ACT Alliance demonstrates its value as the leading faith-based alliance in humanitarian response by working with faith and humanitarian actors at the global, regional, national, and community levels. ACT harnesses the combined strength of its members in delivering humanitarian response at scale and with considerable reach through joint programming approaches.
We commit to an effective ecumenical response that saves lives and maintains dignity, irrespective of race, gender, belief, nationality, ethnicity, or political persuasion. Humanitarian needs define our priorities and the humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence guide our actions. We remain committed to strengthening the resilience of affected communities and to being accountable to people and communities affected by a crisis. The ACT Alliance Secretariat is certified against the Core Humanitarian Standard on Quality and Accountability and is committed to the Sphere Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Disaster Response.
Emergency Steering Committee successfully established, activated more than 30 times since inception with over US$67 million mobilised since 2022 for ACT’s Humanitarian Appeals.
ACT Emergency Appeal coverage (the total amount of funds generated versus budget) has 02 risen from 28% to 46% from 2018 to 2023.
Systematic approach to appeal management – inception meetings, coordination roundtable
discussions, enhanced monitoring, results frameworks and closing meetings all introduced 03 with a focus on Quality & Accountability.
Extensive consultation with members and forums on locally led response within ACT Alliance 04 has led to a Pledge of Commitments which is being launched at the General Assembly 2024.
Through its national, regional and sub-regional forums ACT Alliance provides humanitarian and emergency preparedness support to local communities helping them during a crisis and to become more resilient.
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The Rapid Response Fund is an innovative funding mechanism designed to put local communities at the centre of decision-making and is recognised as one of few such funding mechanisms across the sector.
The RRF provides valuable opportunities to demonstrate the niche of faith actors in humanitarian response as we work closely with local ACT members and their community networks. On average, the RRF funds 20 emergencies annually and responses are implemented within six months.
The primary mechanism for large scale or global emergencies, including protracted crises: ACT Alliance raises an appeal to its membership with both requesting and funding members co-owning the process. Appeals are open for funding during their entire project period and accessible to both national and international ACT Alliance members.
Consortia represent a new funding mechanism for ACT Alliance. As part of Emergency Preparedness planning, consortiums are established before a disaster strikes and consortium members share a vision and strategic focus. Members self-organise and develop their own financial management models and programme strategies supported by the EPRP process and tools.
Emergency preparedness and response planning is integral to the strengthening of ACT Alliance’s capacity to respond effectively in emergencies through joint programming.
ACT national and regional forums develop emergency preparedness and response plans (EPRPs), working collaboratively to understand potential disaster risks and plan how to respond to emergencies quickly and effectively. Forum EPRPs are accessible by members through an online platform, which can be viewed by other members who may be interested to support them. ACT Forums use specific ACT guidelines and tools to support the process of developing an EPRP which is reviewed regularly.
As part of the holistic and integrated approach to humanitarian response, development and advocacy, ACT’s emergency preparedness and humanitarian response is supported by stronger humanitarian coordination and advocacy with stakeholders and duty bearers.
In the current strategic period our advocacy focuses on three banner commitments to the Grand Bargain at the World Humanitarian Summit where ACT has made significant investments and where member engagement is quite strong: the localisation agenda and the primary role of national/local members and local faith actors; demonstrating the important role of faith actors in humanitarian response; and strengthening of cash-based programming across the humanitarian sector.
In a span of four weeks, Typhoon Yagi was the fourth typhoon that entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility following the previous three typhoons (TY Son-Tinh, TY Ampil, and Tropical Storm Josie) which already affected 282,447 families or 1,253,697 persons in Regions I, II, CAR , IV-A, IV-B, VI, and NCR. The communities hardly hit by these typhoons were slowly recovering from its aftermath until there was another event that further aggravates the situation. The southwest monsoon enhanced by Typhoon Yagi (local name Karding) brought heavy rains starting on the 11th of August 2018 which persisted over the areas in Luzon including Region I (Ilocos), Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Region III (Central Luzon), Region IV-A (CALABARZON), Region IV-B (MIMAROPA), and the National Capital Region (Metro Manila). Thus, the areas affected by the previous typhoons were put in a much vulnerable position as they were just starting to recover from the previous destructive flooding. The ACT Philippines Forum has activated its emergency response team and it is now implementing the Food Security Program through ACT Alliance Rapid Response Fund (RRF) in the affected communities. RRF_13_2018_Typhoon_Yagi_Philippines
Assam In the evening of Sunday, 5th August 2018, the state of Assam witnessed severe rains that substantially increased the level of water flow in the rivers and breaking river banks. This led to flash floods in some districts of Assam and disrupted the normal life of the people. The floods created widespread damage to houses, fields and livelihoods, affecting thousands of people. These floods exacerbated the recent floods which affected Golaghat, Lakhimpur, Udalguri, Barpeta, Morigaoan and Hojai, districts in Assam. The floods have affected 6 Revenue Circles, 110 Villages, 6,855 Acres of agricultural land and forests. It has been reported that 81,269 people have been affected. 20,651 people took shelter in 109 relief camps. The loss of human life stands at 46 so far since the first wave of floods. The second wave of floods affected 1,05,782 people in 224 villages under 18 revenue circles of eight districts of the State. Kerala During the evening of 9th August 2018 the state of Kerala witnessed severe flooding owing to consistent rains for a couple of days. The vigorous southwest monsoon has left a trail of destruction across Kerala, killing at least 87 people so far. The monsoon eventually increased the water level in in many dams/reservoirs in Kerala, and flooded many areas in northern districts, namely Idukki, Ernakulam, Malapuram, Kozhikode, Palakkad and Wyanad. The flooding damaged infrastructure of around 10,000 kms of roads and 20,000 houses. The release of water from dams extensively damaged the district around Idukki and Ernakulam. The excessive rains in other parts also led to flooding in Wyanad, Kozhikode, Palakadd and Malapuram Districts. Idukki and Wayand being hilly terrains, also witnessed severe landslides and road blocks, which reportedly caused 40 deaths. Around 150,000 people have moved to various camps in the state. The army and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed in all affected districts. Roads have been cut off and many districts are witnessing power shut down as a precautionary measure. The power shutdown us expected to bring in drinking water crisis. This flood is the second wave of Flood in Kerala this monsoon season. The first wave of floods affected Wayanad district and the Kuttanad area of Kerala. Concept Notes_India_Floods in Kerala and Assam-IND181 As part of the revision of the ACT Alliance Humanitarian Response Mechanism, the “Preliminary Appeal” is replaced by the “Concept Note”, a shorter more concise document which summarizes the proposed ACT response and emphasizes collaboration amongst the ACT members. For further information on the Revised Humanitarian Response Mechanism, please refer to its online toolkit: https://actlearn.org/course/view.php?id=236
On 22 June 2018, the Peruvian government through its Council of Ministries issued the Supreme Decree N° 062-2018-PCM declaring 122 districts from the high Andean areas from nine departments in state of emergency due to the damages caused by frost, snowfall and heavy rains, causing negative effects on health, education, as well as in agriculture and livestock activities. The severe weather significantly increased the cases of pneumonia and respiratory diseases; 556 cases of pneumonia among children under 5 years have been reported, as well as 185 fatalities. This season’s frost arrived earlier than usual and has already affected almost 600,000 Peruvians in 11 regions of the country; the most affected,Puno and Cusco, both located in the Andes. In some areas, mostly those above 3,800 meters above sea level, temperatures plummeted to – 15 °C (5 °F), causing deaths of children, elderly and animals. According to the Office of the Ombudsman, 15 schools were close as well as 02 health centers. 1,327 houses have been affected. As of August 03, 2018, in Puno, 133,864 people were affected by the cold snap, 25,391 animals have died and 1,698,265 were affected. There are 5,059 hectares of damaged crops. This response is mobilized 7 weeks after the frost, owing to the slow onset nature of the emergency. Humanitarian needs manifested over the course of a few weeks.
Through a rapid response intervention, DIACONIA Peru in coordination with the Methodist Church of Peru will provide shelter, WASH and psychosocial support to 576 individuals affected by the cold snap.
The outbreak of violence in the Kasai region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as a result of elections scheduled for December 2018, triggered the internal displacement of some 1.4 million people and the flight of over 35,000 refugees into Lunda Norte Province, Angola. The Government of Angola (GoA) has maintained an open door policy since March 2017, and welcomed Congolese nationals fleeing as a result of conflict in DRC. LWF in Angola has raised an appeal whose purpose is on providing adequate and safe water supply to refugees living in Lóvua refugee settlement by installing water facilities. In addition, the project will provide communal/individual latrines and shower shelters for refugees. The Water and Sanitation intervention will be accompanied by initiatives to improve community awareness and emphasize on improved hygiene and sanitation practices among refugees with a special focus on safe disposal of refuse. Through this project, refugees and host communities will have access to essential life-saving items, reduced vulnerability and realized hygiene, safety and human dignity through WASH support. The project will use the approach of training WASH committees and equipping them to manage project WASH facilities. Angola_DRC Refugee emergency assistance in Lovua refugee Settlement-ANG 181
In the afternoon of Sunday, 05 August 2018, the district of North Lombok and East Lombok in West Nusa Tenggara, was hit by a 7.0 magnitude earthquake at 6:46 PM Indonesia local time. This earthquake exacerbated damage in areas previously affected by a 6.4 magnitude earthquake on 29 July 2018, which killed 17 people and injured over 160. The epicenter of the earthquake was 18 km north-west of East Lombok. A tsunami alert was sounded but later cancelled. The worst-hit areas are North Lombok, East Lombok and Mataram City. The Provincial Disaster Management Agency initially reported that 82 people died, and the latest reports from the National Agency for Disaster Management as of 10 August indicate at least 347 casualties, 1,033 seriously injured, and 270,168 displaced. 67,857 houses and 458 school buildings were seriously damaged. These numbers may still increase in the next few days. Aftershocks are still going on, and the Meteorological, Climatological, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) recorded that there were 344 aftershocks after the magnitude-7 quake 0n 5 August. A strong 6.2 magnitude quake struck Lombok on Thursday, 9 August 2018, causing people panic in the emergency shelters. RRFs-Indonesia_Lombok Island Earthquake-No. RRF11_2018
The Fuego Volcano, located 27 miles southwest of Guatemala City, erupted around noon on Sunday, June 3, 2018. According to CONRED, Guatemala’s national civil protection authority, the death toll has reached 113. The agency says that in addition, 58 individuals were injured, 197 are missing, 3,557 are staying in shelters, and 12,407 were been evacuated from the affected zone. As many as 1,713,566 people were affected mainly through ash intoxication and acid rain. Volcanic activity has increased after the first eruption on 3 June. Explosions have ranged between moderate and strong, throwing ash some 5,000m into the air. On June 5, authorities issued evacuation alerts that triggered mass panic in the surrounding population, leading to a massive population movement that caused the collapse of critical roads. On June 6, the National Institute for Seismology, Volcanology, Meteorology and Hydrology (INSIVUMEH) reported that the accumulation of volcanic material resulted in lahar flows down the Seca and Mineral ravines, both of which are tributaries of the Pantaleon river. These lahar flows measure 30-40m in width and 4-5m in height, descending with heat and giving off steam and carrying material similar to a cement mix with rocks that are 2-3m in diameter, putting communities near the ravines and Pantaleon bridge at high risk. New lahar flows are possible if current rainfall continues. The ACT Guatemala forum through its local member CEDEPCA is providing unconditional cash, hygiene promotion and Psychosocial support to 2160 households affected by the volcanic eruption. Appeals_Guatemala_Volcanic_Eruption_GTM181
On 13 June 2018 five districts in Serbia (Branicevo, Kolubara, Sumadija, Podunavlje, Pomoravlje, in East and West Serbia and Sumadija) are affected with sudden heavy rainfall, hailstorm, and in some parts incessant rains. On 15 June the Serbian Ministry for Internal Affairs, Sector for Emergency Situations declared state of emergency in these five districts. On 16 June, a state of emergency was also declared Nisava (South-East Serbia), and on 18 June in South-West Serbia as well. In all seven districts, rural households are affected. Damage on agricultural crops is estimated at 100%. In Sumadija, estimated damage is twice the annual municipality budget. Schools and kindergartens are evacuated in this region. In this region 2,850 houses are affected (app. 9,000 people) and 75% of total agricultural land. In South Serbia, damage is estimated at USD 60,000,000. 11 villages are affected, and damage is both on households and on crops. 11km of roads are destroyed, among them 3 bridges. RRFs_Serbia_Floods-No. RRF10_2018
In the evening of Saturday the 26 May 2018, the regions of Gamo Goffa zone and Sidama Zone in the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples' Region (SNNPR) Region in Ethiopia were affected by a landslide caused by heavy torrential rains between May 24th-26th for three consecutive days, resulting in 34 deaths. Through a rapid response intervention, Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus/Development and Social Service Commission (EECMY-DASSC) will provide lifesaving assistance of food, non-food items and WASH to 300 individuals affected by the landslide. This immediate intervention will protect the lives of beneficiaries from further impact until more medium to long-term humanitarian assistance is provided by the government and other international actors Ethiopia_Emergency Response to Landslides in the South Nations Nationalities and People's Region _SNNPR Region_No. RRF 11_2018
As of 25 May 2018, sub-tropical storm Alberto, with maximum sustained winds of 65 km/hour, passed over Cuba and brought torrential rainfalls (4 inches of water in 24 hours) causing overflowing of rivers and streams. According to the Ministry of Interior, flood waters swept away a bridge and damaged roads and other infrastructure, leaving many communities cut off and nearly 60,000 people without electricity. More than 52,000 Cubans have been evacuated in the affected area. 11 people reported were dead, and 2 disappeared respectively across the affected territories. Approximately 1,384 homes were affected, with 174 totally collapsed. An oil spill – which is now under control – was caused by heavy flooding at one of the nation's main oil refineries in Cienfuegos. It has been controlled by local authorities. There has also been substantial damage in the agricultural sector, with crops such as rice, beans, tobacco and bananas particularly affected. Concerns have also been raised about possible waterborne disease outbreaks. Cuban Council of Churches (CIC) has submitted a Rapid Response Fund Proposal to support 650 households with food security. RRF_Cuba_09_2018
During the night of Wednesday the 30th May 2018, the town of Marwa, Ruvu Mferejini and Ruvu Jiungeni in SAME District, Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania, was severely hit by overflow of river Ruvu and Nyumba ya Mungu Dam. On this night an overflow caused displacement of households, interrupted communication, swept away termed animals and crop fields. According to the RVA done by two members of ACT Tanzania Forum (ELCT and TCRS), the overflow caused floods that displaced 450 Households that had a range of between 10 to 20 persons in each household making a total number of 5,780 homeless people. Findings indicate that 890 acres of farmed land (tomatoes, onions, maize and beans) submerged in water, 300 houses were swept away and or covered with mud and about 135,000 kilograms of foodstuff from the registered 450 households were swept away. Number of domestic animals and birds died was not yet established as all men and youths with their animals vacated the area leaving behind their wives and children unattended. According to the SAME District Commissioner's report, nine primary schools and one secondary school from the ward had to be closed before the term end and therefore interrupted school calendar. The floods have put the town in a state of crisis. The flood affected persons find themselves in a desperate situation, with many unmet vital humanitarian needs such as access to: food, safe drinking water, school and scholastic materials, housing, washrooms and other sanitary services. The regional and District commissioners of Kilimanjaro Region, Same and Mwanga Districts through their structured response divisions are closely working with the displaced families. Through the evacuation team, the Government has shifted the affected families to safer areas and have provided land for residential construction (each family given a plot of size 15X25 meters). The Government has also provided Water guard tablets to cleanse water. A team scouts and police are helping in putting in place temporary latrines. Norwegian Church Aid has committed TZS 22 million for purchase of water purification tablets, water storage facilities per each of the registered 450 households. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT) conducted the Response Vulnerability Assessment (RVA), and has availed accommodation for women with U5 children in its nearby church premises. Tanganyika Christian Refugee Service donated 340 boxes of youth clothes, 15 bales of baby blankets and 10 bales of quits. Christian Council of Tanzania (CCT) through its WAMA offices in Dar es Salaam are sorting out how to engage /participate on the movement/activity. ELCT and TCRS are responsible for the project implementation. The staff of ELCT and TCRS shall be very involved, as well as volunteers from affected communities. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania is submitting a Rapid Response Fund Proposal to support those in need. Tanzania-Floods Emergency (RRF)
The Fuego Volcano, located 27 miles southwest of Guatemala City, erupted around noon on Sunday, June 3, 2018. According to CONRED, Guatemala’s national civil protection authority, the death toll has reached 109. The agency says that in addition, 58 people were injured, 197 people are missing, the number of people in shelters are 4137, 12,407people have been evacuated from the affected zone. Authorities expect the death toll to rise as more bodies are discovered. As many as 1,713,566 million people may be affected mainly through ash intoxication and acid rain. Volcanic activity has increased after the first eruption on 3 June. Explosions have ranged between moderate and strong, throwing ash some 5,000m into the air. On 5 June, authorities issued evacuation alerts that triggered mass panic in the surrounding population, leading to a massive population movement that caused the collapse of critical roads. On 6 June, the National Institute for Seismology, Volcanology, Meteorology and Hydrology (INSIVUMEH) reported that the accumulation of volcanic material resulted in lahar flows down the Seca and Mineral ravines, both of which are tributaries of the Pantaleon river. These lahar flows measure 30-40m in width and 4-5m in height, descending with heat and giving off steam and carrying material similar to a cement mix with rocks that are 2-3m in diameter, putting communities near the ravines and Pantaleon bridge at high risk. New lahar flows are possible if current rainfall continues. A red alert remains in place for the Escuintla, Sacatepéquez and Chimaltenango departments, as well as in the municipalities of Escuintla. ACT Guatemala Forum, through its local member Protestant Center for Pastoral Studies in Central America (CEDEPCA, by its spanish acronym) is planning to provide unconditional cash, WASH, Psychosocial support and capacity building to 2160 households affected by the volcanic eruption. Concept_Note_09_2018_Volcanic_Eruption
Since 30 March 2018, the Gaza Strip has witnessed an enormous increase in Palestinian casualties in the context of mass demonstrations taking place along Israel’s perimeter fence with Gaza. The demonstrations have occurred as part of the ‘Great March of Return’, a series of mass protests, expected to continue up to 5 June. The large number of casualties among unarmed Palestinian demonstrators, including a high percentage of demonstrators hit by live ammunition, has raised concerns about excessive use of force by Israeli troops. Gaza's health sector is struggling to cope with the mass influx of casualties, due to years of blockade, internal divide and a chronic energy crisis, which have left essential services in Gaza barely able to function. (UNOCHA) These developments have triggered further deterioration in the humanitarian situation, impacting the availability of essential services and eroding the livelihoods of Gaza’s two million residents. The following indicators were identified by the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) to monitor the evolution of the crisis, trigger humanitarian action and prevent further deterioration. (UNOCHA) Appeals_Palestine_Emergency Response-PSE181
During the night of Friday 2 March 2018, Nairobi County was severely flooded. On this day, flooding caused displacement of households, interrupted transport, swept away bridges and caused the death of 11 people nationwide. According to OCHA Flash update #1 of 25th April 2018, floods have displaced more than 211,000 people and reportedly killed 72; injuring 33 across Kenya since March 2018. Other sources confirm that floods have disrupted livelihoods with at least 8,450 acres of farmland submerged in water and more than 6,000 livestock killed in addition to destroying houses and damaging infrastructure (health facilities, schools and learning materials). Floods have interrupted opening of schools in several counties as some school buildings are submerged or totally cut off. The dire situation is further compounded for flood affected people with vulnerabilities, more specifically for woman and girls who are at a higher risk of gender-based violence in areas where displaced persons have sought shelter such as school’s compounds and other community centres. ACT Kenya forum is planning to submit a funding proposal to provide food and non-food items and other essential needs to ensure that flood affected persons’ basic needs are met. Kenya-Emergency Floods Alert.
During the night of Friday the 22 September 2017, the province of Penama in Vanuatu, was elevated to an Alert Level 4 ‘Moderate eruption state’ due to elevated activity of Manaro volcano on the island of Ambae. On Thursday 28 September A State of Emergency was declared for the entire island and on Thursday 28 September and a full, compulsory evacuation of the 11,000 residents of Ambae island was ordered to nearby islands of Espiritu Santo, Pentecost and Maewo. The volcano subsided somewhat and residents that chose to were repatriated by 30th October 2017. On 7th December 2017 the Alert Level was downgraded to 2 ‘Major Unrest’. However on Sunday March 18th 2018 the volcano erupted again and the Alert Level was increased to 3 ‘Minor Eruption State’ with emissions of gas, ash and volcanic bombs. In particular the impact from the continuous outpouring of ash and gas emissions have created hazards including acid rain, flash flooding and landslides, polluted and destroyed water sources, damaged traditional housing, crops and trees, and impacted human health through direct exposure to acid rain and inhalation of fine ash particles. ACT Alliance partners are currently monitoring the situation and are preparing a rapid needs assessment to have an in-depth context analysis and better understanding of existing vulnerabilities. Alerts Vanuatu Volcanic Eruption 2018
In the evening of Thursday the 26 April 2018, the region of Jubaland, Galmudug, South West State, Banadir and Hirshabelle in Somalia, were flooded due to the rapid increase of river levels and continued heavy rains affecting 427, 000 people and displacing nearly 175,000 people. The floods have put various regions in a state of crisis. The flood affected persons find themselves in a desperate situation, with many unmet vital emergency needs such as access to sufficient food, need for safe drinking water, hygiene facilities (and hygiene items), emergency education services and temporary shelter. The dire situation is further compounded for flood-affected people with vulnerabilities. There is a pressing necessity to provide immediate assistance to minimize loss of life and to ensure that the needs of the most vulnerable are covered. The emergency response is currently being coordinated by UNOCHA working together with authorities from affected regions. To ensure that the humanitarian response is well coordinated and complementary, ACT Somali forum will take part in coordination meetings with all relevant sector stakeholders as they continue to engage through various lines of communication with crisis-affected persons/communities to ensure a humanitarian response that will be based on participation and feedback. ACT Somali Forum has been working in Somalia (before 2010) and is now helping/planning to help people affected by the floods within the sectors of shelter, Non Food Items and WASH among others. Somalia-Floods Emergency (Alert)
During the night of Wednesday the 11 April 2018, the district of Karonga in Malawi, was affected by severe floods when Karongo experienced sudden heavy rains for 7 continuous days. Floods have caused displacement of 3,570 people with three lives lost; livestock killed, crops and houses destroyed. The flood affected persons find themselves in a desperate situation, with many unmet vital emergency needs such as access to sufficient food, need for safe water and replacement of non-food items; a task which has become difficult due to suspended livelihood activities. The emergency response is currently being coordinated by Malawi Government through the Department of Disaster Management Affairs. ACT members in Malawi are working on the ground already; supporting displaced households with Shelter, and helping /planning to help people affected by floods Malawi -Floods Emergency 2018
Chama district one of the newly created districts and is divided into Chama North and South. Chama in Zambia is experiencing flooding of Kamphemba river resulting in destruction of hectares of crop fields and has so far destroyed 154 houses. Flooding is due to heavy down pour of rain that affected the area in a week, causing the area to experience severe flooding when Kamphemba river and other streams across the District burst their banks, destroying crops; washing away Kemphemba bridge. As a result, 1,748 families (Chama 901; Petuke 847) are left homeless. In addition to floods, communities in Chikwa and Chifunda in Chama district, are also seriously affected by human wildlife conflict. In Chama District, At least 491 HH are affected and 377 community members have been evacuated and are staying in schools, churches and camps. The government has established 3 Camps (Camp 1: Is hosting 402 affected HHs, Camp 2 (Kapala Konje), Is hosting 192 affected HH and Camp 3 (Katangalikala); Is hosting 201 affected HH hosted in Churches and Schools around Katangalikal. In Petauke District Sandwe, at least 847 households (45 villages) and at least 409 households in Chibale. All 28 villages are affected by floods with 409 houses are heavily soaked and with 40 structures cracking and at risk of collapsing. The ACT Zambia Forum is planning on submitting a funding proposal to provide shelter, WASH, food, psycho-social support, and livelihood restoration to ensure that the floods affected persons’ basic needs are met. Alerts_ Floods Emergency_ Zambia
On the morning of Friday the 16 March 2018, the district of Mananara Nord and Maroantsetra in the peninsula of Masoala, Region of Analanjirofo, Madagascar, was affected by Eliakim, a tropical cyclone in category storm. Eliakim brought with him a maximum wind speed of 105 km. The cyclone has put Manara district in a state of crisis. The cyclone affected persons find themselves in a desperate situation, with many unmet vital humanitarian needs such as access to food, shelter, health, water, livelihood and protection services. Eliakim has come with heavy rains, causing strong floods in the eastern part of Madagascar mainly in the Regions of Sava, Sofia, Analanjirofo, Atsinanana, Alaotra Mangoro where most of the damage is expected. As a result, communities in affected regions have been hit by three storms namely Ava, Dilemma and Eliakim and has made communities more vulnerable every time a storm hits making their conduction worse. The ACT Madagascar Forum is planning on submitting a funding proposal to provide food, NFI and protection to ensure that the cyclone-affected persons’ basic needs are met with regards to WASH, health and livelihoods. Alerts_ Madagascar_ Tropical Cyclone Eliakim
Ethiopia is currently facing a complex humanitarian crisis as result of an ongoing drought combined with an ethno-political conflict. The current drought is an extension of last year’s (2017) drought which severely affected pastoral lowlands of Afar, Somali and Oromia. Over the past four decades, recurrent droughts have been affecting Ethiopia each time with increasing intensity and frequency. The current dire drought-related situation is further compounded by the ethno-political conflict in various parts of the country, namely along areas bordering two of the largest regional states of Oromia and Somali. The government of Ethiopia has declared a state of emergency on March 2, 2018 for the next six months. The ethno-political conflict has caused large-scale displacement and has further exacerbating the already critical situation resulting from the drought. Affected communities have been forced to flee their homes with nothing more than few personal belongings and living in precarious conditions inside makeshift camps. ACT Ethiopia Forum members are planning to respond, by providing life-saving responses in Nutrition, WASH and emergency Non-Food Items to reach 250,000 affected persons in the coming months. Alerts_Ethiopia_Drought Emergency.
During the night of Monday the 12 February 2018, the capital of Nuku'alofa in Tonga, was hit by Category 4 Tropical Cyclone Gita passing directly over the main island, with strong wind speeds of 230 km/hour and wind gusts of 278 km/hour devastating the country's most populated island group. Tongatapu, which includes Tongatapu island (home of the capital), as well as 'Eua island to the southeast, were battered by the worst cyclone to hit Tonga in 60 years. TC Gita had damaged parts of neighbour Samoa before entering Tonga, where its ongoing destructive effects include heavy rain, widespread flooding, risk of disease and mass displacement. Parliament House was totally destroyed by TC Gita. Debris, uprooted trees, and no electricity or fuel means many outlying areas and islands have not had contact made, or undergone preliminary rapid assessments. Although there have been no reported deaths, many communities remain unaccounted for at time of publication of this alert. The cyclone has put the region in a state of crisis. The cyclone affected persons find themselves in a desperate situation, with many unmet vital humanitarian needs such as access to: mosquito nets to prevent further spread of dengue fever, an outbreak of which is currently being experienced in the capital. Primary needs include: sufficient food, safe shelter and basic non-food items, basic health services and facilities, safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene infrastructure, livelihood activities, protection activities, and adequate nutrition. The ACT forum is now planning on submitting a funding proposal to provide the humanitarian response and assist the affected communities. Alerts_Tropical_Cyclone_Gita_Tonga
Malawi is experiencing the most severe prolonged dry spells and fall army worm infestation which have threatened agricultural production of 3.8 million people (Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development Report 2018). With little or no rain still not falling in some parts of the country and fall army worms still destroying crop fields the outlook is alarming which will result in hunger to over 3.8 million people up to next growing season (Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development Report 2018). Even before the prolonged dry spells, Malawi Government had declared drought a national disaster in December 2017 because of fall army worms. Twenty out 28 districts that include Phalombe, Mulanje, Chikwawa, Nsanje, Mangochi, Chiradzulu, Balaka, Neno, Salima, Dowa, Lilongwe with approximately 270,000 hectares under crops were affected by fall army worms and 215,000 hectares affected by dry spells. In addition, low lying areas of southern and central areas of Malawi, cereal crops like maize (Malawi's staple food) have dried up permanently affecting 850,000 households. According to estimates of survey done in 2017/18, this situation is likely to compromise crop production and household food security this 2017/18 growing season if no greater efforts to mitigate and recover are taken. The ACT Malawi forum is planning on submitting a funding proposal to provide Food assistance, Agricultural inputs and Capacity building to ensure that the drought affected persons’ basic needs are met with regards to food security, nutrition and Livelihoods. Alerts_ Drought Emergency in Malawi
In the evening of Wednesday the 24 January 2018, refugees fleeing fighting in South Kivu started streaming in Makamba and Rumonge Provinces aboard boats. Since August 2017, the security and humanitarian situation has significantly deteriorated in South Kivu, more specifically on the axis Sebele ‐Kikonde‐Kazimia, the southern coast of Kazimia (Yungu, Talama) and the coastal communities of Ubwari in the Fizi area. On-going clashes between the army FARDC (Democratic Republic of Congo Armed Forces) and the Mai Mai Yakutumba rebel armed group -claiming itself from the National People's Coalition for the Sovereignty of Congo (CNSPC) - are behind this deterioration of the situation since January. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), is alarmed by a recent surge in violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), which is driving large numbers of Congolese to flee eastwards to neighbouring Burundi, Tanzania and Uganda. Thousands of children, women and men have abandoned their homes, in the midst of intensified military operations against Mai Mai armed groups in South Kivu province. Since last week almost 7,000 people have crossed to neighbouring Burundi and an additional 1,200 to Tanzania. It is believed that many more are displaced inside South Kivu in difficult conditions without shelter or food.Refugees we have spoken to say they fled forced recruitment, direct violence and other abuses by armed groups. Others say they fled in anticipation of military operations and out of fear. It is imperative that people fleeing the violence are allowed safe passage, and that humanitarian access to the internally displaced is facilitated. The ACT Burundi forum is planning on submitting a funding proposal to provide water facilities , shelter kit and Non-food items to ensure that the refugees and returnees basic needs are met with regards to ensure the new arrivals live dignified lives and within the humanitarian standards. Alerts_ Influx of DRC Refugees in Burundi
In the afternoon of Monday the 22 January 2018, the province of Albay in Region V where the Mayon Volcano is situated in the Philippines, was advised to stay vigilant as the alert level was raised to 4 (hazardous eruption imminent), on a five-step alert system, coming from a 10-day increasing unrest. The alert level-3 has been in effect since January 14 after the active volcano exhibits relatively high unrest after the phreatic eruption ejected ash and sulphur fumes accompanied by rumbling sounds. As of January 24, five episodes of intense but sporadic lava fountaining from the summit crater occurred. Frequent phreatomagmatic eruptions, energetic lava effusions, lava-collapse feeding pyroclastic density currents (PDCs), and hundreds of volcanic earthquakes and tremor events were recorded by Mayon's seismic monitoring network which has affected over 22,000 households / 89,000 individuals in 59 barangays (villages), of which 18,291 households / 69,425 persons are currently being served inside 74 designated evacuation centers (ECs) as of January 30 report. The ACT forum is now planning on submitting a funding proposal to provide food packs, hygiene kits and NFIs, to ensure that the affected persons’ basic needs are met with regards to EFSL, WASH, NFIs. ACT Alliance is ready to respond, providing immediate needs such as food packs, hygiene kits and NFIs to around 3,000 affected households in the coming months. Furthermore, ACT Alliance will engage in advocacy on the national and international level to ensure that the voices the affected communities are amplified. Alerts_01_2018_Bicol Region,_Philippines
In the evening of Monday the 18 December 2017, the district of Kanungu, Kisoro and Bundibugyo in Western Uganda, were highly congested with Congolese refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo fleeing violence. That week was characterised by two major developments: the unexpected surge of arrivals to Kyangwalli Settlement through the Lake Albert route and the arrival of Congolese refugees to Kyaka II settlement. Rwamwanja settlement which used to receive Congolese refugees entering through South west Uganda has since reached its full capacity. 11,435 Congolese new arrivals have been received in Uganda since 1st December 2017. The largest majority entered through Nteko and Bunagana border points in Kisoro with smaller numbers crossing through Ishasha, Kyeshero and Butogta border points in Kanungu, Mpondwe in Kasese and Lake Albert in Bulisa district. The new arrivals through Kisoro, Kanungu and Kasese are taken to KyakaII while those entering trough Lake Albert are taken to Kyangwli settlement. Since children constitute the majority, temporary schools need to be urgently established for the provision of safe child spaces, early childhood development and primary education before school resumes in February. In Kyaka II and Kyangwali’s extension site of Malembo settlements, refugees lacked adequate sanitation facilities such as communal latrines for the new arrivals. 232 persons with special needs (PSNs) including 114 un-accompanied minors and separated children (UASC) have been identified, and also people with disabilities (PWD), survivors of SGBV as experienced in Congo and on transit to the country of refuge, and other vulnerabilities, need to be identified and addressed. The new entry points lack adequate shelter for persons with special needs more vulnerabilities. The ACT Uganda forum through LWF and Finn Church Aid(FCA) is planning on submitting a funding proposal to provide water facilities, shelter kit and Non-food items to ensure that the conflict affected persons’ basic needs are met with regards to ensuring the new arrivals’ dignified lives and within the humanitarian standards. Alerts_ Influx of DRC Refugees_ Uganda
Head of Humanitarian Affairs
Global
niall.orourke@actalliance.org
Geneva, Switzerland
Regional Humanitarian Officer
Africa
Caroline.Njogu@actalliance.org
Nairobi, Kenya
Humanitarian Operations Manager
Global
Cyra.Bullecer@actalliance.org
Bangkok, Thailand
Humanitarian Programme Advisor
MENA
Amman, Jordan
Humanitarian Programme Officer
Latin America and the Caribbean
Bogota, Colombia
Finance Coordinator
Global
marjorie.schmidt@actalliance.org
Geneva, Switzerland
