprawling city, the stories are the same: disasters, driven and amplified by climate change, are uprooting lives and erasing the familiar.”The report, Forced to Flee in a Changing Climate, collates 39 stories from 21 National Societies that are supporting communities through every stage of displacement – from preparedness, early warning and evacuation, to recovery and rebuilding.While the impacts are devastating, there is hope.“Hope is found in the strength of communities and in the tireless work of those who stand with them,” said Matheou. “This report is a call to see what is at stake – and to recognise the possibilities for change.”Quick factsIn 2024, Asia Pacific experienced more displacement linked to disasters than any other region in the world.Hazards like storms, floods, heatwaves, and droughts are becoming more intense and frequent and people are experiencing repeat displacement.People are displaced for longer periods, as disasters overlap with conflict, poverty and food, water and resource insecurity.Marginalised groups – including women, children, older people and those experiencing poverty – are disproportionately affected.How are we addressing these challenges?National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies are not just responding after disasters – they’re working with communities before risks worsen and disasters strike, supporting people to adapt, prepare and stay in their homes or move in safety and with dignity when and if they decide to do so."The impacts of displacement do not end with the decision to move,” said Matheou. “Risks and uncertainties follow people into new, and often precarious places, testing their ability to rebuild and find stability.”This is why the ways people and communities respond takes many forms. In many cases, people who have themselves experienced displacement are taking the lead in preparedness and response, often with support of National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.Better forecasting, anticipatory action and community-driven early warning systems are also playing a critical role, among other things.Here are just three of the many examples cited in the report.Cyclone preparedness powered by refugees - BangladeshIn Cox’s Bazar, home to the world’s largest refugee camp, the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society has trained more than 3,300 camp volunteers to deliver early warnings and help their communities evacuate before disasters strike. The national Cyclone Preparedness Programme helps to ensure that early action saves lives – even in the most fragile settings.Forecast-based support for fisherfolk and farmers to reduce losses – FijiThrough the Pacific’s first Anticipatory Action Framework, the Fiji Red Cross Society is providing early warning messages, kits for securing boats, and crop storage materials before cyclones hit. By activating assistance based on forecasts, they’re helping remote communities safeguard their livelihoods in advance and reduce risks of displacement.Psychosocial support for herder communities– MongoliaMongolia is facing harsh winters, with dzud – a combination of summer drought and extreme winter temperatures – impacting herder families.To strengthen resilience and support traditional livelihoods, movements, and ways of life, the Mongolian Red Cross Society provides cash assistance and livestock nutrition kits, constructs animal shelters, and promotes alternative livelihoods.The message at the heart of the report is clear: as displacement linked to disasters and climate change affects millions of people, communities across Asia Pacific are not standing still. With support from National Red Cross and Red Crescent teams, they are preparing, adapting, and leading the way toward a safer, more resilient future.Explore the full report: Forced to Flee in a Changing Climate – Displacement in Asia PacificRead more about climate-related displacement:IFRC report: Forced to flee in a changing climate - AfricaRead about IFRC's approach to migration and displacement

Hurricanes in sight: the Red Cross scales up training and preparedness

With the Americas region now well into the 2025 hurricane season, Red Cross teams in the region have been busy working alongside communities to prepare for what forecasters say will be yet another above-normal storm season.But even an average hurricane season can have devastating consequences for the people, as all it takes is one storm to affect entire towns and cities. That is why Red Cross preparedness work was already well underway even before this year’s forecast.The National Societies of Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador are among the most vulnerable to these extreme events due to their geographical location. The scale of the preparedness work now going on across the Americas is largely due to the experience with extremely devastating storms in the past – in particular Hurricane Mitch in 1998.Hurricane Mitch’s devastating passage left more than 11,000 people dead and millions affected, marking a turning point in the way National Societies in the region prepare for such extreme events. For people involved in emergency response and risk reduction, the storm was a game changer.Two decades later, in 2020, hurricanes Eta and Iota affected more than seven million people, most of them — more than four million — in Honduras, Nicaragua, and Guatemala, the countries that had also been hardest hit by Mitch.But the results were different. In the time between one tragedy and another, the region and humanitarian organizations prepared in advance with response plans, training, drills, and institutional strengthening to reduce the impact of these disasters. This allowed the number of fatalities from Eta and Iota to be much lower than that of Mitch.From Mexico to South America, many National Societies have transformed the terrible experience of Hurricane Mitch into concrete action. Their mission: to be better prepared each year to respond more quickly and effectively to the arrival of potential hurricanes.Here are just a few of the many ways Red Cross National Societies in the region are working to get ahead of the storms and help communities prepare.Salvadoran Red Cross: Pre-positioning of humanitarian aid and access to weather forecastsThe Salvadoran Red Cross has contingency and response plans, which allow for more agile responses to extreme rainfall and landslides caused by tropical storms and hurricanes. According to Omar Ayala, Head of Crisis and Disasters at the Salvadoran Red Cross, the National Society has pre-positioned materials for humanitarian aid in its branches, guided by the nationalHazards Observatory’s forecasts.“This strategy has significantly reduced response times: what could previously take up to two days, is now done in just two hours,” assures Omar. Furthermore, in the context of monitoring and early warning, the Salvadoran Red Cross has recently signed a letter of understanding with the Hazards Observatory: “This agreement allows us to access weather forecasts early to be better prepared for the eventual arrival of a hurricane,” says Omar.In preparation for this and the coming hurricane seasons, the National Society wants to promote the preventive outreach of populations in at-risk areas even more, so they know what to do before, during and after a hurricane strikes.Honduran Red Cross: Early Warning Systems and strategic alliancesIn Honduras, Red Cross teams has invested in technical training for volunteers and staff in topics such as water rescue, pre-hospital care, cash transfer systems, water, sanitation and hygiene, and unmanned aerial systems.The Honduran Red Cross also highlights its investment inEarly Warning Systems (EWS) (specific measures guided by early warnings or forecasts to protect people before a disaster strikes), implemented in watersheds such as Chamelecón and Aguán."The experience withTropical Storm Sara, the last of the 2024 hurricane season, which affected more than 300,000 people in Honduras, showed the value of communities taking ownership of these early warning systems to ensure that the vulnerable populations receive the necessary information in time. That preparedness saved lives," says Manuel Isaula, risk and disaster manager for the Honduran Red Cross..Another good practice in the face of tropical Storm Sara was establishing strategic alliances with national and international actors: “Effective coordination between government, non-government, and community organizations to ensure the appropriation of knowledge, risk analysis, monitoring, and response capacity was and will always be key in our preparedness and response plans,” Isaula concludes.Guatemalan Red Cross: Development of Anticipatory Actions and Contingency PlansTeresa Marroquín, Director of Risk and Disaster Management at the Guatemalan Red Cross, says the National Society has strengthened its hurricane response capacity through several key actions –In particular the development of “early-action plans” that lay out key steps to take before the storms make landfall.“Early Action Plans (EAPs) funded by the IFRC have been developed to respond to flooding caused by extreme storms,”Marroquin says. “One successful example was the activation of Early Actions Plans duringTropical Storm Julia in October 2022, which helped us to provide a better response to those who needed it most.”Close coordination with official weather forecasting sources is key to improving the effectiveness and efficiency of humanitarian operations during the hurricane season. Teresa also stresses the importance of developing contingency plans, providing training, and equipping volunteers for pre-hospital care and search and rescue in floods, especially in high-risk areas.'A key tool for understanding'Another key element to prepare for the hurricane season within the Red Cross world is the continuous learning and training of National Society staff and volunteers.In 2024, with support from theReference Centre for Institutional Disaster Preparedness (CREPD) in the Americas, more than 6,000 people were trained, both online and in person, through courses and practical training at the regional level, with the aim of strengthening their knowledge in search and rescue, health, humanitarian assistance, and logistics coordination.According to Edgardo Barahona, CREPD Coordinator, these training sessions, based on practical exercises and emergency simulations, not only strengthen the technical capacities of National Societies, but also promote comprehensive preparedness in line with IFRC global standards:"They are a key tool for understanding the usefulness of response, contingency, and anticipation plans,”he says.“Through experiential methodologies and simulated scenarios, teams can directly experience the challenges of an emergency, allowing for better operational coordination." says Barahona.According to the CREPD Coordinator, preparing teams at the local level allows National Societies to lead high-quality, timely responses, tailored to address the demands of each specific context, especially in the face of events such as hurricanes or other frequent disasters in the region.This type of preparedness is critical because the hurricane season threatens not only countries like Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador, but also more than 30 territories in the Americas, which face increasing risks due to extreme weather events aggravated by climate change.That said, the experiences in Central America confirm a vital lesson: preparedness is not optional, it is key to save lives. It requires sustained investment, strong partnerships, and the strengthening of National Society capacities to deal with crises and disasters – all of which are core elements of the IFRC’s regional approach to helping communities prepare for every coming storm season.Learn more about the IFRC’s approach to:Climate-smart disaster risk reductionDisaster and crisis preparednessEarly warning, early action