Vanuatu: Earthquake

On 17 December 2024, a devastating 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck near Port Vila, Vanuatu, affecting 40 per cent of the population and causing widespread destruction to homes, infrastructure, and essential services. The Vanuatu Red Cross Society, supported by IFRC, is urgently mobilizing relief efforts to provide shelter, clean water, medical aid, and recovery assistance to the affected communities. Your donations can help to support these life-saving operations—please contribute today to help those in need.

Vanuatu: Earthquake

Vanuatu earthquake: A nation in crisis highlights urgent need for community-based preparedness

Suva / Kuala Lumpur / Geneva, 20 December – The island country of Vanuatu is reeling from the devastating impact of a 7.4 magnitude earthquake that has claimed at least 10 lives, left over 200 injured, and caused widespread destruction across Efate Island, including the capital, Port Vila. This disaster, compounded by aftershocks and resulting landslides, is a stark reminder of the growing vulnerabilities faced by Pacific nations in the face of natural and climate-induced hazards.The earthquake has destroyed homes, schools, hospitals, and critical infrastructure. With communication lines and internet connectivity disrupted, response efforts have been severely hampered. Families are struggling to access safe drinking water, food, and medical care as the government and humanitarian agencies mobilise to address immediate needs.The Vanuatu Red Cross Society (VRCS), supported by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), is working tirelessly to assist affected communities despite operational challenges, including damage to its own facilities.“The devastating impact of this earthquake is compounded by Vanuatu’s constant battle with natural hazards. We need to go beyond response—we need sustained investments in preparedness, early warning systems, and resilient infrastructure,” said Dickinson Tevi, Secretary General of the Vanuatu Red Cross Society.The crisis in Vanuatu emphasises the need for increased support for disaster preparedness and resilience programmes. Many Pacific countries like Vanuatu face recurring disasters that erode development gains and strain response capacities. While global discussions continue on addressing vulnerabilities in disaster-prone regions, it is essential to prioritise investments in community-based response mechanisms - such as disaster-resistant housing and strengthened early warning systems. This investment is critical to saving lives and reducing the overall costs of humanitarian response."An earthquake of this magnitude means that the needs will be huge. IFRC is ready to provide support as we anticipate that the needs will be scaled up in the days and weeks ahead. We are working closely with the team at Vanuatu Red Cross Society to ascertain the needs on the ground and how best we can provide support in a timely and safe manner,” said Katie Greenwood, IFRC’s Head of Delegation for the Pacific.Vanuatu’s Urgent Humanitarian NeedsThe immediate priorities in Vanuatu include:Search and rescue operations to save lives.Restoring communication and transportation infrastructure.Providing emergency medical care, safe drinking water, and temporary shelters.Supporting families to rebuild in a way that minimises future disaster risks.Vanuatu’s resilience is tested time and again, yet its communities continue to demonstrate remarkable strength. The international community must now act decisively to support both the immediate response, and the long-term preparedness needed to reduce the risks of future disasters. Preparedness is not a luxury; it is a life-saving investment. By acting now, we can prevent future crises and build a safer, more sustainable future for vulnerable nations like Vanuatu.For more information or to request an interview, please contact: [email protected] In Suva:  Soneel Ram, +679 998 3688 In Kuala Lumpur:  Afrhill Rances, +6019 271 3641 In Geneva: Hannah Copeland, +41 76 236 9109

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

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

Season of the floods: The Philippines Red Cross responds to the floodwaters that never went away

The floodwaters came, but they never left. In the region around Bulacan, a provincial area in Luzon, in northern Philippines, many communities have been literally knee-deep in water for more than three months plus now.Water that overflowed the banks of a river that surged in July, has remained, covering the landscape in a shallow pool ever since.“We got used to the flood waters stagnating in our homes,” saysMeldrid Liodel, a 53-year-old single mother. “We have tried not to get stressed about it. It is very difficult to stand up [due to the water], especially the cleaning, the cleaningof our homes [is difficult].”“I have six children and seven grandchildren.If you ask why we do not just move away, this is where we were born, we grew up, we made families, and we continue to fight for our lives.”Meldrid, as well as all her neighbours and communities, are learning to live their daily lives in shin-deep water. They get around in narrow canoes and many received boats from the local government to help with their daily commutes.The gardening they do for daily sustenance has also changed radically. They’ve started planting vegetables that grow well on water, and they began open air-drying fish that they catch from their rooftops. The fish and vegetables they use to earn a small income and feed their families.“These floods here started happening way back when Mount Pinatubo erupted many years ago,”Meldrid adds.“Before this, we had crops, we had a lot of rice fields, the farmers could farm, the fishermen could fish well.”Mount Pinatubo is just more than 90 kilometers from Bulacan, Central Luzon, where Meldrid’s community lives. Many years after the eruption, they realised that the entire local irrigation network, as well as the water channels and infrastructure in the surrounding regions, had been damaged by the volcano. Ever since, thousands of communities were suffering from continuous floods that would never subside.The floods are a result of a combination of back flooding, high-tide, and water brought in from storms and typhoons. This has occurred more frequently in the past decade.Just the beginningYet, this is not the full story. The Philippines sits one of the most disaster-prone zones in the world. Yearly, the country experiences multiple typhoons, floods, volcanic activity, and even earthquakes.By late November 2024, a total of six typhoons had pounded the Philippines back-to-back in various regions, dumping onto its land copious amounts of rushing water and causing widespread destruction. While international aid is vital for humanitarian purposes, it is not immediate, and affected people are in dire need of help the very hour the disaster hits.The storms only intensified the already chronic flooding problem. “Typhoon Carina was very strong, and it was sudden,”says Amelia Torres, who stands with her husband in their living room, which has been carpeted in to two feet of water since July 2024. “It suddenly intensified and didn’t go away and it didn't stop. The floods didn't subside.”All their belongings are hanging on the walls, dangling from the ceiling, or are perched on top of shelves and tables. Their bed and mattress are in the living room, about one foot above the water. “Sometimes, it's only dry for just 3 months of the year,” she adds.Rapid response fund to the rescueThis is where the IFRC DREF – Disaster Response Emergency Fund has been such a critical asset. This fund delivers financial support directly to local humanitarian actors—both before a crisis is expected to hit and after. These funds go directly to National Societies, and they are those that are very embedded in local communities.In the case of recent storms, the funds enabled the Philippine Red Cross to galvanize their response to quickly reach people while further funds are being procured globally. They were able to prepare evacuation centres,deploy evacuation teams, and quickly get hot meals, essential items, hygiene kits and more to the people.The IFRC-DREF mechanism was originally designed to respond to small- and medium-sized disasters, but it has evolved to include support for anticipatory action. By acting before disasters strike, IFRC aims for it to enable the saving of more lives and livelihoods and minimizing the devastating impacts.The Philippines have been a recipient of IFRC-DREF three times for the year 2024, and the Philippine Red Cross, along with the IFRC and partners, have been helping with relief, evacuation, hot meals, medical aid, and much more.That support is critical to people like Edgardo Sibbaluca, a construction worker in Rizal, another province in Central Luzon. His family of six experienced the full force of Super Typhoon Carina that hit in July this year.“We couldn’t save anything; we lost all our belongings,”he says. “We had to evacuate. We are now sleeping in the evacuation centre. Food is being brought to us, and that’s what we’re relying on. Fortunately, it occurred in the morning. If it had happened at night, many would have died.I felt weak; all I could see were piles of trash. I felt very weak. “But I’m thankful that at least our lives were spared. I’ll rebuild my house and fix my surroundings. I’ll plant again and go back to work. I’ll restore everything to how it was so I can get back on my feet.”“I feel like we have to be cautious now,”added Edgardo, who expressed gratitude for the support he received from the Red Cross. “We need to be prepared for disasters because we might have to evacuate again.I’m afraid of strong disasters that come suddenly.I want us to be strong and brave, to face challenges without fear and to be prepared.”By Rachel Punitha, IFRC Senior Communications Officer, Asia Pacific

Early warning systems only way to begin tackling unprecedented number of Philippines typhoons

Manila/ Kuala Lumpur/ Geneva, 18 November:Six tropical typhoons have hit the Philippines in a month in an unprecedented pattern of extreme weather, not seen since records in the Pacific basin began in 1951. While the overall impact caused by the latest Super Typhoon Man-Yi (local name Pepito) is still being assessed, the previous five typhoons - Trami (Kristine), Kong-Rey (Leon), Yin-Xing (Marce), Toraji (Nika) and Usagi (Ofel) - have already caused extensive destruction across the region, bringing torrential rains, landslides, widespread flooding and damage to infrastructure and livelihoods, stretching local resources to their maximum. Over 1.4 million displaced people have faced limited access to water, sanitation, nutrition and health care. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is urgently appealing for more aid, increasing its initialEmergency Appeal for 7.5 million Swiss Francs, launched for Typhoon Trami, to 9 million Swiss Francs with the aim of enabling the Philippine Red Cross to widen its scope of assistance to over 86,000 people in the 12 most impacted provinces by allsix typhoons.Dr. Gwendolyn Pang, Secretary General of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), said: “While providing lifesaving support, we have initiated early actions to help at-risk communities to reduce damage. But no one can be well prepared for such an unprecedented number of storms in this short span of time. We need help to reduce the humanitarian impacts of these typhoons.” She also pointed out that the PRC has been responding to disasters from the beginning, alongside local authorities, to meet the immediate needs of the most vulnerable communities.Gopal Mukherjee, Programme Coordinator and IFRC Acting Head of Delegation for the Philippines highlighted the urgent need for more aid as local resources are stretched thin, including that of the Philippine Red Cross:“Already the recovery of impacted communities is interrupted by these typhoons and their compounding effects. The humanitarian situation is worsening as Super Typhoon Man-Yi is making its impact,” he added.For more information or to request an interview, please contact: [email protected] In Kuala Lumpur: Lili Chin: +60 162340872In Geneva: Hannah Copeland, +41 76 236 91 09

New IFRC Youth Commission leader: Young volunteers want real influence, not ‘box-checking’ exercises

Young people do not fit into “cookie-cutter” stereotypes, says Michelle Chew, IFRC’s newly elected Youth Commission Chair. “Young people are very diverse and only by valuing and accepting all forms of young people can we engage communities properly.” While young people are gaining influence, she says efforts to engage with youth can seem like “box-checking exercises” that end up turning young people away. As someone with experience as a front-line volunteer with Malaysian Red Crescent ambulance crews, she says she’ll do her best to ensure the voices of young, community-based first responders are represented in the strategies, plans and decisions made by IFRC’s Governing Board.

Season of floods: Youth in Fiji help their communities prevent the damage caused by climate change

“Strange,” Seru says tersely.“The weather that we are supposed to be experiencing at this time of the year should be dry and sunny instead it is wet and cold.”Seru Ramakita, 61, was born and raised in the village of Navuevu – a two-hour drive from Suva, the capital city of Fiji.“As a result of the continuous rain, we are now experiencing flooding. This is the first time in 50 years that the village has experienced flooding.”Home to over 300 hundred people, Navuevu village is grappling with one of the many challenges of life with climate change.As Seru looks out over the water, the midday sun is blanketed by dark clouds as a slight ray of sunshines peeks through a cleft in the clouds. The rustle of the coconut leaves brings back memories, some familiar, some new.“Even during past cyclones, we did not experience flooding,” he says. “The flooding has affected our root crops.”The crops ended up getting submerged in water hence affected their growth. “Now we have no choice but to move our farm to higher ground”, Seru says“As a result of the saltwater inundation due to the flooding, our root crops such as cassava are not able to grow properly, and all our hard work has gone to waste.”In this series, we explore how communities are working to reduce the risks of weather-related crises even even as they are busy helping people recover from the last devastating disaster.Robin Kaiwalu, 33, is a Fiji Red Cross youth volunteer who also resides in Navuevu village, has been affected by the recent floods.“The flooding reached up to my knee and my whole plantation was under water.”“All my crops are damaged including plantain, cassava, taro. Not only do we depend on this for food, but we also sell it as a source of income."Before joining the Y-Adapt program, Robin was an unemployed youth who focused on his family and hobbies like rugby. When he joined the Y-Adapt program, he realized there was a lot to learn through the Fiji Red Cross programs, which motivated him to become a volunteer. He has been volunteering for five months now.WHAT IS Y-ADAPTY-Adapt is a youth-based training program designed to educate, engage and inspire young people to take action and become climate change leaders in their communities. It also builds climate resilience through increased technical understanding and planning skills to take climate action.Over 60 youths have participated in the Y-Adapt program. About 70 per cent of them were unemployed or had dropped out of school. However, some are now pursuing vocational studies, while others have found employment in hotels or are seeking jobs.Through collective action and collaboration, the youth can leverage their diverse ideas, skills, and perspectives to tackle climate change challenges effectively.Fiji Red Cross Society, with support from Japanese Red Cross and IFRC, has been able to train the youth volunteers in Navuevu and equip them with knowledge, skills and resources to address the issue of flooding in the village.In the village, any activity must be approved at a village meeting before proceeding. The youths consulted the village headman to help present their action plan at the meeting, where it was subsequently approved.To ensure active participation, the youths organized a garbage drive along their coastal area and within the village. The drive saw a good turnout, including stakeholders like hotels, the police, the Provincial Council, Disability Associations, and villagers, resulting in the collection of over 150 kg of rubbish.Since most youths were unemployed and needed bus fare and funding for necessary documentation, the village collectively agreed to cover these expenses to support the youth group's initiatives.The village was pleased to see the youths working together to achieve their goals.“After consultations with the village head and the elders, we decided that we came to the conclusion that we needed to construct rubbish bins to help with proper disposal of rubbish,” says Robin.Buying a large bin to accommodate the village's population is very expensive for the youths and involves a lengthy process through the Town Council and Provincial Office before it can be installed in the village. The youths were encouraged to keep their activities low-cost, achievable, and within a set timeframe, so they decided to construct their own bin.“This way the rubbish would not block the drains and the next time it rains; the water will not overflow into the village,” says Robin.“We are very grateful and appreciative to Fiji Red Cross for implementing this program in our village,” says Seru.The tremendous support of the community members, particularly the families of the youth participants, has been instrumental in driving the success of the Y Adapt program in Navuevu.The encouragement and backing received from within the village highlight the value placed on youth-led initiatives that aim to address local environmental challenges and contribute to community well-being.“It is very heartening to see our youths, the future leaders of tomorrow, taking the lead in helping their very own communities with such initiatives," says Seru.“The Y-Adapt Program stands as a beacon of hope and progress in the fight against climate change, demonstrating the power of youth empowerment and collective action in creating sustainable and resilient communities,” says Robin.“For now, we will continue to plant our crops on higher grounds and another goal is to set up an evacuation centre for the village so that when it floods the next time, families are able to seek shelter at this centre.”Text bySoneel Ram (IFRC) with editing by Rachel Punitha (IFRC) | Photos: Kurt Petersen (Petersen Fotography) and Fiji Red Cross Society.

IFRC calls for local level investment to scale up early warning systems in disaster response

Manila, Philippines – The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, disaster risk reduction practitioners, governments, civil society and other international organisations met in Manila last week at the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) 2024. The event brought together these key stakeholders to share knowledge and accelerate action towards a resilient global future.This year’s theme, ‘Eyes on 2030: Enhancing Ambition in Asia-Pacific to Accelerate Disaster Risk Reduction’, strongly aligns with IFRC’s long-standing commitment to improving disaster preparedness and community resilience across the region.In collaboration with the IFRC, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) also aims to showcase the power of locally-led action and anticipatory approaches, emphasising the importance of inclusive and sustainable solutions to reduce disaster risks. As the Asia-Pacific area remains one of the most disaster-prone regions in the world, the participation of the Red Cross Red Crescent (RCRC) Movement at APMCDRR is crucial to driving forward local initiatives that build safer, more resilient communities.The IFRC, which serves as a global leader in disaster risk reduction and humanitarian response, supports PRC and 37 other National Societies in Asia Pacific in promoting community resilience, disaster law, early warning systems, and gender-responsive disaster governance. The IFRC will advocate for stronger policies that integrate DRR into national and local development plans and sustainable financing mechanisms ensuring that women, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities are at the heart of these efforts.During the event, the Secretary General of Maldivian Red Crescent, Fathimath Himya, was announced as one of the finalists for the Women’s International Network for Disaster Risk Reduction (WIN DRR) Excellence Award. Nominees are celebrated for their exceptional professional success in disaster risk reduction, representing the expertise and experiences needed to find solutions to understanding, preventing, and reducing the increasing disaster risk in the most disaster-prone region of the world. Throughout the conference, under the fourth pillar of the Early Warning For All initiative by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, the IFRC co-leads discussions and shares best practice in DRR, focusing on anticipatory action together with the World Meteorological Organisation and International Telecommunication Union.In addition to its contribution to DRR policy discussions, the IFRC leverages the APMCDRR as an opportunity to reinforce partnerships with governments, donors and other stakeholders, with the goal of increasing funding for locally-led disaster resilience programmes. The IFRC also co-hosted a series of side events focusing on anticipatory action and the role of women in leadership in disaster risk reduction.Looking Ahead: APMCDRR and the Road to GenevaThe outcomes of APMCDRR 2024 will feed into broader global efforts to enhance disaster risk reduction. The commitments made in Manila will be vital in shaping discussions at the upcoming Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, which will take place in Geneva in June 2025. The Geneva conference will build on the outcomes of regional platforms like APMCDRR, further aligning them with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).Juja Kim, Deputy Regional Director for the IFRC who was also in Manila, said:"The increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather and climate events poses severe humanitarian challenges that are already affecting millions of lives and livelihoods around the world. What we achieve at APMCDRR will resonate globally, including at the International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent in Geneva at the end of October, where we, together with States, are set to pass important resolutions regarding locally-led action, disaster law, and anticipatory action addressing extreme climate and weather events. Anticipatory action saves lives and livelihoods and massively reduces the need for post-disaster reaction. Some estimates suggest that 95% of people who might otherwise need post-disaster humanitarian aid would not need it if the right anticipatory action is taken in advance. So together, we must ensure that disaster risk reduction is fully integrated into every level of policy and planning.”About APMCDRR 2024Hosted by the Government of the Philippines in partnership with the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) is the region’s largest gathering on disaster risk reduction. The event aims to review DRR efforts, share innovative solutions, and commit to accelerated action toward reducing disaster risk in the world’s most disaster-prone region.For media inquiries please contact: [email protected] Manila/Kuala Lumpur: Afrhill Frances, IFRC Regional Communications Manager, +60 19 271 3641

IFRC and Asian Disaster Preparedness Center strengthen partnership to boost disaster resilience across Asia

Manila, Philippines, October 2024 – The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC) have reaffirmed their long-standing commitment to enhancing disaster resilience across Asia by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).This partnership marks a significant milestone, building on over four decades of collaboration to safeguard vulnerable communities from the increasing threat of disasters in the region.The MoU was signed during the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) 2024, underscoring the urgency of addressing complex and frequent disasters that continue to impact the region.The renewed partnership aims to strengthen disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts, with a particular focus on capacity building, community-based disaster risk management, and advancing innovative solutions for early warning systems.Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr. Hans Guttman, Executive Director of ADPC, expressed his gratitude to IFRC for their unwavering support. “Together, we can harness our resources, expertise, and passion to create a more prepared and resilient future. This partnership will empower us to enhance our response capabilities, share best practices, and ultimately save lives,” Guttman emphasized.The IFRC’s longstanding tradition of volunteerism has played a critical role in disaster preparedness and response efforts, mobilizing thousands of volunteers across Asia to provide lifesaving assistance in times of crisis. The new MoU reinforces this tradition by promoting community resilience and empowering local actors to take the lead in safeguarding their communities.“This partnership with ADPC is a continuation of our shared mission to support local and national disaster preparedness capacities. By working together,we can ensure that communities are better equipped to face new climate risks,” said Juja Kim, IFRC’s Deputy Regional Director for Asia Pacific, at the ceremony.The collaboration between IFRC and ADPC has a rich history, dating back to the late 1980s. Over the years, the two organizations have worked hand-in-hand to support National Societies and governments across South and Southeast Asia. Their efforts have contributed to the development of technical tools for community-based disaster risk management, multi-hazard early warning systems, and collaborative initiatives to reduce the impact of disasters on vulnerable populations.As part of their continued partnership, IFRC and ADPC will focus on several key areas, including the strengthening of disaster management networks, enhancing research and knowledge-sharing, and supporting the institutional capacities of national disaster management organizations (NDMOs) and Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The MoU also aligns with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, ensuring that the partnership contributes to global goals of reducing disaster risk and building resilience.The signing of this MoU represents a pivotal step toward a safer and more resilient Asia. As the region continues to face the escalating risks of natural hazards, the collaboration between IFRC and ADPC will serve as a crucial foundation for enhancing preparedness and protecting communities at risk.

Afghanistan: Child malnutrition amidst economic hardship and climate disasters

Kabul/Kuala Lumpur/Geneva – Mobile health teams and fixed clinics run by the Afghan Red Crescent Society are recording alarming cases of acute malnutrition in children, especially in areas where communities are concurrently facing household economic instability, in addition to bearing the brunt of climate-related disasters and the effects of a decades-long conflict.Data from ARCS health facilities and anecdotal accounts shared by Red Crescent frontliner staff and volunteers underline the calls made by other humanitarian agencies, including UNICEF and Save the Children, that funding support is critical to saving the lives of thousands of children. Estimates provided in the beginning of the year indicated that some 2.9 million children aged under five could suffer from acute malnutrition in 2024.Dr. Mohammad Nabi Burhan, Secretary General of the ARCS, says: “The scale of malnutrition in our country is staggering, based on the numbers our mobile health teams and fixed clinics are registering. Severe acute malnutrition can be fatal if left untreated so it is imperative that we take urgent action to save as many lives as we can.”As part of their routine services, ARCS mobile health teams and fixed clinics undertake malnutrition screening, distribute ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTF), provide education to communities on how to prevent malnutrition, and refer severe cases for treatment by specialised agencies or in better-equipped hospitals.“Our frontline workers are telling us that dozens of children are not getting timely treatment because our Movement partners have not received sufficient funding to scale up services. This cruel reality leaves three unfortunate options for children who are at most risk: stunted growth, wastage, or death. We must do our best, collectively, to ensure better options for our children,” adds Dr. Mohammad Nabi Burhan.The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is releasing 500,000 Swiss francs from its Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) to contribute to urgent life-saving interventions by ARCS.Necephor Mghendi, Head of IFRC Afghanistan Delegation, who visited some of the ARCS mobile health teams and fixed clinics in Kandahar two weeks ago, says: “Within the span of an hour I spent with Red Crescent frontliners operating a mobile health team in the Panjwayi district of Kandahar, two out of five children screened had severe acute malnutrition. Parents of these children said they lacked adequate income to obtain food, had already sold assets to survive, and that humanitarian assistance was their last resort.”“Malnutrition in early childhood could lead to long-term physical or cognitive disability. We need to prevent these lasting impacts on children we are able to assist, together with the ARCS,” Necephor Mghendi adds.The IFRC and ARCS are also rolling out programmes aimed at enhancing the capacity of communities and preparing them to withstand future difficulties, such as climate shocks like drought and harsh winters.Dr. Mohammad Nabi Burhan, Secretary General of the ARCS, says: “Even as we support affected children to receive urgent treatment, we must provide durable solutions in a manner that also tackles root-causes and vulnerabilities. These communities have faced head-on crises one after another, yet with sustained multisector support we can support them to become self-reliant and more resilient.”Longer-term ARCS programmes integrate primary and community health services, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions, livelihood assistance, disaster preparedness, disaster risk reduction measures, support for widows, and climate change adaptation, among others.For more information or to request an interview, please contact: [email protected] Afghanistan: Sayed Eshaq Muqbel +93 707 336 040In Kuala Lumpur: Afrhill Rances +60 19 271 3641In Geneva: Hannah Copeland +41 76 236 9109

Super Typhoon Yagi causes severe flooding across Southeast Asia

Bangkok/Yangon/Kuala Lumpur 17 September 2024 – Super Typhoon Yagi, one of the strongest typhoons to hit Southeast Asia in decades, has left a trail of destruction in multiple countries, with severe flooding, landslides, and widespread infrastructural damage. The typhoon affected the Philippines, Laos, Vietnam, and Myanmar, triggering both immediate humanitarian responses and long-term recovery efforts. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), in collaboration with local Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, is mobilising resources to assist those in need.Regional impact of Typhoon YagiSuper Typhoon Yagi initially made landfall in the Philippines on 2 September. Locally known as Typhoon Enteng, it resulted in landslides and flooding, killing 21 people in its wake, prompting school and office closures and disrupting power and telecommunication services.Three days later, it traversed through southern China before landing in Vietnam on 7 September. Typhoon Yagi caused massive destruction in Vietnam’s Quang Ninh province and Hai Phong city. With continuous heavy rainfall, flooding, and landslides affecting 26 provinces, including the capital city of Hanoi, the typhoon left 344 people reported dead or missing. Over 235,000 homes were damaged, and the economic impact is so far estimated at USD 1.6 billion.The Vietnam Red Cross Society (VNRC) has been on the front lines, distributing emergency relief items, food, and cash assistance. The IFRC is launching a CHF 4 million emergency appeal to aid recovery efforts in the worst-affected areas, focusing on shelter restoration, health services, and livelihood recovery​.Myanmar also faced unprecedented flooding starting on September 8, as the remnants of Typhoon Yagi triggered heavy rains, displacing over 320,000 people and causing 113 reported deaths across nine regions. The Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS) has been actively conducting search and rescue operations, providing first aid, and distributing vital supplies such as food, water, blankets, and hygiene items. The IFRC, in collaboration with MRCS, has launched another emergency appeal, aiming to raise 2.5 million CHF to assist 25,000 people over the next 12 months​.While the direct impact of Typhoon Yagi was less severe in the Philippines, and later on in Laos, both countries experienced significant flooding and infrastructural damage. The local Red Cross Societies responded to urgent needs, and both countries are working to mitigate further risks posed by prolonged flooding and landslides.Flooding in Southeast Asia: A Regional CrisisSuper Typhoon Yagi’s impact has caused extensive flooding across Southeast Asia, affecting millions of people. Prolonged rainfall, soil saturation, and the sheer magnitude of the typhoon have exacerbated the already vulnerable situations in many communities. Local Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies across the region are responding to immediate needs, while the IFRC is coordinating support for large-scale recovery operations, including emergency shelter, healthcare, and psychosocial support.With emergency appeals being launched in Vietnam and Myanmar, the IFRC is calling for international solidarity to ensure a rapid and effective response to help affected communities rebuild their lives. The IFRC’s Regional Director for Asia Pacific, Alexander Matheou, says:"This year alone, the Asia Pacific region has faced an unrelenting series of climate-related disasters. The devastation caused by Super Typhoon Yagi is just the latest example of the compounding effects of the climate crisis on people who are already in vulnerable situations. From typhoons, floods, and heatwaves to droughts, these crises hit one after another, leaving little room for recovery.“The IFRC and our Red Cross and Red Crescent partners remain committed to providing life-saving assistance and long-term support. As we face this escalating climate emergency, our work is more critical than ever in helping communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from these frequent and severe disasters."The IFRC is working closely with national authorities and humanitarian partners in the region to coordinate efforts and scale up operations. The immediate focus is on providing life-saving assistance, restoring critical infrastructure, and supporting long-term recovery. Cash assistance, emergency shelters, and health services are among the priority needs as floodwaters continue to rise, threatening food security, sanitation, and public health.For more information or to request an interview, please contact [email protected] Media Inquiries:In Bangkok: Kovit Pholsena | +66 (0) 81 837 8876 In Kuala Lumpur: Afrhill Rances | +60 19 271 3641In Geneva: Hannah Copeland | +44 7535316633Visuals: Additional photos and video available here: Viet Nam , Myanmar

Millions affected as Super Typhoon Yagi hits Vietnam

Bangkok/Kuala Lumpur/Geneva, 13 September 2024– Super Typhoon Yagi, one of the strongest storms to hit Vietnam in three decades, has left a trail of destruction and continues to threaten the lives of millions across northern and central parts of the country.After passing through China’s Hainan Island, Tropical Cyclone Yagi intensified into a super typhoon, making landfall in Quang Ninh province and Hai Phong City in Vietnam at 13:45 local time on 7 September 2024.With torrential downpours and powerful winds exceeding 200 kilometres per hour, the super typhoon has forced more than 50,000 people to evacuate their homes. It triggered widespread flooding, flash floods, and landslides, causing severe damage to roads, bridges, and buildings, uprooting trees, and disrupting electrical and telecommunication networks. The affected areas are experiencing prolonged power outages, communication loss, and water supply disruptions.According to authorities, nearly 190,000 homes have been flooded, damaged or destroyed, with at least 325 people reported dead or missing, and an estimated 1.6 million people affected overall. These numbers are expected to rise as damage assessment continues, while the risk of further flooding and landslides remains high throughout the affected regions.Immediately after initial impact of the typhoon, the Vietnam Red Cross Society organised the mobilisation of relief items, such as food, medicine, and cash distribution worth up to VND 5.5 billion (190,000 CHF) to support affected communities. Red Cross staff and volunteers have been deployed to assist with debris cleanup and to provide psychological first aid, and disaster response teams are also continuing to collaborate closely with the authorities to conduct damage and needs assessments in the affected areas.Local Red Crossbranches are implementing measures such as early warning communication, supporting the reinforcement of houses, providing assistance at temporary evacuation and shelter points, and closely monitoring storm updates so they’re on standby for emergency response.Despite having now weakened into a tropical depression, Yagi continues to cause extended periods of heavy rainfall, leading to ongoing flooding and landslides across 26 provinces, including the capital city of Hanoi.Mr. Nguyen Hai Anh, Vice President and Secretary General of the Vietnam Red Cross Society, said:“Nearly 19 million people are living in the affected provinces. We are deeply concerned about their health, well-being, and ability to cope with the impact and consequences of Super Typhoon Yagi, especially those in vulnerable conditions, such as the elderly and children.“The Vietnam Red Cross Society has been working closely with relevant authorities and organisations to support the national and local response efforts. We have launched resource mobilisation campaigns in a spirit of solidarity to support the affected populations in overcoming this deadly tragedy.”Kathryn Clarkson, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Head of Country Cluster Delegation in Bangkok covering Thailand, Cambodia, Lao PDR and Vietnam, said:“This extreme and prolonged weather event is continuing to have a widespread impact on many local communities, including in areas where we have rarely seen this kind of disaster occur previously. People’s resilience is being stretched, and there is an urgent need to provide both immediate relief and recovery support to the affected populations.“IFRC is working closely with the Vietnam Red Cross Society to mobilise international support to address the growing and evolving needs of the affected populations, especially with health services, water and sanitation as well as restoration of shelter and livelihoods.”Note to editors:Visuals: Additional photos and video available here:Dropbox – Viet Nam Typhoon Yagi 2024For more information or to request an interview, please [email protected] Bangkok: Kovit Pholsena, +66 (0) 81 837 8876In Kuala Lumpur: Afrhill Rances, +60 19 271 3641In Geneva: Hannah Copeland, +44 7535316633

Step up in support needed as massive floods cause destruction in Bangladesh

Dhaka/Kuala Lumpur/GenevaSince mid-June, 14.6 million people in Bangladesh have been affected by severe floods. Homes, belongings and livelihoods have been swept away, and the latest floods from end of August have left more than half a million people displaced. The Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS), supported by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and partners, has launched an emergency appeal aimed at relief for those hit by floods in the northern, eastern and southern regions of the country.With the latest flooding due to extreme rainfall in the south and east of Bangladesh since the end of August, districts face the worst flooding situation in more than 30 years. Furthermore, rainfall predictions indicate that Sylhet, Chattogram, Rangpur and Rajshahi divisions may see even more extreme rain during September. A big part of the flooded areas, especially in the south and east, are areas that have not previously been subject to these kinds of floods. Communities are overwhelmed.“The destruction caused by the current floods is immense. BDRCS plays an invaluable role, particularly in reaching people in inaccessible and remote areas. But more support is needed to provide the urgent aid and relief items needed.” said the Head of Delegation of the IFRC country delegation in Bangladesh, Alberto Bocanegra.Prioritizing most affected communitiesThrough the emergency appeal, the BDRCS will focus on the most affected communities, with humanitarian assistance focused on access to water, sanitation and hygiene, shelter, food security, livelihoods and health. The main focus of the relief work is focused on districts of Feni, Noakhali, Cumila and Lakhsmipur.In these districts, assessments have found vast numbers of families with damaged houses, water and sanitation. Livelihoods have been severely impacted particularly in industries like agriculture and fish farming. Those with especially high needs include marginalized groups, and people displaced and living in collective centers, with relatives or in other people’s houses.The AppealAn IFRC emergency appeal for 7.5 million Swiss francs aims to reach 400,000 people, with the BDRCS ensuring the dignity, access, participation, and safety of the most vulnerable populations. This includes elderly people, children and adolescents, marginal-income farmers, female-headed households, pregnant women, widows, and persons with disabilities.“Our volunteers have been on the ground from the day one of each flood, providing critical assistance. But support from our partners and the global community is essential to reach the families affected. We urge the international community to stand with Bangladesh during this critical time,” said Secretary General of the BDRCS, Kabir Md. Ashraf Alam.The BDRCS work closely with communities, local authorities, and community leaders to assist the most affected families. Coordination with other agencies will be maintained to avoid any duplication of efforts.You can see the emergency appeal here.For more information or to request an interview, please contact: [email protected] Dhaka: Camilla Bruun Simonsen, +880 17 0451 4972Al-Shahriar Rupam, +880 17 6177 5075In Kuala Lumpur:Afrhill Rances, +601 9271 3641In GenevaTommaso Della Longa: +41 79 7084367 Andrew Thomas: +41 76 3676587

‘We will be there for them’: In communities most vulnerable to storms, volunteers rise to the challenge

In the Cox’s Bazar camps of Bangladesh, where cyclones pose a perpetual threat, a remarkable group of individuals emerges as the unsung heroes of disaster preparedness and response.Numbering around 3,300, these Red Cross Red Crescent volunteers serve as the bedrock of community readiness and emergency response within the camp settlement.Dil Mohammed, aged 46, is one of them. "People know we will be there for them if they need us during any disaster," he says.Trained and prepared by the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), Dil Mohammed and his fellow volunteers play a pivotal role in disseminating cyclone early warning information and facilitating anticipatory actions to reduce the unprecedented loss and damage that cyclones can bring.The cyclone seasons in Bangladesh, spanning from April to May and October to November, are periods of heightened alertness. Since 2018, the volunteers have received training on disaster preparedness and the camp’s early warning system, as well as safety gear and early warning equipment.As cyclone Mocha approached in May 2023, for example, these volunteers sprang into action. Dil Mohammed recalls their swift response: "When cyclone signal 1 was announced, we immediately got the news and started verbal messaging among the people living in my camp. After receiving the cyclone signal 4 announcement, we hoisted 1 cyclone signal flag and disseminated signal information through megaphones across the camp."While male volunteers focused on informing the broader community, their female counterparts played a vital role in raising awareness among the female members of the camp community."We reached out door-to-door, making a tremendous impact in our community, where 52 per cent of the population is female," says Dil Kayas, a female volunteer from camp 8W.Another woman volunteer in Camp 7, Minara sais "the learnings enabled me to support my own community people during their need".Along with other volunteers, Minara helps facilitate block-level awareness sessions, ensuring that even those who were unable to attend large-scale events receive vital cyclone preparedness information.Minara also used her first-aid training to provide immediate assistance to her injured nephew, showcasing the real-world impact of capacity enhancement initiatives within the camps.As the cyclone threat escalated, the volunteers doubled their efforts. Dil Mohammed explains, "When we heard that signal 8 was announced, we hoisted 3 signal flags and started using sirens, megaphones, mosque microphones, and every available communication tool to ensure that every camp resident knew about the impending danger."Recognizing that women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities are the most vulnerable during disasters, the volunteers devised a plan to ensure their safety. They maintained a list of households with “extremely vulnerbale individuals” and once the first flag was hoisted, they visited every such household, offering reassurance and readiness to help.In one instance, a pregnant woman approached the volunteers, expressing concern about her fragile shelter's ability to withstand the cyclone. The volunteers, in coordination with site management, arranged her relocation to a nearby family's shelter, prioritizing her safety and well-being.Dil Kayas and Dil Mohammed continued their efforts, using megaphones to disseminate signal information. They advised community members to secure their shelters and protect important documents in plastic bags.They also highlighted the availability of communal shelters for emergency use. As a result of their messages, the community actively participated in securing their shelters, with women playing a proactive role.After the cyclone's passag, they swiftly transitioned to post-cyclone responsibilities, conducting assessments to measure the extent of the damage in their respective camps and identifying those in need of emergency assistance. They also engaged in the demanding task of clearing roads and paths, ensuring access and communication within the camps.“After the landfall of cyclone Mocha, we started cleaning the roads in the camp blocks,” says Mahabu Alam, a young volunteer from camp 1W. “Trees were uprooted, debris scattered, hindering accessibility."Similar stories unfolding in other settlementsCox’s Bazar is not the only place where people displaced from Myanmar are making a difference in their own communities.In some cases, the volunteers include people whose families came to Bangladesh from Mryanmar in earlier years.Inthe Basan Char settlement, Bangladesh Red Crescent volunteerJafor Alamwheels a bicycle full of tools used for cleaning debris from water canals. If these canals get blocks during heavy rains, the result can be sudden flooding.Volunteers like Nur Hossain, meanwhile, play an important role in ensuring the maintenance and functionality of essential shelter infrastructure. An experienced foreman, Hossain has worked in various places in Chittagong, one the country’s largest cities.In addition to maintaining shelters, to ensure their strength and safety, he organizes awareness sessions, and resolves issues that arise at the community level under the guidance of the BDRCS team.Many also have considerable expertise in their fields.Abdul Hamid, who lives with his wife and children in Bhasan Char,joined the BDRCS Bhasan Char Operation as a Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) volunteer in 2021.Due to his technical expertise and his experience with biogas initiatives, he became site-management support volunteer responsible for maintaining biogas services in Bhasan Char.In this way, Abdul Hamid plays an important role in ensuring the maintenance and functionality of essential biogas infrastructure, contributing significantly to his community's sustainability efforts.Through their actions, all these volunteers not only protect their fellow residents but also empower their communities to face cyclones and associated hazards with resilience and readiness.Story by Farhan Arafin KarimPhotos: Humayra TasnimWith editing by Al-Shahriar Rupam and Rachel Punitha

Cyclone Remal: Two months on, hard-hit communities struggling to get by and rebuild

The water from Cyclone Remal was already up to their necks when35-year-old Tanya and herhusband had to evacuated their home and go to a storm shelter.“My house was destroyed and now I live with my in-laws nearby,” she says.“I have three children. Two daughters and a son, and taking care of another boy as well; four children in total. All my children were born in our house, that is now destroyed.”Tanya’s story is shared by thousands whose lives were dramatically changed when the cyclone made landfallnear the Mongla and Khepupara coasts in Bangladesh and West Bengal of India on 26 May, 2024.According to Bangladesh’s Department of Disaster Management (DDM), under the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (MoDMR), about 4.6 million people were affected by Cyclone Remal in 19 districts.More than807,000 people were evacuated to 9,424 evacuation shelters across 19 districts. Over 173,000 houses were damaged, including 40,338 that were completely uninhabitable. Now families are struggling to get back on their feet.“Before the cyclone and flooding, my husband did daily tasks to help other families in the area — with things like farming,” Tanya continues.“He worked as hired support for other people in the village who need deliveries.“Options are not that many here for people who need to do day-to-day work for survival. So, my husband was already struggling beforehand. Now it’s worse, because everybody in the community is affected. If there is work, we can eat. Otherwise, we don’t get food.”The storm also had a devastating impact on food security and livelihoods. More than 50,000 fishing farms were destroyed, and more than 80,000 hectares cultivable land were inundated, by the high winds, waves and storm surges of cyclone Remal.In the wake of the storm, theBangladesh Red Crescent immediately began providing emergency food through its eight coastal branching, distributing a seven-day food package to 50,000 people. They also provided hygiene kits, tarpaulins and sleeping mats, among other things.Access to clean water is also critical, as over 20,000 water points and more than 134,000 latrines were damaged by the storm. In response, two mobile water treatment plants (reverse osmosis) for desalination were deployed in Khulna and Satkhira districts, distributing safe drinking water to more than 5,000 households.Two Mobile Medical Teams were also mobilized, providing primary healthcare services and psychosocial support.The immediate resonse was supported by a 1 million Swiss Franc allocation from the IFRC’s Disaster Response Emergency Fund (IFRC-DREF) and an emergency appeal that was launched by the IFRC seeking 12.5 million Swiss Francs to support ongoing operations.In the coming months, the focus will be on building back livelihoods and shelters. For many, the storm took away their single most important life investment: their homes.In the case of 65-year-old Yunus, a husband and father of two the storm took away the home he had been building and developing over ten years with his own hands.Since his family came back from the evacuation shelters to find their house destroyed and belongings gone, Yunus’ wife has been in complete shock and has been crying most of the time.“We have lived like this, with cyclones for years, so we thought that this would be a ‘normal’ one,”said Yunus.“We went to the shelter in a hurry, and we didn’t have the chance to protect anything. At 3 am I escaped from the shelter to see what was happening here, and I saw that everything was gone. The road was gone, and the house was covered in water.""I remained in the shelter for days because I literally could not return to my house. There was still a small rice paddy, but all the rice was gone. I got some chicken and hens as food support.”“I am literally living in a kind of hell. There is a temporary cooking station at the back of my house, but nothing to eat.”“Yesterday I built a new small area to sleep in, because it is not possible to live in our destroyed house. The remains of it are tilted and full of loose pieces of wood and aluminum; it is dangerous to be inside. So, I am building a new temporary place for us to sleep in as soon as possible."Story by Camilla Bruun SimonsenEditing by Rachel PunithaPhotos: Al-Shahriar Rupam (IFRC)

Volunteers go the distance to bring water and health to remote Nepali mountain villages

Part 1 in a series of stories for World Water Day: Friday 22 March.By Shriluna Shrestha and Rachel PunithaFor Nepal Red Cross volunteer Muna, the steep, winding paths of rural Nepal have become somewhat of a regular commute. She treks to remote areas to educate communities, particularly women and children, about hygiene and sanitation practices that can keep them safe from communicable diseases.“Even though it takes me around four to five hours of walking to reach the school at the top of the hill, this doesn’t trouble me,” she says. “All my weariness fades away when I finally meet the children and the community."Muna’s health and hygiene sessions for schoolchildren, adolescents and mothers’ groups focus on handwashing, personal and menstrual hygiene, and community sanitation.She extends her impact by training female community health volunteers,appointed by the government, who then play a crucial role in delivering health and hygiene sessions in their own communities.One of those women community health volunteers is Indira.“In the session, we educate mothers about health and hygiene practices and thoroughly discuss their health-related issues,” Indira says. “They are curious and practicing what they have learned.”“The training helped me enhance my skills, and I learned to deliver the session to diverse groups,” she adds.In the early stages of the project, Muna and the Nepal Red Cross team faced significant challenges. It took a lot of work to convince local people to alter their hygiene and sanitation practices.But the Red Cross team made continuous efforts to build trust. They enrolled local-level authorities, formed community-based committees and organized activities to engage people and get their input.Their efforts yielded positive results. Once-reluctant communities have now become enthusiastic supporters.“I enjoy participating in community and health sessions conducted as part of this initiative,” says Nirmaya, one of the participants. “Such gatherings bring women together, providing a platform for sharing experiences and mutual learning.“For us, these sessions are like a respite from household responsibilities. It allows us to engage in insightful discussions on various health and hygiene topics."“A simple change in health habits can lead to a healthy life. That’s my biggest learning from the sessions.”One house, one tapAs Muna and her team focus on hygiene and behavioral changes, the water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) team of the Nepal Red Cross takes charge of another vital component of the program—ensuring access to clean drinking water for every household in the district.Aligned with the government’s “Ek dhara, ek ghar” campaign — which translates to “one house, one tap” — the Nepal Red Cross, IFRC, British Red Cross, Finnish Red Cross and Hong Kong Red Cross each play a role in supporting the initiative.In short, here’s how it works. The Nepal Red Cross works with local authorities and the community through a co-funding approach. The IFRC contributes 60 per cent of the investment for materials such as pipelines, taps and cement and it offers technical assistance and trainings to enhance the skills needed to complete the project.The remaining 20 per cent of financial support is from local authorities, while the other 20 per cent is sourced from the communities through labor contributions and maintenance efforts.As of now, more than 250 households within the Okhaldhunga district have access to outdoor running taps, eliminating the need for women and children to go on lengthy walks to fetch water.A growing impactThese water, sanitation and hygiene projects in Nepal have been implemented in three districts—Okhaldhunga, Ramechhap, and Sindhuli — in the eastern part of the country. Here are the results so far:• Over 9,000 people in the districts benefit from health and hygiene sessions.• More than 700 households now have access to drinking water.• Six schools, two health posts, and one local authority office have water stations on their premises.• 37 people, including eight female participants, have received skill development training on plumbing and maintenance.“Easy access to water has improved our daily lives, saving us time previously spent on fetching water,” saysJeena, a community member who built one of the water taps with support from the Nepal Red Cross. “Now, we can efficiently use water to cultivate vegetables in our backyard and maintain a cleaner environment and better hygiene.”

Mongolia: Cold Wave ('Dzud')

Mongolia has been experiencing an unprecedented cold wave crisis, known as dzud, that has decimated entire herds of livestock, a critical source of food and income for many communities. This season’s weather has been recorded as the most severe in 49 years with 76 per cent of the country affected. Several additional key factors have worsened the dzud's impact, including numerous blizzards since November 2023 and extensive snow coverage across the country that has limited grazing opportunities for animals. The IFRC seeks CHF 4.5 million to support the Mongolia Red Cross Society in reaching 36,000 people with life saving services in this time of desperate need.

IFRC Secretary General keynote address at IFRC's 2023 Asia Pacific Regional Conference

Excellencies, HE Vice Minister for Natural Resources and Environment, ladies and gentlemen, friends, colleagues, and distinguished guests, It is a pleasure and an honour to be here today at the 11th Asia Pacific Regional Conference of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, in lovely Hanoi. Thank you to the Viet Nam Red Cross President Madam Bui Thi Hoa for your generosity and kind hospitality. Over the years, this gathering has promoted cooperation, networking, and partnerships among our National Societies, helping us address common humanitarian concerns and strategies for implementation. Today, I stand inspired by the incredible dedication of all the National Societies from the Asia, Pacific and Middle East present here. Your resilience in serving communities is truly commendable. Thank you for your impactful work. Tremendous achievement and progress in Asia, Pacific and the Middle East: In the last decade, this part of the world has witnessed tremendous economic growth, infrastructure development, increased investment in health and education, and poverty reduction primarily driven by China and India. Economies have diversified and there has been unparalleled progress in technology and innovation, including a massive increase in renewable energy. This has firmly put this region as the growth engine of the entire world. We are especially proud of the leadership role of the Pacific countries in championing the climate agenda. However, gaps still exist and are widening: Some countries in these regions still struggle with high levels of poverty and significant income disparities between different social groups. Rapid population growth, technological advancements, and limited job opportunities contribute to high unemployment rates and underemployment issues. Despite progress, access to quality education remains a challenge for many people, particularly in remote and disadvantaged areas. Gender disparities persist in various aspects, including education, employment, political representation, and access to resources and opportunities. Several countries in these regions experience political unrest, conflicts, and tensions that hinder sustainable development and economic growth. Our World Disasters Report shows that the Asia Pacific region experienced the highest number of disasters of any region in the world in 2020-2021 while the MENA region is becoming increasingly more vulnerable to natural hazards likefloods, heatwaves, and droughts. Countries such as China, India, the Philippines, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Iraq suffered intensely, with more than 100 million people affected. Of the countries with the highest rate of affected population per capita, the most affected were Pacific Island States. Barely one month ago, I personally witnessed tropical cyclone Lola in Vanuatu, which left a trail of destruction and left many communities inaccessible to humanitarian assistance. The climate crisis not only threatens lives and livelihoods but also has severe implications for public health. It is a top strategic priority on the global agenda, with COP28 set to take place less than two weeks from now. In this region, exposure to climate-related events is increasing at an alarming rate, with heatwaves endangering lives and air pollution negatively impacting public health. We also see how the climate crisis is uprooting people. Seventy percent of global disaster-induced displacements occur across Asia and the Pacific in 2022. More than 22 million people were internally displaced in this region due to climate induced disasters in 2022 alone. While the majority were able to return home, 4 million remained displaced at the end of the year. We are all watching with heartbreak and horror the nightmarish number of displaced people, injuries, and fatalities across Gaza Strip. The humanitarian needs in these areas are staggering and devastating. Respect for Geneva conventions has been a major challenge. Magen David Adom is continuing their response to support the affected populations, often from bomb shelters. The situation of hostages remains heartbreaking. Palestine Red Crescent is working around the clock without electricity, fuel, water supply and basic shelter for people displaced directly. Hospitals have been damaged., Patients including children are not getting the care they need. The situation is unimaginable. I personally witnessed the incredible work of the Egyptian Red Crescent last week in my visit to the Rafah border. Our National Societies are responding with urgency and compassion as the primary provider of humanitarian delivery to Gaza through the PRCS. In these difficult times, we must remain united and work as a collective Movement. I reiterate my call on all parties for safe and unhindered humanitarian access, protection and assistance across the Gaza Strip and respect for international humanitarian law. Civilians, hospitals, ambulances, and humanitarian workers must be protected at all times. What this Conference can do? These are massive challenges that we cannot tackle in isolation. This conference is a unique opportunity to draw inspiration and learn from one another at a time when the world is facing increasing adversity and calamity. Today, let us summon a renewed spirit of Unity, Trust and Principled Humanitarian Action that defines who we are as a network and that help us to make a meaningful contribution to the people and communities here in the region and around the world. First—Unity— this is paramount in addressing these challenges. The Asia, Pacific and the Middle East regions are vast, culturally rich, and beautifully diverse. Together, they constitute 65 percent-- more than half of the world's population, a powerful representation of humanity. Diversity is our strength and is what unifies our IFRC network. As Mahatma Gandhi once said: ‘Unity in diversity is the highest possible attainment of a civilization, a testimony to the most noble possibilities of the human race." Our task as humanitarians is to see beyond the numbers and focus on the individuals and communities that make up this dynamic and colorful part of the world. Regardless of their background, gender, age, ethnicity, or sexual orientation, people and communities have their own unique humanitarian needs and aspirations, and we must strive to address them in all their complexity. I am reminded of a Vietnamese proverb which beautifully captures the essence of mutual help and unity: "Good leaves protect torn leaves." Let us be inspired by this spirit as we work together to alleviate the suffering of those in need. The focus of this 11th Asia Pacific Regional Conference on becoming "disaster ready" is both critical and timely. Our network has the experience and tools needed to prepare for and handle disasters. Now we need to unite our efforts and scale up. IFRC Strategy 2030 and the Agenda for Renewal is our blueprint to navigate the changing landscape ahead. We must focus on how we work together, how we take lessons from our history to apply them to the shifting trends of the present so that we can make the changes we want to see for the future. Informed decision-making and risk management will be the key to our continued relevance as an IFRC network. We've committed resources to expand digitalization, enhance risk management, and implement new funding models to increase agility, accountability, and impact for community reach. We cultivate knowledge and fortify the capacities of National Societies, positioning ourselves as leaders not only in humanitarian response but also in resilience building, data utilization, influence, collaboration, and innovation. We continue to advocate on behalf of National Societies and influence governments and public authorities to remain committed to humanitarian action and financing. Through innovative financing, we are unlocking new donors and sources of funding. I am very pleased to note that this Asia Pacific Conference is entirely self-financed from the region, a significant milestone. When I meet Asia, Pacific and ME National Societies and volunteers, I see how young people in these regions are engaging in entrepreneurship and exploring innovative ideas for addressing climate change risks. We need to shift our investment to these young people. Let’s harness their innovative ideas, their entrepreneurial spirit, their technological skills. They are the leaders of today and our gateway to a safer and more equitable world. Second--Trust remains the cornerstone of our work. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us the devastating effects of a lack of trust in institutions and governments. Misinformation continues to fuel unrest and instability and exacerbate geopolitical divides. "In trust, we find the deepest wells of strength and integrity." This ancient Persian proverb serves as a poignant reminder that trust is the vital bridge connecting our potential to the tangible impact of our humanitarian action. We must be trusted by the communities we serve. Our duty is to provide humanitarian assistance of high quality that positively impacts people's lives, mitigates their risks and vulnerabilities, and augments their capabilities and potential. All of this is contingent upon our unwavering commitment to our Fundamental Principles. These principles form the bedrock of a fair and inclusive society. They are our moral compass. These principles fortify resilience, encourage stability, and nurture the prosperity of current and future generations. Let us incorporate them into our endeavours, discuss them in our conversations, embody them in our actions, impart their significance, and ensure understanding among populations, partners, and donors. Third – Neutral, Impartial and Independent Humanitarian Action: All over the world, National Societies are striving to fulfil their auxiliary role in often politicized and polarized environments, emphasizing the need for humanitarian action to be rooted in independence and neutrality. The tensions between our principles of independence and neutrality and the National Societies Auxiliary role are of increasing concern and puts our collective mission on the line. A National Red Cross and Red Crescent law serves as a passport to engage in dialogue with public authorities in a way that respects the fundamental principles. I encourage you all to explore how to strengthen National Red Cross and Red Crescent laws in your countries. Colleagues, Across this region, there are communities in dire need of our assistance and the locally led actions of National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The challenges may seem complex and insurmountable, but, as an Afghan proverb wisely tells us, "There is a road to the top of even the highest mountain." Let us work together with dedication, unity, and the unwavering commitment to our principles to bring relief, hope, and resilience to those who need it most. Before I close, listening to some of the presentations from our young colleagues I want to share a thought about the future. We spend time, energy, and research to define what the future should look like. But while we do that there are a lot of people in parallel working to shape the future. They are not waiting for what the future may look like. They are working hard to shape it now. I believe that if we harness the power of young volunteers, we can be on the side of creating the future we want, rather than waiting for the future to happen and constantly responding. This is my call to all of us. Let us be on the side of creating our future. We can contribute to shaping the future if we listen to our young colleagues. Thank you.

Alexander Matheou: Flipping a common humanitarian narrative about a vast, diverse and dynamic region

In this episode, Alexander Matheou challenges a common humanitarian narrative about the Asia Pacific region being “disaster prone.” Yes, it is particularly vulnerable to climate-related events — and it has more than its share of volcanos and earthquakes — but it’s also leading the way in life-saving prevention, preparedness and humanitarian innovation. As IFRC’s regional director for the Asia Pacific region, Matheou talks about the opportunities and leadership this vast, dynamic and diverse region offers the humanitarian world.

COVID-19: Red Cross Red Crescent turns to animation to boost global vaccine effort

The animation is in the form of a nature documentary that examines how humanity is coping with the global pandemic and why vaccines are key to controlling COVID-19. “Until the majority of humans are vaccinated, the virus will continue to spread and mutate, creating new variants that could evade the vaccine altogether,” a resonating voice reminiscent of David Attenborough explains in the 90-second animation. “The humans only hope is to share the vaccine amongst themselves.” New analysis by the IFRC reveals that nearly one billion people in Asia and the Pacific are yet to receive a single dose of COVID -19 vaccine. Globally, less than 20 percent of the population have received a single dose in low-income countries, according to Oxford University’s ‘Our World in Data’. John Fleming, IFRC’s Asia Pacific Head of Health, said: “The COVID vaccine has saved millions of lives but too many people are still living in danger.If we want to end this pandemic once and for all, we need to urgently address hesitancy in every country, strengthen local delivery to get doses into arms and transfer vaccine and anti-viral drugs technology to manufacturers in low-income nations." “There has been remarkable cooperation between countries around the world, but this pandemic is not over, and much greater action is needed by leaders in richer countries and pharmaceutical companies to enable equal access to vaccines for people everywhere.” The animation video underlines the need to distribute vaccines among poorer nations with utmost urgency. The video can be downloaded here. The IFRC is asking people to just click on ‘share this video’ until it reaches policy makers, pharmaceutical companies, and government authorities. Its message is simple – people all around the world can take action to vaccinate everyone in all corners of the globe by calling upon their governments to help. Help is needed to ensure supply of vaccines to low-income nations as well as to get those vaccines from the tarmac into the arms of people. The quicker we do this, the safer everyone will be. For more information or to arrange an interview, contact: In Bangkok: Preeti Abraham, +66 61 412 3910, [email protected] In Kuala Lumpur: Rachel Punitha, +60 19 791 3830, [email protected]

COVID-19: Nearly 1 billion still without any vaccination in Asia Pacific

Globally, less than 20 percent of the population have received a single dose in low-income countries, according to Oxford University’s Our World in Data. The IFRC is calling for all governments and pharmaceutical companies to act now to achieve greater vaccine equity. John Fleming, IFRC’s Asia Pacific Head of Health, said: “The COVID vaccine has been one of the most remarkable feats of modern science and it is saving millions of lives but too many people are still living in danger. “It is critical for humanity and for economies that people have access to COVID-19 vaccines in all countries. Vaccine equity is the key to winning the race against new variants.” “We urge richer nations to urgently step up and enable equitable access to lifesaving COVID vaccines for everyone in lower income countries.” “Unless we prioritise protection of the most vulnerable in every country, the administration of multiple booster doses in richer countries is like applying a bandaid to a festering wound.” Globally, slightly over 5 million COVID-19 doses are now administered every day. While some high-income countries including Canada and Australia have purchased around 10 COVID vaccine doses per person, others such as Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Myanmar have purchased less than two vaccinations per person, according to Duke University’s Launch and Scale Speedometer. More than 6 million deaths are recorded globally, however the World Health Organization estimates that 14.9 million lives have been lost due to the pandemic. COVID infections are rising in almost 70 countries in all regions according to the WHO. “If we want to end this pandemic once and for all, we need to urgently address hesitancy in every country, strengthen local delivery to get doses into arms and transfer vaccine and anti-viral drugs technology to manufacturers in low-income nations,” said Mr Fleming. “There has been remarkable cooperation between countries around the world but this pandemic is not over and much greater action is needed by leaders in richer countries and pharmaceutical companies to enable equal access to vaccines for people everywhere.” Coinciding with the IFRC calls for greater action on vaccine equity, a new animation video has been released highlighting the urgent need to get vaccines to everyone in all corners of every country. The video can be viewed and downloaded here. Globally, Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies have supported more than 400 million people to access COVID-19 vaccines. The network continues to deliver vaccines, tests and treatments to the most vulnerable and is helping to rebuild stronger health systems. For more information or to arrange an interview, contact: In Bangkok: Preeti Abraham, +66 61 412 3910, [email protected] In Kuala Lumpur: Rachel Punitha, +60 19 791 3830, [email protected]

ASEAN and the IFRC partner to strengthen community resilience in Southeast Asia

Jakarta, 25 May 2022 -The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) have committed to promoting and developing their engagement in disaster management with the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between ASEAN and the IFRC on the Strengthening of Community Resilience in Southeast Asia. The MOU outlines the scope and areas of cooperation between the IFRC and ASEAN to strengthen community resilience at regional, national, and local levels in the ASEAN region, including in areas such as disaster management, disaster risk reduction, disaster law, health in emergencies, disaster relief and emergency response, gender, youth, and climate change. This agreement also marks a significant milestone in ASEAN’s longstanding cooperation with the IFRC which has supported the ASEAN Committee on Disaster Management (ACDM) in the implementation of the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER) and its work programmes. The MOU was signed by the ASEAN Secretary-General H.E. Dato Lim Jock Hoi and the IFRC Secretary General, Mr. Jagan Chapagain, at the sidelines of the Global Platform on Disaster Risk Reduction (GPDRR) in Bali, Indonesia, in the presence of the representatives of the ACDM and the representatives of National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. At the Signing Ceremony, the two leaders expressed appreciation over the progress of cooperation between ASEAN and the IFRC. Recognizing ASEAN and IFRC’s mutually beneficial roles in strengthening climate adaptation and disaster resilience in vulnerable communities in Southeast Asia, both ASEAN and the IFRC look forward to the implementation of the MOU through collaborative projects in the AADMER Work Programme 2021-2025. In his remarks, Dato Lim emphasized that “in the face of increasing frequency and intensity of climate-related disasters due to climate change, in one of the world’s most disaster-prone regions, coupled with an increasingly complex humanitarian landscape, we must build strategic partnerships to enhance our resilience as one ASEAN community.” In Mr. Chapagain’s speech reiterated that “through this partnership our common goal is to put communities in Southeast Asia at the centre by building individual and community capacities that help reduce humanitarian needs and avert loss and damage caused by the climate crisis." ASEAN countries are located in one of the most disaster-prone regions in the world, ranging from earthquakes, floods, landslides and typhoons. The wide geographic stretch of incidences and increasing frequency and intensity of disasters due to climate change require ASEAN to enhance the region’s readiness and emergency response capacity. -- For more information, please email [email protected]

Over 57 million affected by climate disasters across Asia Pacific in 2021

Kuala Lumpur, 15 December 2021 – Asia and the Pacific have experienced relentless and unpredictable climate-related disasters in 2021, severely affecting more than 57 million people during the peak of the global pandemic. In 2021, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has launched 26 new operations, 15 of which are climate-related disaster responses. The IFRC is still responding to a further 21 disasters across Asia and the Pacific, from previous years. South Asia has been the worst hit this year, with millions of people affected by multiple disasters and little time to recover from one to the next. In India, more than 18 million people have been severely impacted by floods and cyclones this year, according to data from the Indian Government, Disaster Management Division. In Bangladesh, more than half a million people have been swamped by floods, with hundreds of villages marooned for weeks at a time. Around one third of Nepal suffered floods or landslides with many occurring outsides of the traditional monsoon season. Jessica Letch, IFRC Emergency Operations Manager said: “For much of this year, millions of families across Asia have been reeling after multiple blows from successive disasters and the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. “From India to Indonesia, in Nepal and Bangladesh, our health and emergency teams are reporting livelihoods shattered by frequent and unpredictable climate disasters.” In China’s Henan Province, 13.9 million people were affected by severe flooding in July. In Southeast Asia, Indonesia has been worst affected by disasters, with more than one million people swamped by floods in the past month alone, according to the Indonesian Government Regional Disaster Authority. Drought, combined with associated economic collapse – which unfolds slowly but with devastating consequences – is affecting more than 22.8 million people in Afghanistan, according to the latest Integrated Food Security data. Other countries across Asia have also been hit by multiple disasters. Nearly one million people were swamped by flooding in Thailand, more than half a million people affected by floods and typhoons in the Philippines and over 125,000 people hit by floods in Myanmar. Pacific Island countries also faced significant flooding due to storms and rising sea tides. “Responding to disasters at the height of the COVID pandemic has involved some of the most complex operations and the changing climate is throwing unpredictable floods and storms at millions of people, making life even tougher,” said Jessica Letch. “As risks mount with climate change, the IFRC is investing in anticipatory early warning systems to better prepare communities to act before disasters strike, to reduce the loss of lives and livelihoods.” For more information or to arrange an interview, contact: In Kuala Lumpur: Antony Balmain, +60 12 230 8451, [email protected]

Asia Pacific Regional Office

The IFRC’s Asia Pacific Regional Office works in support of 38 National Red Cross & Red Crescent Societies. Through its Country Cluster Support Teams and Country Offices, it provides coordination, financial and technical support for disaster operations and longer term development programmes throughout the region. View current IFRC network country plans for Asia Pacific.