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.

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

Weather models indicate that a strong 'El Niño' is imminent, which could result in temperature increases of over 2°C or 3°C in the Pacific Ocean. While every 'El Niño' event is unique, historical records indicate that its onset brings an increased risk of severe droughts in Central America and torrential rains in the Southern Cone. In this context, proactive action and disaster preparedness are our best tools for coping with this phenomenon. In this article, based on a recent conversation between Juan Bazo, a meteorologist at the Red Cross and Red Crescent Climate Centre, and Estefany Jiménez, Communications Officer for the IFRC in the Americas, we break down the scientific evidence and the actions needed to protect the most vulnerable communities in the face of this multi-hazard scenario. 1. Why is there talk of a 'Super El Niño' this year? For the 'El Niño' phenomenon to be officially declared, the temperature of the Pacific Ocean need only rise 0.5°C above the historical average. Forecasts indicate that we could expect increases of between 2°C and 3°C in the central Pacific in 2026. It is these expected values that have led to terms such as 'Super El Niño' being used to describe a strong 'El Niño ', as was the case in 2015 with 'Godzilla El Niño'. The transition from cooling conditions (La Niña) to extreme warming has been much faster than usual, forcing humanitarian organizations such as the IFRC to scale up their preparedness levels immediately.2. What impact would a 'El Niño' have on Central America and the Caribbean?'El Niño' does not affect the entire continent in the same way. One of the greatest concerns in the north is the reduction in rainfall. In Central America and the Caribbean, 'El Niño' typically manifests as a significant reduction in cumulative rainfall. This does not mean there is no rain at all, but rather that the pattern of precipitation is irregular and insufficient to sustain traditional agricultural cycles. The Central American Dry Corridor is one of the regions where the impact is particularly severe, with prolonged water deficits directly threatening food security and the livelihoods of thousands of families. Water scarcity affects not only crops but also increases public health risks related to access to safe water and hygiene. 3. What effects could be expected from a 'El Niño' in South America?Unlike in the north, 'El Niño' has the opposite effect in the southern part of the continent. While countries such as Colombia, Venezuela and northern Brazil face drier conditions and an increased risk of wildfires, regions in southern Brazil, Uruguay, northern Argentina and central Chile must prepare for above-average rainfall. This geographical contrast within the same continent means that the Red Cross and its partners must implement different strategies. 4. What is the forecast for the hurricane season under the 'El Niño' 2026?Historically, there has been a direct correlation between the presence of a strong 'El Niño' phenomenon and a decrease in the frequency and intensity of tropical cyclones in the Atlantic basin. However, this statistic should not be interpreted as a signal to let our guard down. Although the total number of storms may be lower, current atmospheric conditions are highly dynamic. Just one tropical storm developing and making landfall can devastate entire communities.In the Pacific, where hurricanes also occur, rising sea temperatures combined with changes in wind patterns caused by 'El Niño' can create conditions that are more favorable for storm formation. Regardless of the forecast, decades of the Red Cross supporting communities exposed to hurricanes have made it clear that the most efficient, effective and ethical approach is to invest in preparedness and early action initiatives to protect more communities and their livelihoods. 5. How can we prepare before the impacts hit?The Red Cross network's main strategy for addressing this phenomenon is anticipatory action, which refers to any action taken before a crisis occurs with the aim of preventing or reducing the potential impacts of a disaster. The Climate Centre collaborates with National Societies to update Early Action Protocols, enabling the immediate release of emergency funding when specific scientific thresholds are met. For countries that do not yet have these formal protocols, the IFRC network offers technical assistance tools and access to the Disaster Response Emergency Fund (IFRC-DREF) for imminent events. The aim is to anticipate risks, strengthen preparedness and use scientific evidence to protect households, ensure effective humanitarian assistance and safeguard community health before the effects of 'El Niño' peak.Where can I find more information?OurEarly Warning, Early ActionpageRed Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre websiteAnticipation Hub websiteAnticipatory Pillar of the IFRC’s Disaster Response Emergency Fund

Hope flows back after the floods: Cash assistance from Viet Nam Red Cross and IFRC helps families recover their lives and livelihoods

Cape Verde: Red Cross helps flood-affected communities recover and rebuild

Four months ago, the islands of São Vicente and Santo Antão in Cape Verde were hit by torrential rains brought by Tropical Storm Erin. Within hours, streets turned into raging torrents, sweeping away everything in their path.Thousands of homes and critical infrastructure were destroyed or severely damaged. Without strong national and international solidarity, and a rapid, coordinated response, many affected families would not have been able to cope with the impact.In Bela Vista, one of the hardest-hit neighbourhoods of Covada de Bruxa in São Vicente, the visible signs of the floods have slowly faded, but the invisible scars remain.Beyond the appearance of a return to normalcy, thousands of families continue to grapple with the long-term impacts of the disaster, struggling each day to rebuild their lives and restore their dignity.“When the flooding began, I wasn’t at home,” recalls Vera Lucia Andrade, a mother of six and a street vendor. “I ran back to try to save my child, who had stayed behind, and a few belongings, but the water was already everywhere.”A vital emergency responseIn the immediate aftermath of the floods, the Cape Verde Red Cross, supported by the IFRC, sprang into action. Hundreds of volunteers worked alongside local authorities to assist affected communities.The IFRC launched anemergency appeal for 3 million Swiss francs and mobilized 565,000 Swiss francs from its Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) to support the Cape Verde Red Cross in assisting those affected. Specialized teams, including Emergency Response Units (ERUs), were also deployed to strengthen the response.So far, more than 1,000 families have received assistance, including food kits and essential household items, while over 470 families have benefited from health support. Hygiene promotion activities have also reached more than 8,400 people, helping communities safeguard their health and well-being.Supporting the recovery of the most vulnerable familiesAs the emergency phase gradually transitions to recovery, efforts are now focused on restoring livelihoods. Some 580 households in São Vicente and Santo Antão have begun receiving cash assistance of 26,000 Cape Verdean escudos (CVE), or 235 euros, to help meet their basic needs.For Vera Lucia, head of household, this support is vital.“I truly appreciate the support from the Red Cross,”she says. “As a street vendor, I had not been able to work since the floods. With the money I received, I will be able to restart and expand my small business and provide for my family. I also hope later to build a protective wall behind my house to better withstand future floods.”Beyond cash assistance, the Cape Verde Red Cross, with support from the IFRC, is also helping to rehabilitate community water supply systems severely damaged by the floods in Santo Antão. Restoring these infrastructures is essential to prevent the risk of waterborne diseases and strengthen community resilience.“Here in Ribeira Da Cruz, people rely for potable water from the spring water catchment which has hardly affected,”says Vincenzo Buccheri, Team Leader of the ERU Water Supply Rehabilitation. “Thanks to our Cash for Work program, the community is rehabilitating infrastructure without the need for external contractors,”“We provide the materials, while residents, 50 per cent men and 50 per cent women, carry out the work themselves. This approach not only strengthens community resilience but also ensures sustainable ownership of the infrastructure.”Maintaining the momentum of solidarityFor Julio Mondlane, IFRC Operations Manager in Cape Verde, transitioning from emergency response to recovery requires sustained commitment.“The emergency response met the immediate needs of many communities,”he says. “Now, our priority is to help families recover sustainably and restore their livelihoods, while strengthening the Country Early Warning Early Actions Systems. This takes time, resources, and continued support from donors and partners. Without it, the most vulnerable communities risk remaining trapped in the crisis.”

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

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

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

‘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.

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

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

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

Cape Verde: Thousands of people devastated by sudden, severe floods

For many inhabitants of the Cape Verde archipelago, the night of 10-11 August 2025 will never be forgotten. Never before had they faced such devastation. In just a few hours, torrential rains brought by Tropical Storm Erin turned streets into raging torrents, triggered landslides, and destroyed vital infrastructure.Countless homes were destroyed or severely damaged, and the livelihoods of hundreds of families were wiped out. At least nine people lost their lives, and thousands were forced to seek refuge with relatives, neighbours, or in temporary shelters after losing everything.“My house collapsed in just a few hours. My children lost everything… and so did I,” says Alcídia dos Reis Fortes, a mother of five now sheltering in a school converted into a reception centre managed by the Red Cross.In the face of such destruction, the government declared a state of emergency and two days of national mourning. The islands of São Vicente and São Antão have been the hardest hit.Red Cross volunteers in Cape Verde were mobilized as soon as the first warnings were issued.“We immediately informed communities and helped evacuate families at risk,” explains Jamilson José Dos Santos Rodrigues, a volunteer, youth representative and currently head of operations for the local committee in São Vicente. He has been on the ground with a Red Cross team since the first hours of the disaster.The floods also caused the collapse of the central water supply system, leaving thousands without access to safe drinking water. In a country already weakened by drought and food insecurity, this disruption poses a serious additional threat: the spread of waterborne diseases.“Many families have nothing left to drink or cook with. We are distributing emergency kits, drinking water, and clothing, as well as providing psychosocial support. But the needs are far greater than what we can cover,” says Jamilson.“Today, every vital sector is affected—shelter, water, health, and food. International support is essential to meet the scale of this crisis,” stresses Sadrack Matanda, an emergency preparedness and response specialist deployed by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to support the Cape Verde Red Cross.As an initial response, the IFRC plans to release emergency funds to assist affected families by providing shelter, water and sanitation services, and livelihood support. Shelter and water and sanitation specialists will also be deployed to strengthen the response.“We are continuing our assessments and do not rule out launching an emergency appeal to help communities overcome this unprecedented crisis,” Sadrack added.On 13 August, the Cape Verde Red Cross launched the national campaign #ReconstruirComEsperança to support affected.

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

IFRC: In a climate of shrinking funds and increasing risk, it’s time to shift priorities and get ahead of disasters

By all accounts, recent years have been record setters. The month of May 2025 was the hottest on record in several parts of the globe, while heatwaves in 2024 sets records for duration and temperatures.Meanwhile, people around the world have been hit with an unprecedented string of climate-related emergencies.In 2024, for example, the Philippines experiencedsix typhoons in under a month, an unprecedented pattern of extreme weather that left communities with no time to recover between storms.Meanwhile, Europe and Central Asia experienced a wave of flooding in 2024 that added new layers of complexity for communities already coping with displacement caused by conflict, an increase in communicable diseases, heat waves and economic challenges.The same is true at the global level. In 2023 alone, disasters triggered 26.4 million internal displacements – many of them in already fragile or conflict-affected contexts. These are just a few reasons why reducing risk before disasters strike is critical and urgent.“That is why climate is the number-one priority for the IFRC – it is the ultimate risk multiplier because it exacerbates existing vulnerabilities,” said Jagan Chapagain, secretary general of the IFRC.“However, we also know disasters don’t need to be deadly if communities are supported to act in a way that helps people get ahead of disasters, and prevents devastating loss and damage, through anticipation, preparedness and adaptation rather than waiting for humanitarian consequences to hit.”As organizations from around the world gather in Geneva, Switzerland for theGlobal Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction this week, the IFRCbrings these realities to the table through a call to action for far greater engagement and support for locally led disaster risk reduction, anticipation and preparedness efforts at the community level.“This event is about action — action which makes a real difference in the lives of people, with people and communities in the driving seat,” Chapagain added. “Action which gets climate finance and critical support to people and communities who need it the most and fostering new partnerships and approaches to meet the scale of the challenge.”From managing disasters to managing risksWhile there has been considerable progress in this direction in recent years, there is still a ways to go. As of December 2024, a total of 131 countries report having national disaster risk reduction strategies in place (roughly 64 per cent of the world’s countries) while only 109 (just more than half) reported having local disaster risk reduction strategies. And consider these sobering statistics:As of 2024, around one-third of the global population was still not covered by early warning systems.Of the 32 countries classified as highly or very highly vulnerable, 27 were also considered fragile or extremely fragile – yet they received less than US$1 per person in disaster risk reduction funding or financing for climate adaptation.The vast majority of disaster funding goes entirely for post disaster response and recovery. Only 3.1 per cent of finance for crises is arranged in advance (2018-2022).Less than 10 per cent of the funds available through global climate-change financing mechanism for climate adaptation reaches the local level.At a time when international emergency response budgets are tightening even further, the IFRC argues that investment in anticipatory action is particularly critical. Studies of humanitarian aid have found that every US$1 invested in anticipatory action can save up to around US$7 in post-disaster recovery.These investments not only reduce long-term humanitarian costs, they help communities thrive in the face of escalating climate and disaster risks. After all, many communities are already struggling to recover from floods, wildfires or earthquakes, and at the same time they must also be thinking about — and getting ready for — whatever comes next.One recent example is a community led flood preparedness exercise facilitated by the IFRC and the Zimbabwe Red Cross in the village of Chibuwe, in which all residents young and old participated in a mass flood emergency simulation."We used to watch the river rise and just pray it wouldn’t take everything," said Kenneth Madhlazi, a farmer from Chibuwe village in Zimbabwe’s Chipinge District. "When the floods came, there was panic—our livestock gone, our grains destroyed. Now, we know what to do. We are ready."Often those who are caught in the cycle of emergencies are those who can least afford even one life-shattering catastrophe. For context: an estimated 44 per cent of the global population remain poor by a standard of $6.85/day, and many live in urban areas highly exposed to climate and environmental shock.“The challenge for us all is to strengthen and replicate local solutions, embed risk reduction into humanitarian, development and climate plans and strengthen resilience in an integrated way across sectors and systems,”said Blessed Michael Mbang, IFRC Senior Officer for Community-based Disaster Risk Reduction, who is coordinating IFRC’s engagement at the GPDRR. “This is how we shift from managing disasters to managing risks – and from reactive response to lasting resilience.”These are some of the reasons the IFRC call to action highlights three key messages.• Make locally led action the defaultTrust, fund and empower local actors. Resilience starts with the people closest to the risks – support them to drive solutions that last.• Invest ahead of disastersShift from reaction to anticipation. Prioritize funding that prevents and reduces climate and disaster impactsbefore it unfolds to become disasters and builds long-term resilience – it is cost effective, saves lives and livelihoods and expands people’s options.• Break the cycle – put the root causes of risk at the centre of actionFor transformative action, we must address risk drivers and enhance long term resilience to save and improve lives and livelihoods.Investing in local disaster risk reduction takes many forms. It includes strengthening community early warning systems, local preparedness and response capacities, partnerships and collaboration across national and community structures – ensuring that marginalized and at-risk groups are meaningfully included and protected.To learn more about what these investments should look like, see the IFRC’s Call to Action for the 2025 Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction and visit the following links:How IFRC’s anticipatory action work is transforming disaster preparedness around the world.IFRC and Early Warnings for AllClimate-smart disaster risk reduction at the IFRCDisaster and crisis preparedness at the IFRCRecent stories:‘Now we know what to do’: Boosting local flood preparedness in ZimbabweBehind the scenes: With climate-change worsening a range of simultaneous challenges, how can humanitarians keep up while also preparing for the next crisis?Behind the scenes: ‘The new normal’ means the job of getting ready for disaster never endsDisaster preparedness: When help is far away, being ready is even more critical

World Hunger Day: Drought driving hunger and desperation in the Horn of Africa

By Timothy Maina, IFRC, Officer, CommunicationsAs the sole provider for her household of ten, 45-year-old Mama Mako Rooble Mataan bears the immense responsibility of sustaining her entire family. Her goats, once a reliable source of sustenance, now struggle to find a place with enough grass to graze.Standing nearby the almost completely dry well, her voice was filled with worry."The weather has become so unpredictable," she explains, her gaze sweeping across a dried-up riverbed.Alongside Mama Mako was a team from theSomali Red Crescent Society (SRCS), which was there to conduct field assessments on the impacts of prolonged drought in the area, including in Mama Mako’s village, called Il-Hagar, in Somaliland’s Awdal region.Three consecutive years of failed rains have pushed the Horn of Africa to the brink of catastrophe. Seasonal forecasts from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development's Climate Prediction Centre (ICPAC) warn the 2025 Gu rains (April-June) may be 55 per cent below average, threatening water access and food production. Over 3.8 million people now face acute food insecurity.The cracked earth and dry togs (seasonal riverbeds) tell the story. Shrubby, jagged hills and mountains stand over sun-scorched plains after failed Deyr rains (October-November) were followed by a harsh Jilal dry season (December-March).Recognizing the escalating disaster, the SRCS activated itsEarly Action Protocols (EAPs) for drought, triggering rapid assessments and preemptive aid delivery of aid and cash grants to 1,330 households to address urgent food and medical needs. The crisis has since triggered a 984,393 Swiss Franc allocation from the IFRC’sDisaster Response Emergency Fund(IFRC-DREF), to deliver life-saving support over six months to 5,800 families (approximately 34,800 people) in Somaliland and Puntland.The scaled-up response maintains integrated cash, health, as well as water sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services, through coordinated emergency operations, prioritizing vulnerable groups while strengthening community resilience against ongoing drought conditions through both immediate relief and preparedness measures.Health teams, through both fixed and mobile clinics, delivered nutrition services, and hygiene education, while WASH programs rehabilitated water sources for 30,000 people.For the 300 families who live in Il-Hagar, existence depends on livestock. As well dry up and grazing lands vanish, each passing day tightens the drought’s stranglehold.Further into the Lughaya district, in Gargaara-Baki, the unrelenting drought has left livestock dead, livelihoods ruined, and families starving. The closure of the only Mother and Child Health (MCH) clinic due to funding cuts has compounded the catastrophe, leaving the community without medical care as climate-displaced families seek refuge there.The lack of pasture has led to sick and dying livestock, while minor illnesses now pose life-threatening risks due to the lack of a local clinic. Amid this crisis, Mama Xalimo Abdilahi Mohamed, a mother of seven and small business owner, spearheads a women’s solidarity group.“We’ve lost everything except each other,”' she says. “Together, we pool what little we have—grains, wages, hope—to keep our children alive. It’s our way of staying strong.”In the meantime, more people are now coming to the village because they can no longer survive on their own in more remote areas. Abdinassir Hassan Haji, the village headman and a father of eleven, bears the dual burden of his family and displaced arrivals.“We are supporting so many now,” he says, his brow furrowed. “Their arrival adds to our struggles.”Despite the challengesLack of functioning infrastructure also plays a role in some areas.In the neighbouring Garbo Dadar district of Awdal region, for example, a once-reliable water source built after Cyclone Sagar in 2018 has failed, leaving 3,500 households in crisis.Mayor Jamaal Muumin Caare explains that years of drought and erratic weather have dried up the pump, forcing residents to trek long distances for water—worsening their daily hardships.Despite challenges, this resilient community established a local hospital and a technical and vocational education and training (TVET) centre to improve livelihoods.The TVET centre offers practical training in trades and entrepreneurship, while the medical centre provides both healthcare services and employment opportunities.However, Dr. Ahmed Saeed, the hospital’s lead doctor, stresses the urgent need for medical upgrades: "We lack an operating theatre, essential supplies, and staff,”he says. “Without them, lives are at risk."A long road to waterThe story was similar in the Sahil region. In Sheekh district’s Robo Robo village, Aadan Ali Nur, an elderly agropastoralist, spoke of the long distances they now had to travel just to find water."It’s a struggle every day," he sighed, "Sometimes, we all chip in to pay for water to be trucked in, but it costs so much."In the next village, Ximan, Muse Hayan Elmi looked with concern at their only remaining water reservoir (berked)."To conserve the limited water we have, we take our camels to distant water sources while allowing goats and calves to drink closer to home,” he offered.In many cases, people have been forced to leave their villages entirely due to lack of water for daily use, livestock or farming.TheGeed Abokor internally displaced persons (IDP) campin Burco, Togdheer Region of Somaliland is home toabout 1,000 displaced households—mostly pastoralists—forced from their lands by recurrent drought and unbearable weather conditions.Withno functional health centre, residents must either wait for humanitarian medical outreaches or travelover 20 kilometres to Burco townfor care.Their most immediate crisis, however, is water scarcity. The camp’s sole berked (traditional water reservoir) has run dry for months now, leaving families dependent oncostly water trucking.Each household must contribute from their meagre resources to fund weekly deliveries—an unsustainable solution for people already stripped of livelihoods.Abdikadir Osman, the camp’s headman, adds:“The reservoir has been dry for months. Now, everyone pays for trucked water, even though they can barely afford it.”Beyond water, the camp grapples withinadequate latrines, poor sanitation, and lack of camp management, exacerbating health risks.Dahir Noor, a mother of six, describes the desperation:“We wait for the water tankers. If they don’t come, we travel to rural areas, collect whatever water we can, and haul it back on donkeys to share equally. We can’t overburden nearby towns—their resources are stretched too.”

Nepal floods: ‘I just want a safe place to live.’

A 75-year-old independent farmer, Gopi Lal Sapkota has spent his whole life caring for livestock and cultivating his land. On this small tract of land, he and his wife raised six sons, all of whom are now adults.Now, everything the couple owned — their house, the supply shed, and years’ worth of harvest that he had stored — are buried under layers of mud and rock.“It felt like the entire hill broke down and fell above us,” he said, his eyes reflecting the fear he felt that day.Amid the scattered rubble and debris, it’s hard to imagine this scene of destruction was once filled with lush, green plants and trees. The floods didn’t just wash away the topsoil needed to grow crops, they also destroyed hundreds of homes.A mother of two, Asha recalls the day when flash flood came, leaving her family with only the clothes on their back. Her husband, who worked in a nearby mine, was injured while desperately trying to escape the rising waters.The mine is now closed, and Asha worries about how long it will be before her husband can return to work, given his condition and the fact that medical attention is kilometers away over badly damaged roads.The road to recoveryTo help people like Asha and her husband, the Nepal Red Cross Society is providing a wide range of support, backed by the IFRC and numerous other Red Cross National Societies from around the world. A key element of that support is small cash grants that gives people flexibility to get the supplies they need to sustain their families and start to rebuild. With the support of an emergency allocation from IFRC’s Disaster Response Emergency Fund (IFRC-DREF), the cash support is being distributed by the Nepal Red Cross Society and other Red Cross National Societies from the United Kingdom, The United States, Denmark, Switzerland, Singapore and Finland.As one of the people receiving multi-purpose cash support, Asha feels overwhelmed by the many responsibilities on her shoulders — with two small children to care for and her husband in the hospital.“I plan to use the funds for my husband’s medical attention; that’s what we need the most now,” she says.A married couple who tragically lost their 12-year-old eldest son in the flash flood, Bodh and Binda then had to search through the rubble to see if anything from their home could be salvaged.“The 15,000 rupee support means a lot to us because right now we are unable to cover our rent,” Binda adds. “Receiving cash allows us to spend on what we truly need, such as buying rice and hiring labour to dig out our belonging buried under the rocks.”Rehabilitating water systemsThe Red Cross is also helping communities repair damaged water and sanitation systems, or create new, safe water sources and hygiene facilities.This supportis expected to rehabilitate 100 water systems in six districts that benefit over 30,000 people.In one village, for example, they helped build a temporary reservoir that holds around 5,000 litres of water to support the daily water supply for about 25 nearby households.Red Cross teams are also promoting good health and sanitation practices to help people reduce the risk of infectious, water-borne diseases such as cholera and typhoid fever.Meanwhile, people face an uncertain future, and the government has recommended that many families to relocate as the area is no longer safe.75-year old farmer Gopi Lal Sapkota is not sure what path to take. “My wife still cries thinking about all that we have lost. I do not know who will cultivate my remaining land if I also leave? Where will I go?”

IFRC and CIDCA launch first joint project in Asia to strengthen climate resilience in Mongolia

Beijing/Kuala Lumpur/Geneva, 27 March 2025 – In a strategic move to address climate-induced challenges in Asia, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) today signed a significant agreement to help address Mongolia's escalating climate risks.This pivotal agreement, which aims at bolstering the resilience and adaptive capacity of communities affected by climate change in Mongolia, was signed during the visit of the IFRC Under Secretary-General Xavier Castellanos to China, to attend the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025.This marks the first joint program between IFRC and CIDCA in Asia, deepening their cooperation and reinforcing a shared commitment to long-term climate change adaptation programmes.Over the next two years, it will support communities to be less vulnerable to climate risks by establishing community-based early action systems, support to change livestock feeding practices to better withstand climate disasters, helping communities to have more diverse incomes through skills training, and strengthening the institutional capacity of the Mongolian Red Cross Society (MRCS).During the signing ceremony, IFRC Under-Secretary General Xavier Castellanos emphasized the strategic importance of the initiative:“The climate crisis is a global threat and a present reality. Our partnership with CIDCA is a testament to global solidarity, leveraging China’s expertise in development aid and IFRC’s frontline networks to build resilience in communities in need.”Aligned with IFRC’s Strategy 2030, which prioritizes climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction, this initiative aims to positively impact the lives of over 20,000 individuals across four high-risk provinces in Mongolia. These regions are vulnerable to climate change-related hazards, including Dzud (cold waves), droughts, floods, storms, and both steppe and forest fires, all of which pose significant challenges to livelihoods and sustainable development. IFRC is committed to addressing these challenges collaboratively and effectively.Following the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between CIDCA and the IFRC signed in July 2024, this agreement is another shared commitment to expanding multilateral humanitarian and development cooperation.For more information or to request an interview, please contact: [email protected] Beijing: Kexuan TONG, +86 13147812269  In Kuala Lumpur: Afrhill Rances, +60 19 271 3641  In Geneva: Scott Craig, +41 76 370 35 75

Benin and Togo: Burning less, planting more and combatting climate change one meal at a time — welcome to the ‘Mothers Club’

In the remote corners of Benin and Togo, a transformation is taking place.With support from the Benin and Togo Red Cross Societies, groups of mothers have joined forces to deliver life-changing interventions that mitigatethe impacts ofclimate change,combat deforestation, improve nutrition andimprove people’s health.Welcome to the Mothers’ Clubs of Benin and Togo, where women are joining forces with local volunteers, young students, teachers and others to reduce fuel consumption, plant trees and sew crops adapted to shorter growing seasons,One of the key projects involves the way food is prepared in many rural communities.Womenin the Mothers’ Clubs, for example,are being trained tomakeand use improved cookstoves, which reduce firewood consumption and harmful smoke. This innovation not only eases their daily struggles but also curbs deforestation and air pollution.“Before, we used stoves made of stones, which caused us a lot of trouble,” says Dgniri Ouseni, a community member from Kara, Togo. “Those stoves consumed so much firewood, and firewood was becoming scarce.”“With these new energy-efficient stoves, one piece of firewood is enough to cook a meal. Our struggles have been reduced.”Beyond improved cookstoves, training in disaster preparedness, short-cycle seed farming, and reforestation have empowered communities to tackle climate challenges head-on.Mothers' Clubs are not unique to Togo and Benin. Set up by women in local communities with support from the Red Cross, they respond to the particular challenges their communities are facing.In Nigeria, Mothers Clubs address acute malnutrition by teaching new mothers about the importance of breastfeeding and better ways to use local cereals. Mothers Club members also become Red Cross volunteers and usually have a Red Cross coordinator who supports their activities.In Benin, they also supported efforts to plant over 21,000 trees in schools, villages, and communal areas. These trees are true multi-taskers: They combat soil erosion and provide nutritional and economic benefits, are symbols of hope.“They welcomed the initiative warmly. On the day we began planting the trees, we couldn’t manage the rush, everyone wanted to participate, including the teachers,” recalls Fagnihou Kokouvi, Deputy Headmaster of CEG Abomey.The trees’ benefits extend beyond the present.“The impact on future generations is obvious,”notes Frabrice Soutin, the local Red Cross President in Abomey. “Two or three years from now, the children on this field will benefit from the shade of these trees to protect them from the sun.”Across both countries, volunteers and community leaders have received training on disaster preparedness, climate resilience, and natural resource management.In Togo, the Togolese Red Cross supported 920 members of Mothers' Clubs and Men’s Committees, fostering environmental awareness and sustainable practices.“The Mothers’ Clubs were trained on techniques for making improved stoves and on how to avoid cutting down trees unnecessarily,” says Addom Aklesso, project manager for the Togo Red Cross. “They’ve also learned to monitor local indicators that signal floods, so they can prepare their villages.”In addition to these climate-focused interventions, displaced households and vulnerable families in northern Benin received life-saving aid, including food kits, cooking tools, and mosquito nets.Training in short-cycle seeds like maize and tomatoes – which produce fruit relatively quickly – has enhanced food security despite increasingly unpredictable weather patterns that have shortened the usual growing season.With funding from the Bureau for Humanitarian Affairs (BHA) of USAID and support from the IFRC, these projects have reached thousands, from volunteers and mothers’ clubs to schoolchildren and displaced families.For Aklesso Quentin Adom, who leads the project for the Togo Red Cross in the north of Togo, the progress so far gives him hope.“If all these plants are maintained and they reach maturity, this will allow us to have good rainfall in the locality, in the region,” he says. “Beyond that, communities will be more resilient, poverty will be reduced because at the level of mothers' clubs and men's committees, we will identify the income-generating activities of members to enable them to participate in the needs of the household. This is the long-term impact that all these interventions will have in local communities.”

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.

Philippines: Red Cross remains steadfast in supporting communities as they rebuild after six back-to-back typhoons

“Can we still handle this? Let’s just carry this burden. Just carry it, even if it's heavy. Let’s not give up — we can get through this somehow.”The words of Janet Menes from Camarines Sur resonate deeply across the Philippines, where families like hers are striving to rebuild their lives after an unprecedented six typhoons struck their country in just less than a month late last year.Three months later, Philippine Red Cross staff and volunteers continue to work tirelessly to help people to get back on their feet. In one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world — with an average of 20 tropical cyclones a year — they provide life-saving aid before, during and after emergencies.Critical support amidst the devastationBetween October and November 2024, typhoons and super typhoons Kristine, Leon, Marce, Niko, Ofel, and Pepito (all local names) tore through the country, leaving over 14 million people affected.Torrential rains, gushing winds, and landslides destroyed homes, damaged infrastructure and disrupted livelihoods. Entire communities like Janet’s were hit repeatedly, barely recovering from one disaster before the next arrived.In Albay, Jeanette and Jefferson Mata Septo experienced a devastation they had never experienced before. “It was a severe storm. We didn’t expect that the water would rise so high in our area,” Jeanette recalls.The rising floodwaters forced them to seek refuge in multiple locations, including neighbours’ homes. When the waters were simply too high, there was nowhere else to go but the highway. There beside the road they waited — soaked, exhausted, and with only the few documents they had managed to save.When Jefferson returned to their home after the waters subsided to salvage what he could, he could not believe what he saw. “That morning, when he returned to our house, the floodwaters were still high. He was trying to save our belongings, and I think the stress from that situation triggered him having a stroke,” Jeanette says.After an emergency visit to the local hospital, Jefferson was put on critical, life-long medication to avoid another stroke.The Philippine Red Cross proved to be a lifeline, providing medication for Jefferson’s hypertension, along with kitchen and hygiene kits to help the family rebuild. “The medicine provided by the Red Cross was a huge help. Medicine is costly,” Jeanette explains.Helping families rebuildfrom scratchIn the neighbouring province of Camarines Sur, Janet, her husband Albiz and their six children, faced the same devastating situation caused by Typhoon Kristine. But as the heavy rains pelted down, Janet had developed a high fever and was too sick to evacuate to a proper shelter.“By evening, the water rose," she recalls. "My husband helped move our things to higher ground, but some of our belongings were lost. I couldn’t assist much due to my fever."The family sought refuge in the nearby cemetery, where they endured days of high waters and harsh conditions.The family returned home to find their house in ruins, with only the roof remaining. Again, the Philippine Red Cross provided critical assistance.“Before Christmas, we received 5,000 pesos (around USD 100) from the Red Cross," Janet explains. "We used it to buy plywood for the roof and lumber for the kitchen. Now we’ve made some quarters—a living room, a kitchen, and then the walls."Support for as long as neededThe Philippine Red Cross, supported by the IFRC Emergency Appeal, has been at the forefront of response and recovery efforts following Typhoon Kristine and the five other consecutive major typhoons that hit the country.From search-and-rescue missions to support for people living in evacuation centres, their efforts have been critical to maintaining health and wellbeing in the aftermath.In evacuation centres, hot meals composed of rice, boiled eggs and sardines were distributed, as well as clean drinking water. This is crucial because when people lose their belongings in a typhoon, cooking stoves and utensils are also often lost.Children were supervised in child-friendly spaces with colouring in, singing and dancing activities and the chance to talk to trained volunteers about their needs and concerns. Health desks provided checkups including testing blood pressure. Where needed, medicine was provided to prevent the spread ofdiseases and infections that often come with the extreme weather.As communities recover, the Red Cross will continue to deliver what people need: cash to rebuild homes and buy essential items, livelihoods support so people can go back to work, and the psychosocial support of staff and volunteers embedded in their own local communities.Janet says she talks to her children about preparing for future disasters now, and her words are as much for the children, as they are for her and Albiz.“Let’s not give up—we can get through this, somehow.”

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.

Red Cross responds to the largest dengue outbreak in Central America with education and prevention

Dengue has been a major public health threat in Latin America for decades, with epidemics occurring cyclically every three to five years. Transmitted by female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, the virus affects millions of people every year, but never more than now.So far this year,more than 12.7 million suspected cases of dengue were reported in the Region of the Americas, a record number in the history of the disease.In Central America and Mexico, more than 17,000 new suspected cases of dengue were reported in the last week of November alone. This equates to 100 cases every hour, a 198 per cent increase over the average over the past five years.This increase in the spread of dengue poses a challenge to health systems in a region facing complex climatic and health conditions.The effects of the climate crisis, extreme temperatures and more intense weather events – such as hurricanes Eta and Iota in 2020, the historic heat waves earlier this year, or the recent tropical storm Sara – are changing the habits of thousands of Central American families living in conditions of risk and vulnerability.Growing poverty and inequality, coupled with insufficient and inadequate water and sanitation services, are forcing people to store what little water they have access to. Water is often stored improperly, due to a lack of information or the lack of adequate means to store it safely.This and other practices, such as poor solid waste management, can facilitate the creation of mosquito breeding sites in items such as uncovered water containers, tires, flowerpots, piles and gutters.Amid this multi-factorial challenge, National Red Cross Societies from around the Central American region have engaged in a comprehensive response, which encompasses a variety of strategies focused on prevention and education.During 2023 and 2024, local Red Cross teams have implemented six dengue response operations in Central America, with support from the Disaster Response Emergency Fund (IFRC-DREF).This year, dengue response efforts have also been carried out in operations in response to a hospital fire in Roatan, Honduras, and flooding in June in El Salvador.Thanks to these eight IFRC-DREF operations, National Societies in the region will be able to reach more than 182,000 people in Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Costa Rica and Panama with response actions, but also with prevention for future outbreaks.Community-based preventionOne of the Red Cross' main initiatives has been to raise community awareness of the dangers of dengue and the importance of eliminating mosquito breeding sites.Volunteers work directly in communities, in coordination with health authorities, to carry out community-based prevention and vector control activities.The main activities include educational talks, identification and elimination of mosquito breeding sites, application of larvicide in stacks and water containers, fumigation and cleaning campaigns, and home visits.These activities teach people how to avoid stagnant water, where mosquitoes prefer to lay their eggs, and promote practical and effective measures such as turning over containers and regularly cleaning drainage systems.The response also includes the distribution of safe water storage containers and household cleaning kits, as well as water filters, repellents and mosquito nets for groups at risk, such as pregnant women, children under five, the elderly, and people with disabilities and/or reduced mobility.Strong and prepared communitiesThe Red Cross has a long-term focus on training local staff to strengthen community capacity to fight dengue.Through workshops and training sessions, volunteers learn how to recognize the symptoms of dengue, how to effectively prevent outbreaks and how to implement sustainable mosquito control programs.Volunteers have also helped to establish and train community health committees to promote epidemiological surveillance at the community level.In several locations, local health workers are also being trained in the clinical management of dengue patients, especially in areas where health infrastructure is limited.Through its comprehensive approach to education and prevention, the Red Cross has played a key role in the fight against dengue in Central America, a region highly vulnerable due to climatic, social and health factors.The actions carried out by volunteers and trained staff have not only allowed the response to emergencies, but also to prepare communities for future outbreaks.From eliminating breeding sites and distributing supplies to training in clinical management and sustainable vector control strategies, these interventions have built community resilience. In some places, the actions of the National Red Cross Societies in support of the health ministries in the region have led to reductions in dengue cases.In Panama, for example, there has been a reduction in dengue cases in recent weeks, which could be linked to the efforts of several actors, including the Ministry of Health, the Panamanian Red Cross, other international agencies and the communities themselves.Some small communities have also provided anecdotal accounts that suggest the dengue education and eradication efforts are making a difference.Despite the progress, dengue remains a challenge, underscoring the importance of continuing to adapt our response strategies to the climatic and social changes affecting public health in the region.

A lifeline amidst drought: How the Zambia Red Cross is bringing hope to families on the forefront of the climate crisis

The impacts are everywhere to be seen. Once lush fields of green crops are now dusty brown tracts of withered stalks. Businesses and restaurants have shut their doors. Livestock look weak and emaciated.These are just a few of the visible impacts of the prolonged drought that is turning the lives of millions of Zambians upside down as people face serious issues of food scarcity, livestock and crop loss, and escalating economic hardships.In response to the mounting crisis, ZRCS launched the Drought Cash Assistance Program in Chikankata District in November 2024 a critical initiative aimed at helping families survive the severe drought.Through this program, 5,864 families receive 600 Zambian Kwacha (roughly 20 US dollars) per month for four months, allowing them to meet immediate needs like food and water.At a time when inflation has driven up the cost of basic goods, this assistance is more than a financial boost—it’s a source of relief and resilience for families struggling to get by day-to-day.The impact extends beyond Chikankata. In Sinazongwe District, where the drought’s devastation is particularly acute, the Zambia Red Cross launched a program of multi-purpose cash transfers, along with support that helps farmers grow their winter crops.Since August 2024, over 5,200 households have benefited, with access to essential farming supplies—maize, okra seeds, and fertilizers—that offer them a way to revive their livelihoods. This initiative empowers local farmers to bring life back to their land, giving them a chance to rebuild and restore their communities.Supported by the IFRC, the European Union's ECHO Programmatic Partnership project, and bilateral aid from the Czech Republic, this work is part of a broader ZRCS response across five drought-affected districts.With approximately 1.5 million Swiss Francs mobilized, more than 11,000 households across Zambia are receiving critical assistance, spanning food security, livelihoods, health, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) support.A lifeline of hope and survivalFor families in these regions, this cash assistance is more than just financial aid—it’s a pathway to survival and stability. Ninety-year-old Musambo Sianjonkoma, unable to seek food on her own, says the support has had a profound impact.“At my age, I can’t go out and look for food,”Musambo says. “This support will help me eat.”For her and thousands of others, the program brings not only food but dignity and peace of mind.In Sinazongwe, farmer Wisdom Lubinda received maize and okra seeds and other support for winter crops.“The seeds they provided were like hope in a packet,” says Wisdom, adding that the chance of a successful harvest offers the promise of funding his siblings’ education and securing his family’s future.For 27-year-old Anita Maalila from Upper Kaleya, the drought meant the end of her small restaurant—the only income source for her and her two children after her husband left.Declared a national disaster, the crisis decimated agriculture and left Anita struggling with small-scale farming to survive. Hope arrived through the emergency cash assistance program. With 600 Kwacha a month, Anita plans to grow potatoes and maize to rebuild her livelihood.“This assistance is a blessing,” she shared, her voice filled with renewed determination.An appeal to save livesTo support the critical work of the ZRCS through this severe droughts, the IFRC issued an emergency appealto scale up the response. The support from the appeal is key to providing the cash transfers and crop support, which help protect what little people have left while offering a foundation on which to rebuild.These lifelines are urgent, says ZRCS Secretary-General Cosmas Sakala."We’re facing a devastating double threat in Zambia: a crippling drought has caused farmers to lose 80 per cent of their crops, and a cholera outbreak is putting immense strain on families,” Sakala noted. “I’ve seen the worry on people’s faces and heard their anguish, unsure where their next meal will come from.“Climate change is making these crises more frequent and severe. We are already responding with emergency cash transfers, food distribution, and hygiene kits, but we urgently need your help to scale up our support and reach the most vulnerable communities."