Fewer hurricanes do not mean less risk: IFRC ramps up preparedness across the Americas

Panama City, 1 June 2026 — Although forecasts point to a below-average hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) today recalled that high cyclonic activity is expected in the eastern Pacific. The organization called for sustained investment in preparedness, anticipatory action and early warning systems across more than 25 countries1 in Central America, North America and the Caribbean that are exposed to tropical cyclones.For the 2026 season in the Atlantic basin, which runs from 1 June to 30 November, the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts, with a 55 per cent probability, below-average cyclonic activity relative to the historical average of 14 named storms and seven hurricanes.This year, NOAA notes, there would be between eight and 14 named storms. Of these, three to six would become hurricanes, including one to three major hurricanes — that is, Category 3 or higher. By contrast, the agency forecasts, with a 70 per cent probability, a more active season in the eastern Pacific Ocean, where it predicts between 15 and 22 named storms, of which nine to 14 would become hurricanes and five to nine of those would reach major hurricane strength."We will say it again and again: a single storm is enough to destroy communities, overwhelm public services, and displace and endanger hundreds of thousands of people," said Cristian Torres, Deputy Regional Director of the IFRC for the Americas. "Forecasts are critical so that we can act before disasters strike, but beyond knowing how many storms there will be, it is essential to reduce people's vulnerability, expand the coverage of early warning systems, and develop, fund and test inter-agency protocols that protect them from the multiple hazards they face," he added.As part of its commitment to preparedness, the IFRC has already prepositioned in Panama, Santo Domingo and other strategic locations across the region enough relief supplies to provide immediate assistance to up to 60,000 people affected by a large-scale emergency. The stock includes hygiene and kitchen kits, mosquito nets, tarpaulins, cleaning and construction tools, solar lamps, water treatment units and water purification supplies, among other items.Aware that mobilizing humanitarian aid in record time requires the participation, knowledge and collaboration of multiple actors, the IFRC also relies on simulation exercises as a critical tool to test crisis and disaster response mechanisms and protocols.The most recent, held this past May, aimed to measure and improve mobilization times, customs procedures and the inter-agency response capacity of El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras in the face of potential flooding caused by hurricanes.The exercise involved mobilizing Red Cross water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) specialist teams and equipment across these three countries. The initiative brought together civil protection, customs and foreign affairs authorities, along with the National Red Cross Societies. It was supported by European Union humanitarian funding and the German Red Cross, and was carried out within the framework of the Regional Mechanism for International Humanitarian Assistance, the instrument of the Central American Integration System (SICA) for organizing, facilitating and coordinating humanitarian assistance among its member countries.Another of the preparedness measures driven by the IFRC ahead of the hurricane season is the adoption of early action protocols. These protocols bring together measures agreed in advance among communities, authorities, and the Red Cross, which are triggered when certain risk thresholds are reached. Depending on the context, these actions may include cash transfers ahead of an emergency to protect homes and livelihoods, the relocation of essential goods, the reinforcement of critical infrastructure, or the evacuation of people in situations of greater vulnerability.When these systems work, communities receive timely alerts, authorities have more time to coordinate evacuations, and humanitarian teams can mobilize aid before the impact occurs. In Central America alone, the IFRC currently has five early action protocols for floods and tropical storms, financially supported by its Disaster Response Emergency Fund (IFRC-DREF)."Prepositioning relief items, simulation exercises and early action protocols make it possible to protect lives, reduce economic losses and speed up recovery after a disaster," Torres explained. "But rules can also save lives and build community resilience, which is why we call on all countries in the region to advance the international treaty for the protection of persons in disaster situations, currently under consultation at the United Nations."This treaty seeks to ensure that the protection of people exposed to or affected by disasters does not depend on chance, but on clear commitments and coordinated action. Its adoption, expected in 2027, would facilitate international cooperation and reduce the obstacles that can delay the arrival of aid. It would also improve the conditions for Red Cross Societies, as auxiliary to the public powers, to continue assisting the most vulnerable people: women, girls, older people, people on the move or with disabilities, and communities affected by violence and poverty.This season, shaped by the influence of the coming El Niño phenomenon, illustrates how risk can shift and take different forms across the continent. While Grenada, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Barbados, Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti and the Dominican Republic continue to recover from hurricanes Beryl, Oscar, Rafael and Melissa, other areas face different threats. The Central American Dry Corridor, parts of Chile and areas of the Andean region are bracing for possible droughts, while Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay anticipate heavy rains and flooding.In all of them, Red Cross teams are already working with communities to get ready.Against this backdrop, where climate, health and social risks accumulate and overlap with growing frequency, the IFRC calls for investing without delay in measures that enable States, communities and the Red Cross itself to better protect people in the face of multi-hazard scenarios. Because, as underscored at IFRC's recent XXXIII Pre-Hurricane and Recurrent Hazards Conference, when risks pile up, the difference between a hazard and a humanitarian crisis is usually decided before the impact — in the level of preparedness already in place, and in the capacity to act before the disaster occurs.For more information: [email protected] Panama: Susana Arroyo +50769993199In Geneva: Paolo Cravero +41 79 894 83 96

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

The'El Niño'phenomenon is now in its active phase. Sea surface temperatures in the central and tropical Pacific have already exceeded the 0.5 °C above-average threshold established to define an 'El Niño' event. In addition, winds over the equatorial Pacific have begun to shift direction, carrying warm waters toward South America, indicating that the atmosphere is responding to the warming of the ocean. When this occurs, the presence of'El Niño'is officially confirmed.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. For 2026, forecasts indicate a 63% probability of a strong El Niño, meaning that sea surface temperatures in the Pacific region will exceed 2.0 °C.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 will '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 are expected from '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. 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. Forecasts indicate that the Atlantic will see below-average cyclonic activity, with fewer than the historical average of 14 named storms and seven hurricanes.Meanwhile, forecasts for the Pacific predict between 15 and 22 named storms, of which between nine and 14 are expected to become hurricanes, and between five and nine of those are expected to become major hurricanes.Regardless of the forecast, evidence shows that one single tropical storm forming and making landfall can devastate entire communities. Decades of working with communities at risk from hurricanes have taught the Red Cross that the most efficient, effective and ethical approach is to invest in preparedness and early response initiatives to protect communities and their livelihoods. 5. How do we prepare for the impacts of 'El Niño'? 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.Three Early Action Protocols have already been activated in the Americas region. Red Cross teams in El Salvador, Guatemala and Colombia developed their protocols to protect over 22,000 people at the first signs of drought.The Disaster Response Emergency Fund (IFRC-DREF) has allocated 1.2 million Swiss francs (CHF)—about 1.5 million U.S. dollars—for early action in response to the drought in the three countries. This funding is not allocated all at once: it is released in stages as forecasts reach risk thresholds agreed upon in advance by communities, authorities, and the Red Cross, so that each tranche of aid is mobilized just before the impact and not after.These funds will provide assistance to 10,000 people in the El Salvadoran departments of Morazán and La Unión; 10,000 more in Guatemalan municipalities in the Dry Corridor, such as Chiquimula, Jalapa, and Quetzaltenango; and 2,400 in Colombia's Tolima and Cesar departments.The Red Cross will support the most vulnerable families by providing them with cash to purchase food, fuel, and other necessities, helping them to avoid depleting their own resources. The Red Cross will also provide drinking water when sources begin to run low, supplies to care for crops and livestock, and training in adaptive agricultural practices, hygiene, and the prevention of heat-related illness. 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?Our Early Warning, Early Action pageRed Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre websiteAnticipation Hub websiteAnticipatory Pillar of the IFRC’s Disaster Response Emergency Fund

Eight actions taken by the Red Cross network in the Americas to protect women and girls affected by crises and disasters

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

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

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

Alliance for the Amazon: For a resilient and sustainable future

Cuba: IFRC launches emergency appeal to assist 100,000 people affected by Hurricane Melissa while arbovirus outbreak risk rises

Geneva/Panama City/Havana, 31 October 2025 – The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has launched an emergency appeal for 15 million Swiss francs (USD 18 million) to support the Cuban Red Cross in assisting 100,000 people affected by Hurricane Melissa and the ongoing arbovirus outbreak in the country.The IFRC Emergency Appeal for Cuba will run for two years, focusing on lifesaving assistance, early recovery, and long-term resilience in the wake of Hurricane Melissa. Ranked among the three strongest hurricanes in Cuba’s meteorological history, Melissa made landfall in southeastern Cuba on 28 October, impacting communities across eight eastern provinces and compounding an existing public health emergency linked to the country’s arbovirus outbreak.“Our volunteers have been on the front lines since before the storm, helping with preventive evacuations, public awareness campaigns, and psychosocial support. They have rescued people trapped by rising rivers and continue to provide lifesaving assistance to those who have lost everything,” said Carlos Pérez Díaz, Executive President of the Cuban Red Cross. “Now, we will focus on delivering vital relief items while ensuring access to health care and psychosocial support.”“This emergency appeal is essential to raise the funds needed to help the Cuban people,” said Jagan Chapagain, IFRC Secretary General. “Hurricane Melissa has left immense devastation in its wake. It will take months, perhaps years, for people to rebuild their lives.”Before the storm hit, the Cuban Red Cross pre-positioned and dispatched 1,000 family relief kits from Havana to secure warehouses in the eastern provinces, ensuring aid would be close to communities likely to be affected. These kits, containing essential household items such as hygiene supplies, blankets, and kitchen sets, are now ready for rapid distribution to evacuated families in shelters and affected households as soon as conditions allow.The IFRC Emergency Appeal will support 100,000 people through a response that combines emergency relief and early recovery. Families whose homes were damaged or destroyed will receive shelter toolkits, mattresses, blankets, kitchen sets, and solar lamps to enhance living conditions.Preventing and reducing disease transmission associated with hurricane damage and the concurrent arbovirus outbreak will also be a priority. In the aftermath of the storm, cases of Dengue, Oropouche, and Chikungunya are likely to rise. The Red Cross will work closely with the Ministry of Public Health to strengthen surveillance, ensure safe water and sanitation, and restore essential health services through mobile and auxiliary units.Environmental health measures — such as waste removal, cleaning of water systems, and vector-control campaigns — will help reduce secondary impacts and protect communities.The IFRC appeal will also prioritize household water treatment and hygiene promotion, the distribution of water-treatment kits and hygiene supplies, and the rehabilitation of community water systems. The installation of solar-powered or gravity-fed water pumps will help guarantee continuous access to safe water in areas where electricity remains unreliable. As conditions allow, the operation will transition to recovery and climate-resilient reconstruction, supporting the repair and rebuilding of homes with roofing kits, tools, and training on safe and sustainable construction techniques. Hurricane Melissa has struck communities still recovering from Hurricane Oscar, which severely affected eastern Cuba in October 2024. Homes and infrastructure were still under repair when this new disaster struck, leaving families with little time to recover.“For decades, the IFRC has worked hand in hand with the Cuban Red Cross and its strong network of highly trained volunteers, responding effectively to hurricanes like Ian, Sandy, and Oscar — and now Melissa — each time standing side by side with communities to protect lives and livelihoods,” said Loyce Pace, IFRC Regional Director for the Americas. “Our appeal builds on that shared experience — a partnership grounded in trust, humanity, and the determination to help where it’s needed most.”For more information or to request an interview, please contact: [email protected] In Panama:Susana Arroyo Barrantes, +507 6999-3199   María Victoria Langman, +507 6550-1090 In Geneva:Tommaso Della Longa, +41 79 708 4367Nora Peter, +36 70 953 7709

5 things you need to know about storms and hurricanes

The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season is still active in the Americas. Meteorologists, disaster management experts and public authorities are keeping a close eye on hurricane Melissa, the 13th storm of the year, which is currently moving slowly towards Jamaica.Out of the 19 storms forecast this year, 13 have formed. Four of those became hurricanes categorised as either 1 or 2. Three of these reached major hurricane status, meaning Category 3 or higher.But how much do we really know about how storms and hurricanes form, their characteristics, and how to prepare for them? Below, we answer five of the most common questions about storms and hurricanes.️️1. What is the difference between a tropical storm and a hurricane?Both are part of the same system: the tropical cyclone. This is defined as a low-pressure system that rotates counterclockwise in the northern hemisphere and clockwise in the southern hemisphere.The intensity varies. A tropical storm is characterized by winds of between 63 and 118 km/h, whereas a hurricane is characterized by winds exceeding 119 km/h.These phenomena have different names depending on where they develop:Cyclones when they occur in the waters of Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean.Typhoons occur in the waters of East Asia and the Pacific.Hurricanes occur in the Atlantic, the Gulf of Mexico or the Caribbean Sea.Each type is associated with a season that can last up to seven months a year.A major hurricane does not need to form in order to endanger people's lives. The rain and winds caused by a single storm can pose a threat to people's health and well-being, and even to their survival, particularly in communities where climate change, poverty, misinformation and previous disasters increase population vulnerability.In 2024, storms were classified as the second most frequent type of disaster worldwide, recorded in the EM-DAT database, affecting 29.5 million people globally.Due to a combination of geographic, climatic, political and socioeconomic factors, countries such as Haiti, Cuba, Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, the Bahamas and Antigua and Barbuda are particularly vulnerable in the Americas.Countries affected by Hurricane Beryl in 2024, such as Barbados, Grenada, Jamaica, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, also entered the 2025 season while still recovering.2. How do storms and hurricanes form?They form over the sea. For this phenomenon to occur, the ocean water must be warm, with a temperature above 26°C. When warm, moist air rises, the vapour releases heat, strengthening the system and causing it to grow. If humidity and wind conditions are favourable, the system can grow into a hurricane.An eye forms in the centre of the hurricane, creating an apparent calm. Meanwhile, dense clouds and intense winds form around it in an area known as the eyewall. The spiralling clouds release large amounts of water, which can cause flooding and landslides.Hurricanes are driven by wind and follow paths that can vary depending on the direction and speed of currents at different levels of the atmosphere. When they make landfall, they lose the heat from the ocean — their source of energy — and begin to weaken.We must pay close attention not only to the number of hurricanes forecast but also to how rapidly they intensify.Rapid intensification—defined as an increase in wind speed of 35 mph or more within 24 hours—has become more common due to warmer ocean temperatures fueled by climate change.This sudden strengthening leaves little time for preparation, increasing the risk of catastrophic damage and loss of life. Notable examples include Hurricane Otis in 2023, which escalated from a tropical storm to a Category 5 hurricane in less than a day before striking Mexico's Pacific coast.3. Why are storms and hurricanes named?Names make it easy to identify each storm. Naming storms is the fastest way to issue alerts and prepare the population.The World Meteorological Organization has lists of names that are reused every six years. These lists are arranged in alphabetical order, with male and female names taken in turns. If a hurricane causes significant destruction, its name is retired.Names make it easier to track and analyze each storm, particularly when several are active at the same time. They also facilitate historical record-keeping and help avoid confusion among meteorological personnel, the media, emergency response agencies and the general public.When compiling lists of names, certain factors are taken into consideration.They should be short.They should be easy to pronounce.They should have an appropriate meaning in different languages.They should be unique: the same names cannot be used in other regions.4. How predictable are hurricanes?Thanks to weather forecasts, we can anticipate the arrival of storms and hurricanes and prepare before disasters strike.Technology enables us to track their path and speed across the sea with great accuracy. Hurricane Melissa, for example, is moving slowly, which means it poses a greater risk. The slower a storm or hurricane moves, the longer communities in its path will suffer strong winds and heavy rain. Rather than lasting a few hours, these conditions could persist for days, causing flooding or landslides. This is why it is crucial for communities to complete their preparations before conditions deteriorate. It is important to combine forecasts with risk analysis to take early action in anticipation of hurricanes rather than simply responding to events as they happen.The Red Cross, governments, communities and other humanitarian organisations can act before a disaster strikes by implementing early warning systems and evacuation protocols and carrying out drills, or by strategically placing humanitarian aid to ensure its rapid delivery to affected areas in the event of an emergency.This approach enables us to anticipate disasters, minimise their impact, and prevent suffering, loss of life and loss of livelihoods.5. What should I do before, during and after a hurricane?Before hurricane season begins, it is important to familiarise yourself with the risks in your area and develop an evacuation plan for your family and community. Identify the nearest shelters and map out safe routes. Make sure that everyone in your household knows what to do in an emergency.To reinforce your home's structure, make sure the roof is securely fastened, install shutters, clean the gutters and trim any branches that could fall. You should also prepare supplies such as drinking water, non-perishable food, torches, medicines and a first-aid kit.Once a hurricane warning or advisory has been issued, be prepared to evacuate if the local authorities instruct you to do so. Secure important documents in waterproof bags and place valuables in high places. Fill your car's petrol tank when it is half empty, in case you need to evacuate.During the hurricane, stay informed through official media outlets and follow the authorities' instructions. If you are staying at home, reinforce your doors and windows and stay away from them. Seek shelter in an interior room without windows.Bring pets inside, unplug small appliances and, if instructed, turn off the electricity, gas and water supplies.Do not be fooled by the calm in the eye of the hurricane; stay safe until the authorities confirm that the danger has passed.After the hurricane has passed, check for injuries and provide first aid, but do not move seriously injured people unless they are in danger.Avoid damaged buildings and downed power lines, as these can cause electrocution. Do not consume water or food that may be contaminated and maintain good hygiene.Support your neighbours and only participate in clean-up and recovery efforts when it is safe to do so. Stay informed about new alerts or secondary risks, such as flooding or landslides.

Cuba: Hurricane Melissa

Hurricane Melissa, one of the most powerful storms ever recorded in the Caribbean, has devastated eastern Cuba with torrential rains, massive flooding and winds up to 295 km/h. Homes have collapsed, communities are isolated, and hundreds of thousands have lost access to safe water and electricity. Meanwhile, an ongoing arbovirus outbreak worsens health risks. The Cuban Red Cross is providing emergency shelter, safe water, health and psychosocial support, while also working to prevent the spread of infectious diseases spread. Urgent help is needed to reach more families. Donate now to help the Cuban Red Cross provide life-saving assistance.

Jamaica: Hurricane Melissa 

Hurricane Melissa — the strongest storm in Jamaica’s history — has devastated communities across the island, bringing winds of up to 280 km/h, as well as torrential rains and storm surges that left homes destroyed, roads blocked, and thousands displaced. Nearly 1.9 million people are affected, with many families trapped or living in makeshift shelters as flooding and landslides continue.The Jamaica Red Cross, supported by the IFRC, is providing emergency shelter, food, clean water, and cash assistance. But urgent support is needed to reach more people and scale up recovery efforts.Donate now to help the Jamaica Red Cross provide life-saving assistance

Voices that pave the way: Women's leadership in humanitarian action

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

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

Cash assistance in Costa Rica and Panama: A tale of two towns with the same name and a common story of resilience, recovery and solidarity

Ana Grace Solís and Leonel Rodríguez live more than 800 kilometers apart and they’ve never met. But they have a few interesting things in common.First, they both live in towns named Bebedero, which as the name would suggest are located on the banks of a river. (In Spanish, bebedero usually means a place where people can access water – a fountain, a well or even a river).Second, they both suffered the severe consequences brought on by the heavy rains from tropical storm Sara in November 2024, as well as several other low-pressure systems that recently caused historic floods in Central America.While the towns are far part – one in the North Pacific region of Costa Rica and the other in the province of Los Santos, Panama – both were hit hard.That month, more than 1.1 million people were at dire risk due floods, river overflows and landslides caused by extreme weather events.It was a very scary time."You don't know how high the water will get," said Ana Grace, who lives in Bebedero in Costa Rica. "We used to watch the water rise and lift things to a certain height. Now, every time there is a flood, you lose things."Along the Pacific coast – from Guanacaste and Puntarenas in Costa Rica to Veraguas, Panama Este and the Ngäbe-Buglé comarca in Panama – entire communities were evacuated, cut off from communications, and they suffered severe economic losses.Fortunately, the two towns share another important point in common: they both received support from local Red Cross teams before, during and after the emergency."We are grateful for their support because they managed to get to where we were stuck and give us the help we needed," said Leonel, from El Bebedero, Panama.Two operations, one fund: IFRC-DREFThat support came largely from the IFRC’s Disaster Response Emergency Fund (IFRC-DREF), a resource that finances rapid emergency response using funds already provided by donors in case of emergency.Faced with this multi-country crisis, the Costa Rican Red Cross and the Panamanian Red Cross, with the support of IFRC-DREF, implemented two humanitarian operations, one in each country.Their response included health care, access to clean water, protection of the most vulnerable, and an increasingly valued tool for its positive impact: cash transfers.The Costa Rican Red Cross aimed to help 7,500 people, focusing on the provinces of Guanacaste and Puntarenas. Of these, 4,000 received cash transfers, a strategy that allowed the people impacted by the disasters to prioritize and make decisions about their own needs.Following community censuses to identify the most vulnerable households, the Costa Rican Red Cross organised the delivery of debit cards in safe and accessible places, always respecting the dignity and privacy of the families."Providing them with financial assistance also allows the family to manage their own needs in a more independent and autonomous way, but also more adapted to their own context," explains Abigail Lopez, IFRC-DREF Emergency Coordinator in Costa Rica.For Fidel Espinoza, a dialysis patient who was evacuated during the emergency, the money allowed him to replace at least some of what he had lost. "I lost the washing machine and the chairs, the table, the kitchen. Now the only thing I have left is to buy a washing machine because the lady who helps me washes by hand," he said.The Red Cross humanitarian response also included health fairs to promote hygiene, post-flood waste management and disease prevention. Cleaning kits, jerry cans for drinking water and repellents were also distributed to strengthen communities' capacity to prevent further health crises.The Panamanian Red Cross was able to assist 2,500 people thanks to an operation structured in the same way as the Costa Rican Red Cross.The process for delivering the monetary assistance was participatory: socioeconomic evaluations were carried out, household data were validated, debit card distribution days were organized, and advice was given on the safe use of the money. During distribution, children participated in mental health activities.The families then invested in whatever they deemed necessary: food, medicines, tools for rebuilding or school supplies."It has been an excellent help that they have given to the community of Flores, including the emotional one," said Marisin Pimentel, who was affected by the floods. "The Red Cross guided us on issues that we did not know about at the time of the floods, and we really thank them from the bottom of our hearts. If there is another flood, we already know what to do”.Read more about cash and voucher assistance: A key tool in modern humanitarian action that allows a rapid and flexible response, empowers people to make their own decisions, and boosts local economies.The IFRC’s approach to cash and voucher assistanceDignifying, diverse and desires: Cash and vouchers as humanitarian assistance for migrantsBelize: After a season of drought and fire wiped out farmlands, Red Cross help farmers sow the seeds of recovery

‘From the Andes to the Amazon’, major climate impacts long after headlines fade

By the Climate CentreVanishing glaciers, record-breaking hurricanes and wildfires, drought and floods – “from the Andes to the Amazon” – scarred the socio-economic landscape of Latin America and the Caribbean last year, inflicting major damage long after headlines fade, according to the World Meteorological Organization.The State of the Climate for Latin America and the Caribbean 2024 , released on Friday, highlights the mounting toll of extreme weather on lives, livelihoods and food supplies “in a region which is no stranger to poverty and insecurity,” a WMO press release said.WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo said Friday: “In 2024, weather and climate impacts cascaded from the Andes to the Amazon, from crowded cities to coastal communities, causing major economic and environmental disruptions.“Drought and extreme heat fuelled devastating wildfires. Exceptional rainfall triggered unprecedented flooding, and we saw the earliest Category 5 hurricane on record.”Depending on the dataset used, it was the warmest year on record in Central America and the Caribbean, and the warmest or second warmest in Mexico and South America.Venezuela became the second country in the world to lose all its glaciers with the disappearance of Humboldt, its last.Floods triggered by heavy rainfall in Rio Grande do Sul became Brazil’s worst climate-related disaster, causing huge economic losses to agriculture and claiming nearly 200 lives.Wildfires in the Amazon and Pantanal regions, central Chile, Mexico and Belize were fuelled by drought and extreme heatwaves; in Chile the wildfires resulted in at least 130 deaths, making them the country’s worst disaster since the 2010 earthquake.Rising sea-levels rendered coastal communities and Caribbean island nations more vulnerable to hurricanes: Beryl was the strongest hurricane on record to make landfall on Grenada and its dependencies and caused devastation across the Caribbean.Nearly 70 per cent of the region’s energy mix came from renewable sources, however, with solar and wind seeing “a remarkable 30 per cent increase in capacity and generation compared to 2023,” according to the WMO, an IFRC partner agency.“There is also hope. Early warnings and climate services from national meteorological and hydrological services are saving lives and increasing resilience throughout Latin America and the Caribbean,” Celeste Saulo added.“The work of the WMO community and all our partners is more important than ever to meet challenges and seize opportunities.”The State of the Climate for Latin America and the Caribbean 2024 report includes an interactive story map and a dashboard on extreme events; it complements the WMO’s State of the Global Climate report released on earlier in March.

Big challenges, uncertain times. A talk with Loyce Pace, IFRC’s new regional director for the Americas

How will technology shape the way we respond to emergencies? What is ‘human biology’ and how is it connected to human rights? What are the big challenges ahead for global health during uncertain times? Loyce Pace, IFRC’s new Regional Director for the America, is well placed to explore these questions. With a long background in community and global health advocacy, she most recently served as Assistant Secretary for Global Affairs at the United States Department of Health and Human Services. Before that she played key roles coordinating the United States’ global response to health crises. Tune in to see how she sees the big challenges facing the Americas, from climate-related disasters to migration, outbreaks, and more.

Women leading emergency response: a path of learning and empowerment in the Red Cross

Paula Vairoletti joined the Uruguayan Red Cross as communications manager in 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic. It was an all-hands-on-deck moment that required everyone to wear many hats as they responded to rapidly changing events.Very soon, she was working closely with disaster and risk-management departments and getting more involved in field operations.As time went on, she went further in leading field operations. In 2022, soon after she took up the role of coordinator for integrated risk and disaster management, Uruguay suffered an intense and prolongued drought. Backed by funding from a rapid allocation from the IFRC’s Disaster Response Emergency Fund (IFRC-DREF), the Uruguayan Red Cross mobilized quickly.This was Paula's first time leading a team in an emergency and the response put a special focus on continued assessment and awareness of community needs. As she saw how the recovery process unfolded, the experience reinforced her belief in the importance of having women in leading operational roles.“Having women in operations, let alone in leadership roles, changes the way humanitarian assistance is delivered to women and girls in communities affected by disasters and emergencies," she says.When women lead community engagement processes, she notes, the needs of women and girls in vulnerable situations are more likely to be heard and addressed. These include critical daily concerns such as safety, menstrual hygiene or differentiated attention to pregnant and lactating women.Shortly after the operation was completed, Paula worked as an intern at the IFRC regional office in Panama, alongside the IFRC-DREF management team, an experience that has further solidified her development within the IFRC network.The internship was part of something called the Equity and Leadership Initiative, implemented jointly by the IFRC and the Spanish Agency for International Developent Cooperation.Launched in 2020, the programme’s goal is clear: to increase the number of women in humanitarian leadership positions in the Americas.“The internship helped me a lot to see many situations from the other side, to get to know the work areas, to know how the IFRC mechanisms work, to get to know the teams and to be able to contribute knowledge and experience from the perspective of a local Red Cross team," says Paula.As part of this alliance, the IFRC office for the Americas is promoting a program to host volunteers or staff from National Red Cross Societies as interns.The purpose of these internships is twofold: to strengthen the capacity of the local Red Cross teams in each country and to develop the leadership skills of the people who are part of the IFRC’s global Surge mechanism.The Surge mechanism is the way the IFRC’s global humanitarian network deploys specialized rapid response personnel when there is a need to scale-up the response to a medium- or large-scale disaster.It means people like Paula continue to develop and also share knowledge with others. In addition to building technical capacity, the internships promotes professional and personal development that allows participants to use all their knowledge and skills to alleviate human suffering.Grow to leadGrettel Perez also took part in the internship programme. As national director of the emergency first response corps for the Panamanian Red Cross, Grettel joined the Panamanian Red Cross as a volunteer first responder almost 30 years ago, driven by the desire to serve and save lives. Today she leads one of the most important technical corps of the organization.“The fact that I won the position of national director of the emergency first-response corps – after 53 years in which there had never been a woman – marked a very big milestone within the unit and the institution,”she says proudly.Grettel is also president of the local committee of the Panamanian Red Cross in Chepo, and national focal point for mental health and psychosocial support, as she is not only a Red Cross volunteer, but also a clinical psychologist by profession.Grettel was an intern in the IFRC disaster management unit in August 2023. According to her, the internship allowed her to strengthen her personal leadership and broaden her perspective on what emergency management entails.“In developing actions on the ground, our vision of what needs to be done has grown, it's not the same as it was before,”Grettel reflects. “The internship has opened opportunities for us and has given us the vision to work more closely with people in the communities”.Grettel's trajectory is a clear example that when women lead, they bring a comprehensive approach that incorporates care and considers the specific needs of each person.“In my team, there are mothers and sometimes they say that they can't attend the courses because they don't have anyone to leave their children with,” explains Grettel. “In response to this, we create separate spaces where children can spend the day so that women don't miss out the opportunity to receive training”.“I try all the time to include these safe spaces in the activities we do. We have competencies, we just need to create the conditions to exercise them.”This approach not only allows more women to participate in training but also breaks down stigmas about gender roles and demonstrates that being a mother is not incompatible with leading humanitarian responses.A network that supports and multipliesBehind every woman leader is a support network that has grown over the years.As Paula says, "we talk a lot about the network of women that is created around emergencies, programs and operations. We all connect with each other, and in the end, your friends' friends are your friends”.This network not only provides emotional support, but is also a source of knowledge and professional support. As Paula mentions, sometimes all it takes is a phone call or a message to clear up a doubt or get advice.For all women who dream of leadership, the message from these admirable leaders is clear and powerful:"We have to encourage each other, throw ourselves into the puddle,"says Paula with a laugh. “If you put your mind to it, if you want to do it, do it, you will have a whole network of women who will support you and be your biggest cheerleaders.”“The first thing is to believe in yourself. When you believe in yourself, you strengthen who you are and that is how you can conquer the world,” Grettel concludes. “Sometimes the journey is tiring, but the satisfaction of achieving our goals is priceless. In the end, what we experience and go through along the way is dwarfed by what we accomplish.”Read more recent International Women’s Day stories:International Women's Day: ‘At first, I was afraid, but I’ve learned that with determination, anything is possible.’Best friends forever: Two women, friends since childhood, dedicate their lives to helping othersHow investing in women humanitarian leadership paid off in the AmericasInternational Women's Day: Patricia’s path from exclusion to ‘a profound sense of belonging’

Humanity across the Americas: How the Red Cross is assisting people on the move

The history of Latin America and the Caribbean is marked by migration. Thousands of people move every day from north to south, from south to north, between Caribbean countries and between the continent and other regions of the world.People on the move, and the communities that host them, are not alone. In countries of origin, transit and destination, local Red Cross teams offer them assistance and protection.Along the migration routes, IFRC member National Societies in the region operate a network of Humanitarian Service Points that provide critical health, nutrition and psychosocial support to people in very vulnerable situations, regardless of their age, gender or beliefs, their reasons for leaving home, or which direction they are travelling.This includes migrants who are being returned to their country of origin by the national immigration authorities of other countries.Protection and assistance for returneesOne example is the work being done by the Red Cross in Honduras.In 2024, nearly 47,000 Honduran migrants returned home, equivalent to more than 128 people per day, according to the International Organization for Migration. In January 2025, 90 Hondurans migrants returned daily, for a total of 2,700.In close coordination with the state authorities, the Honduran Red Cross operates two public shelters that receive people who were unable to complete their journey northwards, including unaccompanied children and adolescents.At these centres, the Red Cross provides information, legal advice and looks after people’s physical and mental health. Returning migrants are often afraid to return to their communities so the Red Cross also provides support in assessing the risks and working to help people find a pathway to safe and successful reintegration.In 2024, at the Belén Care Centre for Migrant Children and Families, the Red Cross assisted more than 14,300 people, 59 per cent of whom were children. The year before, in 2023, the centre also assisted thousands of migrants, a large percentage of which were children. The words of the woman who manages the centre for the Honduran Red Cross still rings true today."All the cases in the centre are tough to listen to, all of them,”Gabriela Oviedo said at the time. “People come in frustrated and upset because they did not achieve their objective of reaching their destination.”Similar stories are unfolding in other Latin American countries. The Mexican Red Cross, for example, has activated its national emergency plan in response to the possible increase in returns this year. The plan provide for pre-hospital care, psychological first aid, hygiene kits, food kits and other relief items to those in need in the states of Baja California, Sonora, Chihuahua, Coahuila and Tamaulipas.In Colombia, Red Cross has already provided assistance at El Dorado Airport in the country’s capital Bogota, to more than 200 migrants who arrived on the first two flights of people forced to return from the United States. The Red Cross offered health assistance, psychosocial support and counselling, with special attention to children and adolescents.At the same time, in Ecuador, Red Cross teams are also coordinating with national authorities to provide humanitarian assistance at Manta and Guayaquil airports as flights arrive.The Venezuelan Red Cross has also started to provide humanitarian assistance to migrants upon their return to Venezuela. Its services focus on primary health care and psychosocial support, in coordination with the national government authorities.The team of 40 multidisciplinary volunteers, doctors and first-aid workers also provided personal hygiene kits, refreshments, and medicines to people arriving on the first two flights of returnees landing at Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía, Venezuela.Social inclusion is also keyColombia and Ecuador are also examples of countries where Red Cross teams provide another indispensable service: support for social and economic inclusion.In Colombia, for example, more than 2.8 million Venezuelan people have settled in the country in the last six years. Of these, 52 per cent are women and almost half of them is in need of protection.In Cundinamarca and Bogotá, the Colombian Red Cross is strengthening the resilience of women through shelters, offering specialized sexual and reproductive health services, distribution of protection kits and training to prevent gender-based violence. It also promotes community initiatives against xenophobia and discrimination.This intervention targets women of all ages, including women and girls displaced by violence, and includes nutritional assessments, access to medicines and safe spaces that promote their emotional well-being.“We have a safe space for children where they can play, have fun and grieve while their parents attend trainings on employability, and workshops on life and social skills, to enable them to start over,”says Erika Cardona, Director of Humanitarian Affairs for the Colombian Red Cross.If migrant and displaced women decide to stay temporarily or permanently in the community, the Colombia Red Cross’s Centre for Comprehensive Attention and Development supports them in finding employment and offers them spaces to continue their schooling.In Ecuador, the Red Cross works on the social inclusion of migrants who have decided to settle in the country, facilitating access to health, education and employment services.“For people who have decided to stay permanently or temporarily in the country, we have created free and voluntary associations”, says Roque Fabián Soria Vasco, president of the Ecuadorian Red Cross. “Through our job bank, they can access jobs according to their abilities, for example bakery, tailoring, beauty, among other options”.Usually, new arrivals do not have the means to buy food, basic goods or pay rent. There, the Ecuadorian Red Cross provides cash assistance and support to the small businesses of the migrant and host population. Red Cross is always thereEvery country faces unique challenges around migration flows. For the IFRC, the priority is to support people in vulnerable situations, according to their needs and regardless of their migration status, in accordance with our Fundamental Principles.In total, there are 22 countries in the Americas where local Red Cross teams work to ensure that the dignity and rights of migrants are respected and protected. The services they offer include:Pre-hospital care:First aid, health monitoring and medical assistance.Basic medical care: Healing of ampoules, provision of hydration serums and assessment of signs and symptoms.Provision of humanitarian aid: Delivery of food kits, personal hygiene and other basic supplies.Basic psychological support: Counselling and emotional support.Restoring family links: Providing tools and means of communication to promote family reunification and contact with loved ones.Information on available services: Guidance is provided on the resources and services available in the different areas to support the reintegration of people forced to return to their country of origin.To learn more, visit our migration programmes page.

'I didn’t lose just my house, I lost my community’

“I didn’t lose just my house, I lost my community.”Those were the words of Dale, a jazz musician whose life’s work—his home, his memories, his musical instruments, jazz manuscripts and an invaluable art collection—were reduced to ashes in the wildfires that tore through Los Angeles at the beginning of January.He and his wife are among the thousands who lost everything and who found safety at the Pasadena Convention Centre shelter, where the American Red Cross together with the city partners are providing support and comfort. Driving through the burn zone in Altadena, the devastation was staggering. The fire had been selective—some homes reduced to nothing but rubble and ash, while others stood seemingly untouched.But even the houses that remained standing were not spared. The toxic impact of smoke, heat damage, and chemical exposure made many of them unsafe for habitation. The randomness of destruction was difficult to understand, dictated by the shifting Santa Ana winds and the relentless dryness of the climate.It reminded me of the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Different disasters, but the same heart-wrenching reality: families displaced, lives upended, and an overwhelming need for help.Outpouring of solidarityYet amidst the destruction, there was also something else—an outpouring of solidarity and the unwavering presence of the American Red Cross staff and volunteers. Around 14,000 people volunteered from across the country, joining the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region to provide immediate relief.At the Red Cross service delivery site, I saw firsthand how humanitarian aid becomes the lifeline for communities in crisis. Volunteers handed out food, water, gloves, buckets, and provided information about cash vouchers—essential items that provided not just material support, but also a sense of stability in an otherwise chaotic moment.One phrase kept echoing through the service delivery site: “Thank you, Red Cross, for your kindness.” In times of distress, kindness is the most precious commodity. It is what defines the Red Cross and Red Crescent. People may not always think about the Red Cross in times of stability, but when disaster strikes, when their world is reduced to embers or swept away by floodwater, it is the Red Cross they turn to.As we look ahead, we must ask ourselves: Are we doing enough to prepare for and respond to the growing threat of wildfires, especially in urban areas?The changing climate has made wildfires more frequent, more intense, and more devastating. The response we saw in Los Angeles was a testament to the power of humanitarian action, but it also highlighted areas where we must strengthen our approach:Investing in community preparedness – We need more fire-resilient communities. This means expanding fire education programs, creating a family disaster plan, promoting defensible spaces around homes, and ensuring that vulnerable populations—especially the elderly, low-income families, and those with disabilities—have evacuation plans in place.Scaling-up disaster-response capacity – While the Red Cross and other organizations mobilized thousands of volunteers, the scale and speed of these wildfires demand an even stronger surge capacity. This requires more trained disaster responders, better coordination with local governments, and pre-positioned emergency supplies and kits in high-risk areas.Enhancing early warning systems – The difference between life and death in a wildfire can come down to minutes. Strengthening alert systems, improving evacuation routes, and ensuring that warnings reach all communities—especially non-English-speaking and marginalized groups—is critical.Supporting long-term recovery – Disaster response does not end when the flames are extinguished. Many wildfire survivors face months, even years, of rebuilding. Mental health, housing assistance, and financial support need to be sustained long after the immediate crisis disappears from the headlines.Addressing the climate crisis – Wildfires are no longer seasonal disasters; they are becoming year-round threats. Addressing the root causes means advocating for policies that mitigate climate change, investing in forest management strategies, and ensuring that humanitarian organizations are equipped to respond to climate-driven disasters.For Dale and the thousands like him who were affected by this crisis, the road ahead is uncertain. Rebuilding a house is one thing; rebuilding a community is another. But in the presence of Red Cross volunteers and staff, neighbours, and those who show up with open hearts, the foundations of that community are already being laid.The Red Cross will be there—before, during, and after every crisis, as we always do. But to truly protect communities, we must also strengthen the systems that prevent disasters from becoming catastrophes. Kindness will always be at the heart of our response, but preparedness and bold action must guide the way forward.

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.

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.

Whether telling a story with photos or riding his bicycle across a continent, Brad Zerivitz says connecting with people is what it’s all about.

Behind the lens of a camera or the handlebars of a bicycle, Brad Zerivitz is driven by the desire to connect with his fellow humans. “I don't approach somebody with the camera in front of my face,” says Zerivitz, senior director of visual communications for the American Red Cross. “I approach them first as a Red Crosser and as a person.” By listening and making that personal connection, people feel more able to fully share the stories. The same passion fuels Zerivitz’s long-distance bicycling adventures, which most recently took him across much of southern Africa. “When you’re travelling by bike, you're open to the elements and to the people. You're traveling at a human speed so you can talk to people and have all of these great connections along the roadside.”

As many as seven in ten migrants in the Americas require comprehensive healthcare

Panama City/Geneva, 3 December -As migration in Latin America continues to surge, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is warning of the pressing health needs of vulnerable migrant populations, particularly women, children, older adults, and individuals with disabilities. According to the IFRC study presented today, “Migration and Health in the Americas: needs and services assessment”, these groups face growing barriers to access health services and suffer a lack of comprehensive health care in transit and destination countries.The study compiles data from 2021 to 2023 and explores the nutritional status, rates of vaccination, rates of chronic and infectious disease, mental health, and health-seeking behavior of migrants by age group. One of the main findings is that insufficient health services and barriers to access them are putting lives at risk, exacerbating health inequalities, and placing immense strain on already fragile national health systems.“Access to healthcare is a fundamental human right, and the barriers faced by migrants -whether due to their irregular status, lack of documentation, or fear of deportation - must be dismantled. It is essential to provide comprehensive healthcare that meets the diverse needs of migrant populations, from basic medical care to specialized treatments for chronic conditions, mental health support, and disability services,” said Pedro Porrino, IFRC’s Health in Emergencies Coordinator for the Americas.Regardless of age, healthcare remains a critical issue for migrants in both transit and destination countries. Among in-transit migrants, some 60 to 70% require healthcare, with general medical services being the most needed. Sexual and reproductive healthcare is also a high priority, with over 40% of migrants expressing a need for these services. Migrants in destination countries face similar challenges, with up to 74% requiring healthcare services, including maternal and pediatric care, chronic disease management, mental health services, and specialized care.These findings are confirmed by Red Cross teams on the ground in 22 countries in the Americas. In Panama, Red Cross humanitarian service points have provided nearly 750,000 services in the last six years, most of them to migrants in need of first aid, general medicine, mental health support, access to clean water, vaccines and sexual and reproductive healthcare.In Ecuador, El Salvador and Guatemala, Red Cross volunteers have provided humanitarian assistance, mainly primary healthcare (the first point of contact with a healthcare system), to nearly 200 migrants per day in the last two years, with a total of 143,438 people assisted. In Argentina, Honduras and on the southern border of Mexico, Red Cross teams provided medical care to over 6500 migrants in the first six months of this year alone.“Addressing the health needs of migrants should be a priority and recognizing the role of local Red Cross teams in providing them with care, relief and dignity is an opportunity for governments and donors to guarantee migrants' right to health. By partnering with the Red Cross, countries can not only facilitate humanitarian assistance, but also alleviate pressure on their public health systems,” said Martha Keays, IFRC Regional Director for the Americas.IFRC humanitarian service points will continue to provide humanitarian assistance in countries of origin, transit and destination in the coming months, as the number of people heading north is expected to remain one of the continent's biggest and most under-resourced humanitarian challenges.Notes for editorsAccording to an IFRC study, funded by the Norwegian Red Cross, the following are the main health needs of migrants by age group:Health Needs of Children and AdolescentsAmong the most vulnerable are migrant children, who are disproportionately affected by nutritional deficiencies, with chronic malnutrition rates categorized as moderate to high. Malnutrition leaves these young migrants more susceptible to long-term health complications, yet interventions remain inadequate. While some receive nutritional assessments, deworming medication, or micronutrients, more comprehensive treatments, such as management of acute malnutrition, are rarely provided.The mental health of children and adolescents in migrant communities is also of concern. While the prevalence of anxiety and depression in children has not been fully documented, the mental health needs of this group are often unmet, leaving them vulnerable to long-term psychological trauma from the migration process.Health Needs of Women and Pregnant MigrantsThe rate of maternal mortality among migrant women is two times the national average in countries like Colombia and Brazil. In Colombia alone, 73 extreme cases of maternal morbidity are reported each week among the migrant population. Additionally, obstetric violence has been documented in several countries, further complicating the already precarious healthcare situation for migrant women.The nutritional status of many pregnant migrants is also of major concern. One third suffer from moderate or severe anemia, leaving them and their children vulnerable to long-term health complications, increasing their susceptibility to acute and chronic diseases.Sexual and reproductive health is a critical issue for migrant women. Alarmingly, underage girls account for one in ten pregnancies among Venezuelan migrant women, highlighting a major public health concern. Many women also report that their pregnancies are unwanted—two-thirds of pregnant migrant women in Brazil, for example, did not intend to become pregnant. Furthermore, sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, affect migrant women at twice the rate of the general population, with only 38% and 50% receiving treatment in Colombia and Peru, respectively.Health Needs of Older Migrants and People with DisabilitiesBetween 62-78% of Venezuelan migrants aged 60 and above have chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes. However, only 22-39% of older migrants receive consistent treatment for their conditions.Mental health challenges are prevalent among this group, with up to 56% suffering from moderate to severe anxiety and depression. However, mental health services are lacking, leaving many of them to endure their struggles alone. They are also at increased risk of violence, particularly during transit; and many are also living with disabilities—up to 66%.Migrants with disabilities face unique challenges that are often neglected in humanitarian response. Despite the high prevalence of disability among elderly migrants and a smaller yet significant proportion of adults, there are few, if any, interventions designed to meet their needs.For more information and to set up an interview, please contact: [email protected] Panama - Susana Arroyo Barrantes +50769993199In Geneva – Tommaso Della Longa +41797084367 Hannah Copeland +41762369109

States must address the humanitarian impact of biodiversity loss by reducing disaster risk and strengthening resilience

Bogota/Geneva -Ahead of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP16), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) calls on the parties to the Convention to address the interrelationship between environmental degradation, climate change, disasters and the impacts these cause on people, nature and cultural heritage. All this will help achieve the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) targets.“Biodiversity loss, climate change, and pollution are environmental but also humanitarian crises. All increase the risk of food shortages, water scarcity, epidemics and pandemics, more frequent and intense disasters, and forced displacement and migration due to recurrent catastrophes” said Martha Keays, IFRC Regional Director for the Americas. “We call on all local and national governments, civil society and all COP16 participants to increasing technical and financial commitments to disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation.”Two specific GBF targets are critical to avoid a situation where, by 2050, 200 million people require international humanitarian aid every year as a result of a combination of climate-related disasters, environmental degradation and resulting socio-economic impacts. ‘Target 8’ aims to increase the climate resilience of ecosystems and livelihoods through mitigation, adaptation and disaster risk reduction, or nature-based solutions. ‘Target 11’ aims to restore, conserve and enhance nature's contribution to human well-being.“It is crucial to accelerate joint action to save nature and lives. Red Cross expertise in convening power and action in disaster risk reduction, locally-led adaptation and resilience-building can directly support the efforts to protect, restore and sustainably use biodiversity”, explained Keays.Local Red Cross teams across the Americas are already implementing measures like protecting mangroves to reduce the impact of flooding, restoring coral reefs, reforesting forests and protecting water sources. These nature-based solutions are complemented with early action systems, forecast-based anticipation and early action protocols that allow the IFRC network to protect people and nature before disasters strike. Examples include:The Argentinian Red Cross supported the restoration of more than 25,000 hectares of natural vegetation after the destructive fires in the province of Corrientes in 2022.The Mexican Red Cross promotes a participatory and localised resilience-measurement which considers and highlights the interconnectedness between systems and sectors, facilitating analysis and collective action across the physical, human, social, financial and natural spheres.In Canada, the Red Cross has supported several indigenous organizations in restoring their lands post-disaster to increase resilience.In collaboration with the Belize Red Cross, Canadian volunteers supported local communities to restore their culture and forests and increase resilience to climate change by planting Maya Nut trees.The Honduran Red Cross and the Swiss Red Cross worked together to help reduce the risk of disasters by combining soil bioengineering and reforestation to reduce landslide risk. This was done via agroecology activities to help recover productive areas, increase food security and provide economic opportunities.In Colombia, Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Grenada, the Red Cross promotes the sustainable management and restoration of mangrove ecosystems to strengthen the resilience of landscape and to reduce climate risks, while also contributing to biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation."We urge governments to integrate biodiversity conservation strategies into disaster management plans and sustainable development initiatives,” said Dra. Judith Carvajal de Álvarez, President of the Colombian Red Cross. “As auxiliaries to public authorities in the field of disaster risk reduction, the Red Cross can help with this. We’ve expertise in ensuring that local, indigenous and scientific knowledge are prioritized. We can also advise on ensuring women are at the centre of all efforts – considering their critical role and contributions and addressing their specific needs."The COP16 will take place in Cali, Colombia from 21 October to 1 November 2024.For more information and to set up an interview, please contact:[email protected] Colombia – Rafael Payares +573135644837In Panama - Susana Arroyo Barrantes +50769993199In Geneva – Tommaso Della Longa +41797084367 Hannah Copeland+41762369109 Note to editors:The IFRC is currently expanding its work on locally-led adaptation, disaster risk reduction and climate change within the framework of its Global Climate Resilience Platform, supported byIFRC Climate Action Journey, which bridges climate, humanitarian, development, private and innovative finance and supportto strengthen community resilience and adapt to climate-related risks. In the Americas, this initiativeincludes approaches on Climate Smart Programming, Early Warning Systems, Anticipatory Action and Nature-Based Solutions in communities in vulnerable conditions due to the impacts of climate change. This work is supported by the Spanish Cooperation, IRISH AID, USAID, and private sector donors such as the Z Zurich Foundation.As leaders ofthe Climate and Environment Charter for Humanitarian OrganizationsIFRC is also committed and reducing our own environmental footprint of our operations and programmes.

Paraguay: Technology, education and trust in disaster preparedness

Paraguay is a country known for its heat. In the summer, temperatures can reach up to 45 Cº, but with the climate crisis, thermometers can reach unimaginable levels.In the last 40 years, heat waves in the country have increased threefold and in communities such as Santa Ana and Barcelona II in the city of Asunción. This means more droughts and fires that threaten the wellbeing of the inhabitants.In addition to the extremes of summer, there are the extremes of winter. During the rainy season these same communities are often submerged by flooding, forcing many families to move temporarily to other neighbourhoods or areas of the country."We live on the banks of the Paraguay River and, at certain times, there is a lot of flooding and my community and others nearby are completely under water", says Domingo, a resident of Santa Ana. “In addition, there are many people who fill the land with rubbish and layers of soil that can easily become a source of fire.”.Even in the midst of adversity, these communities dream of a future in which climate resilience is not just a goal, but a way of understanding development and organising the lives of neighbourhoods, communities and entire countries.This dream, although it seems ambitious, could be possible thanks to initiatives such as the one that Paraguayan Red Cross, IFRC and Irish Aid are promoting in Paraguay. Expanding Early Warning and Early Action is a project that seeks to strengthen the capacities of communities to prepare for and respond to disasters, promoting long-term climate resilience.But what would Santa Ana and Barcelona II look like if they were 100 per cent climate-resilient communities?In the ideal future, people in these two places would not be exempt from the effects of disasters, but they would have the tools to anticipate them, act quickly and save their lives, the lives of their loved ones and their assets needed to continue their activities in the aftermath of a disaster."The early warning system will significantly modify the capacities of communities to respond to different disasters: floods, droughts, storms, or epidemics; and this is fundamental to generate interaction links in the different communities", says Hector Guex, Director of Programmes and Operations for the Paraguayan Red Cross.The road to that resilient future is already underway. According to Guex, the strategy proposed by the Paraguayan Red Cross is based on three components: the incorporation of technology; education; and the generation of trust through community participation mechanisms.Technology and Education: Pillars of preparednessIn a resilient community, the use of accessible technological tools would allow the whole community to receive information in real time, through the channels of their choice."To build the early warning system we have identified which communication channels people use, and from which sources they receive or could receive information about weather-related disasters that could affect the whole community", explains Jorge Olmedo, a Paraguayan Red Cross volunteer."For example, in the Divino Niño neighbourhood there is a community radio station that functions as the official channel to alert the community in case of a disaster".Education also plays a central role in the path to climate resilience. In the future we dream of, training in first aid and fire prevention would transform the population into agents of their own safety.Trust and community engagementTo reach this resilient future, collaboration between the Red Cross and communities is key to building trust and shared responsibility.“With the Red Cross volunteers, the first task we did was to assess the whole area, the families, the infrastructure and also a meeting with the entire community about what are the most frequent concerns and threats”, recalls Domingo, a neighbour and community leader in Santa Ana.After gathering this information, the community is organizing itself into committees that the Red Cross is advising on how to be alerted and prepared to respond to the arrival of a potential disaster.This cohesion not only improves early action, it also promotes collaboration and general well-being."Every time it rains we tell each other everything in the group chat because there are many houses where the roofs are blown off and then we go to help the family with the storm. When it rains we are already in alert", says Ruth, a resident of the Barcelona II community.Making health care and future dreams possibleIn resilient communities, health care would be a priority even in emergency situations, to ensure that, in the face of a flood, the community would have access to health care even if they have to mobilise to shelters."Our main action would be to get a mobile clinic to provide health care where the community is, so that they don't have to move, as that is the biggest difficulty in emergency situations", says Jorge Olmedo, a volunteer in the Asunción branch.Turning the resilient futures envisioned by the people of Santa Ana and Barcelona II into reality is a task that no community, no organization and no country can carry out on its own.Aware of this, the Paraguayan Red Cross and several public institutions co-organize a national platform for multi-sectoral dialogue on early warning and early action, integrated by representatives from civil society, the humanitarian sector, academia and the scientific community; and other organizations working in disaster risk management at the local or national level.This space promotes disaster risk awareness, detection, observation, monitoring, analysis and forecasting; dissemination and communication of warnings and the strengthening of emergency preparedness and response capacities."The climate crisis is leaving its mark on our lives and is a challenge that transcends generations", concludes Director of Programmes and Operations Hector Guex. "We need to set our sights and efforts on creating better conditions for future generations".Learn more about IFRC's Early Warning and Early Action initiatives:Early Warning, Early ActionEarly Warning for AllGlobal Climate Resilience ProgrammeAnticipation Hub

Central American Red Cross Societies join forces to bring clean water to communities hard hit by climate-related disasters

Central America is a region where access to water is increasingly challenging: in 2023, Panama faced its longest drought in recent history; the dry corridor in Guatemala suffers from persistent water shortages; and weather-related disasters, such as hurricanes, often cause flooding that disrupts water services.In 2020, hurricanes Eta and Iota left more than seven and a half million people in need of humanitarian assistance and our global network was forced to provide assistance in seven countries simultaneously.In all of them, access to clean water, safe and dignified sanitation and information on good hygiene practices was essential.The scale of the storms’ impacts was such that our global network activated its international support mechanisms. The German Red Cross, for example, mobilised its emergency unit specialising in the provision of safe water to augment the response capacity of the Honduran Red Cross.Meanwhile, local Honduran teams have also played their part in expanding their services, going so far as to rehabilitate water treatment plants that had been in use since Hurricane Mitch 22 years ago.Recognising the power of coordinated action and the high likelihood of a recurrence of major disasters like Eta and Iota, the Costa Rican, Guatemalan, Honduran, Panamanian and Salvadoran Red Cross and the IFRC decided to create a centre that would allow them to multiply their capacity to provide water, sanitation and hygiene services (often referred to as “WASH” for short) on a regional level.Welcome to the ‘Wash Hub’Thus was born the “WASH Hub,” a centre of knowledge and equipment for programme management and response to emergencies, disasters and crises. The hub was created as part of the Guatemala Declaration for the Strengthening and Cooperation in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene.Signed in April 2023, the Declaration aims to identify and use the human resources, equipment, methodologies and knowledge that Central American countries have to offer each other."The initiative is about uniting: uniting the efforts of volunteers and team members so that when an adverse event or disaster occurs, we can join forces as National Societies and support a neighbouring country that needs assistance in the area of water, sanitation and hygiene,"says Danny Escoto Lagos, National WASH Focal Point for the Honduran Red Cross.The WASH Hub's work is based on five strategic pillars: capacity building, equipment and maintenance, planning and advocacy, activation and deployment, and sustainability.The logistical teams are divided among the National Red Cross Societies that make up the WASH HUB, with the Honduran Red Cross being one of the first to mobilise equipment thanks to its existing logistical capacity already in place. With its current stock of resources, this hub has the capacity to produce 114 cubic metres of safe water per hour. This would allow it to serve around 182,400 people per day."With the impact of Eta and Iota here in Central America, it was recognised that National Societies in this region have the talent and capacity to address WASH needs in any neighbouring country,"adds Lagos, the Honduran Red Cross WASH focal point.Ensuring a rapid, regional responseBut Eta and Iota also helped to recognise that staffing levels were inadequate and needed to be much more professional. So from December 2023 to the present, the Hub has supported several technical training initiatives, including basic workshops, field schools and high-level training.To date, nearly 200 people from the region have participated in WASH Hub Central America trainings, including participants from the National Societies of Colombia, Ecuador and Argentina.“The WASH Hub will allow for more timely and rapid mobilisation to a nearby country in Central America, or eventually in South America, to deploy a WASH team,” adds the Honduran Red Cross’s Lagos.In its first three years, the WASH Hub will focus on professionalising staff and equipping WASH emergency response units, with technical and financial support from the German Red Cross and within the framework of the Programmatic Partnership between the IFRC and the European Union.The power of the WASH Hub is not only that we will be able to reach more people, but that we will also strengthen our network, a movement of people with diverse experiences and knowledge, who when brought together can respond to the needs of people affected by disasters, when they need it, and where they need it.