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.
According to Kenya Flood Response Update by UNICEF dated 19 May 2018, at least 332,000 people have been displaced by floods in Kenya and 183 have lost their lives. The update cites that 20 out of 47 counties are affected. According to Kenya Meteorological Department, the rains will continue to the second half of 2018 posing a risk of continued flooding in flood-prone areas. Population affected by floods are displaced to makeshift camps; lack decent shelter, have limited access to food, non food items, safe water, sanitation and hygiene services. They face risk to water borne disease outbreaks.The camp environment has also heightened trauma and predisposes women and girls to abuse. Long term effects are disruption of routine socio-economic activities such as learning, market activities and farming. ACT Kenya Forum proposes to intervene for 12 months and have raised an appeal for $ 1,875,513 to respond in the sectors of NFIs, shelter support (upon return), provision of unconditional cash grants and early recovery to livelihoods. In addition, other sectors of focus include health care services and water, sanitation and hygiene services including water trucking, distribution of WASH related NFIs ,Hygiene packs, water treatment tabs, water storage containers. Requesting members include Anglican Church of Kenya, Church World Service, Lutheran World Federation and National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK). The appeal is aimed at providing life-saving assistance to households residing in makeshift camps while also providing mid-term early recovery support to enable displaced HH recover from the impact of floods. Priority will be given to vulnerable groups like disabled, single headed families, under five, pregnant and lactating mothers. While flood waters may take up to three months to subside; the displaced population may have to up to early 2019 to be able to produce their own food and begin to restore their livelihoods. Currently, requesting members have conducted internal assessment of the situation, and coordinating with other humanitarian actors in preparation of the response. Kenya-Floods Emergency Response and Early Recovery (Concept Note)
In the afternoon of Thursday 10 May 2018, in the town of El-Sultan Hassan village – a slum area, El Minya Governorate in Egypt an electric short circuit caused fire in one of the village houses. This spark caused the entire house to catch flame. The barns where built of wooden beams and palm branches, and they quickly caught fire. This fire burned down four houses of which each hosted three families. They lost most of their household valuables along with the buildings. The fire also affected the livestock of 45 families, thereby losing their sources of livelihoods. A total of 45 families lost their houses and most of their household items.
The fire has put the town in a state of crisis. The fire affected persons are in a desperate situation, now faced with many unmet vital needs such as access to sufficient food, need for safe shelter, and non-food items. Their nutritional health by providing them adequate food is also to be met since they lost their livelihood assets and the source of income, and also could not salvage any food out of their blazing houses. The situation of fire affected people is further compounded by vulnerabilities, especially for women and children. There is a pressing need to provide immediate assistance to ensure that the needs of the most vulnerable are covered. Many people also sustained physical injuries resulting from the fire, some with 3rd degree burns, and they would need medical care for a period of time. Except for medical care which was provided partially, none of their needs were met by the government or other actors.
RRFs_Egypt_ Emergency Assistance to Fire Affected People in El Sultan Hasan_ No.RRF06_2018
During the night of Friday 2 March 2018, Nairobi County and several parts of the country were severely flooded. On this day, flooding caused displacement of households, interrupted transport, swept away bridges and caused the death of 11 people nationwide.
Floods and heavy rain have continued to damage infrastructure, preventing or limiting humanitarian access to many of the affected areas and cutting off people’s access to markets in multiple locations.
According to OCHA Flash update #2 of 3rd May 2018, floods have now displaced at least 244,407 people (45,219 households) people across Kenya, including more than 23,000 displaced over the last week, as several parts of the country continue to receive heavy rainfall. The death toll has risen to 80 people, and 33 have been injured, according to the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) search and rescue team. The highest displaced populations are reported in Tana River, Turkana, Mandera and Kilifi counties. In Nandi county, 243 households were displaced following a mudslide.
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. National members of ACT Kenya forum have submitted an RRF to provide life saving interventions.
Kenya - Emergency Response to Floods RRF - No. 5
The Gu rains 2018 started in April 2018 with above average rains. First, they started slowly but soon reached precipitation above normal. The soils were dried out and hard and could not absorb the rain water all over Somalia. This caused flash floods all over the country except in North-Eastern Puntland where it did not rain. With the beginning of the Gu-rains and severe flooding at the end of April the priorities changed suddenly when flash floods appeared, and the rivers busted their beds with the consequence that 200,000 persons had to leave their homes in Hiraan. Riverine floods have also been experienced along the Shabelle River in Beletweyn and along the Juba River in Gedo. In Beletweyn alone, flood level reached a 50-years’ record displacing approximately 200,000 persons, including old IDPs now displaced to higher ground. Priority needs are now drinking water, Shelter and NFI, emergency latrines, decontamination of shallow wells, and food. Affected population lack everything, with the most pressing needs being mostly drinking water, shelter and NFI, emergency latrines. After floods retreat shallow wells will need to get decontaminated. ACT Somalia forum members Finn Church Aid, Norwegian Church Aid, Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe, Diakonia Sweden and Lutheran World Federation are seeking a second revision of SOM 171 appeal to address the flash floods in the riverine areas along the Shabelle River in Beletweyn and along the Juba River in Gedo region. SOMALIA-Drought and Flood Response Appeal SOM171 (2 revision)
Between 11 and 18 April 2018, heavy rains caused devastating destruction in 3 traditional authorities of Kilupula, Mwilang’ombe and Wasambo) in Karonga district. ACT Alliance Malawi Forum through Norwegian Church Aid has provided 18 tents as a contribution to temporary shelter needs. Although the above-mentioned support has been provided, gaps still remain. Results of the Rapid Needs Assessment done by Department of Disaster Management Affairs and ACT Forum Malawi members based in Karonga indicate need to respond in the following sectors:
Ethiopia is currently facing a complex humanitarian crisis as result of an ongoing drought combined with ethno-political conflict along Oromia and Somali borders (two of the largest regional states).
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 increased intensity and frequency. The climatic phenomena known as El Niño and La Niña have left more than 10 million people in need of emergency assistance over the past two years.
The government of Ethiopia declared a state of emergency on March 2, 2018 for six months.
According to UN OCHA's alert in February 2018, 8 million people need humanitarian assistance requiring around $895 million over the course of 2018. Lives remain at risk due to shortage of food and water and disease outbreaks coupled with malnutrition are prevalent.
ACT Ethiopia forum (AEF) is comprised of eleven organizations out of which two are national organizations serving as the development arm of two of the largest local churches in Ethiopia. AEF has a solid track record on delivering effective humanitarian response for over seven years.
ACT Ethiopia Forum intends to intervene in the areas of Shelter, Health, WASH, Early Recovery, Food Security, Protection and unconditional cash.
ETHIOPIA- Emergency Response to Drought and Conflict Affected Populations - ETH 181 (Concept Note)
In the evening of Monday the 18 December 2017, the district of Kanungu, Kisoro and Bundibugyo in Western Uganda, experienced a heightened influx of refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) fleeing violence in North Kivu and Ituri regions. That week was characterized 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. More than 40,000 Congolese new arrivals have been received in Uganda since 1st December 2017.
Rwamwanja settlement which used to receive Congolese refugees entering through South-West Uganda has since reached full capacity, prompting the government to reactivate reception of new arrivals in Kyaka II and Kyangwali settlements. The settlements face numerous challenges including shelter, poor access roads, lack of infrastructure and inadequate access to clean and safe water. There are resentments within and among refugees arising from challenges posed by the situation as well as existing grievances from country of origin. In addition, LWF has recorded 102 GBV cases who have so far been supported with psychosocial support.
Two ACT Uganda members involved in this appeal are Lutheran World Federation (LWF) and Uganda Joint Christian Council (UJCC) both having extensive experience in their fields to respond.
Lutheran World Federation (LWF) has been operational in Uganda since 1981 providing humanitarian support to South Sudan and Congolese refugees. Uganda Joint Christian Council (UJCC), as a local national organization established in 1963 has a vast experience of community peace building and conflict transformation among refugees and host communities.
The overall objective is to ensure new arrivals have access to protection, shelter, WASH and are able to live in a peaceful environment. The Appeal targets 30,000 refugees both old and new caseloads in Kyangwali Settlement, Hoima district.
UGANDA-Emergency Response to DRC Refugees UGA 181 (Concept Note)
The current crisis in Iraq began in June 2014, when militants of the Islamic State Iraq and Syria (ISIS) seized control of over one third of Iraq’s territory within a few weeks. Iraqi Security Forces (ISF), the Kurdish Peshmerga and various armed groups engaged in the fight against ISIS, and finally recaptured Ramadi in February 2016, Hit in April 2016, Fallujah in June 2016, Mosul in July 2017, Tal Afar in August 2017 and Hawija in October 2017. The Government of Iraq announced the defeat of ISIS and regained full territorial control on 9 December 2017.
With the major military operations coming to end, many people are now able to return to their homes, and previously experienced large-scale displacements are likely to be over by 2018. However, smaller scale movements are still expected resulting from the tension between the government of Iraq and the Kurdish Regional Government, triggered by the referendum on Kurdish independence on 25 September 2017.
Appeals_Iraq_Support to Internal Displaced Persons - IRQ181
IRQ181-Consolidated-Budget_approved
In the evening of Sunday 12 November 2017, the Governorate of Halabja region, North-East of Iraq experienced an earthquake in the magnitude of approximately 7.2-7.5, according to European Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC). The epicentre of this earthquake was located 32kms from the city of Halabja. According to the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System (GDACS), approximately 1,840,000 people were living within 100km of the epicentre of this earthquake in both Iraq and Iran. Local experts and seismologists in the area see potential occurrence of such shocks in the future as the area has entered into a new level of intensity, and therefore it is likely that future earthquakes will be of a same or higher magnitude.
Since November 2017, there have been nine reported fatalities and over 550 people injured in Iraq as a result of the earthquake, according to the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG). The Darbandikhan areas has been most severely impacted, with most earthquake related injuries reported in Darbandikhan, Halabja, and Garmyan districts. Many houses in the areas of Darbandikhan, Maidan, Qurato and Bamo have been damaged and/or destroyed. According to the KRG, damage to the infrastructure was most severe in Darbandikhan, where landslides blocked the Darbandikhan tunnel. The water and electricity network of Darbandikhan was damaged and required significant repair. The water treatment plant in Halabja was partially damaged and produced clean water at only 50% capacity.
According to the KRG, the situation is stabilised. NGOs in the area are coordinating with each other. However, an ACT Alliance response is needed as this will help the affected people to stay and re-build their The ACT Alliance intervention came at a point in time when the affected population were still willing to stay in the area and rebuild their livelihoods with some humanitarian support.
Appeals_Iraq_Earthquake IRQ171
Madagascar has been successively hit by cyclones since January 2018. Three cyclones have consecutively struck the island; touching the coast, bringing heavy rains which have caused severe and heavy flooding. On the morning of Friday 16 March 2018, the region of Analanjirofo, was affected by tropical cyclone ELIAKIM, which came with a maximum wind speed of 100 kph alternated by gusts of 130 kph. According to the National Office of Disaster Risk Management (NODRM), ELIAKIM caused 21 deaths, displaced 15 000 and affected 38 000 people. This occurred while local communities were still recovering from AVA, the first tropical cyclone, followed by a second storm DUMAZILE. In the North-Eastern and Eastern part of Madagascar, towns have flooded, buildings have collapsed, crops have been destroyed, roads damaged and communications knocked down by storm ELIAKIM. Currently, in Analanjirofo Region, there are 12 647 affected persons, with 8 353 displaced in the District of Maroantsetra, Fenerive-Est and Soanierana Ivongo. According to needs assessments done (information co-related with secondary data), humanitarian gaps are in the sectors of Food, Non Food Items, Shelter, WASH (kits) and protection/psychosocial support. School children are also affected as their school materials and food ratios were damaged. ACT Forum Madagascar is planning to respond, through ACT Madagascar National members Sampan'Asa momba ny Fampandrosoana FJKM (SAF/FJKM) who will support emergency response in Maroantsetra district, targeting 2 400 HH and SMT/FLM who will intervene in Fenerive-Est and Soanierana Ivongo districts, targeting 2 000 vulnerable families. Proposed sectors of response by ACT Madagascar members include WASH, Protection/Psycho social support and Food Security.
DRC, a vast country in Central Africa attracts less attention from donors probably due to its protracted nature; but continues to be in a humanitarian crisis. In October 2017, in line with UN Policies, DRC Level 3 emergency was declared as a consequence of the complexity of a conflict crisis. The appeal emergency covers the provinces of Kasai, Tanganyika and South Kivu.
The Kasai Provinces in the Democratic Republic of Congo are currently experiencing violent ethnic/tribal conflicts. These conflicts have been fueled by the violent death of Kamuina Nsap the local tribal chief. The death of chief Kamuina Nsap and subsequent calls among his followers to avenge his death has caused unrest among the population.
An unprecedented massive population displacement has been reported within and outside 5 provinces of Great Kasai which encompass Kasai namely, Kasai central, Kasai Oriental, Sankuru and Lomami to date.
Last year (June 2017), it was reported that 1.4 million people were forced to flee from their homes, escaping violence. Already more than 33,132 people have been reported to have crossed the border to Angola and neighbouring countries. There is also significant internal displacement by affected communities.
The DRC forum has launched a call for action (Full appeal) in response to the Kasai crisis due to the many emerging challenges in this crisis in DRC contextual scope even after DRC ACT alliance forum released the concept note.
DRC ACT alliance members namely Christian Aid (CA), Lutheran World Federation (LWF), Church of Christ in Congo (ECC) and Bureau Oecumenique d'Appui au Development (BOAD) are preparing a response in the sectors of NFI/Shelter, Nutrition, Psychosocial support, WASH and Food security amounting to $ 2,868,034 for a period of 18 months starting April 2018.
DRC-Emergency Response to Kasai Conflict - COD 181
Early this year, Zambia experienced continuous heavy rains which resulted in floods, causing significant damages and losses.
On Wednesday, 21st February 2018 districts of Petauke and Chama were reported to be flooded. These floods washed away a bridge connecting Lundazi and Chama districts causing heavy traffic delay and the floods also caused destruction of houses, leading to the displacement of community members.
There are presently 2,140 Households affected in Petaule and Chama districts with 377 community members evacuated and over 198 children requiring psychosocial support.
At least 500 affected households require Treated Mosquito Nets and lighting; blankets and clothing. According to reports from Zambia Disaster Management Mitigation Unit (DMMU), the government of the Republic of Zambia has provided tents, treated mosquito nets and clothing to 1,601 affected Households to affect families in only Chama.
Affected households are either staying at a community School or Church.
ACT Zambia Forum shall respond to floods in Chama and Petauke by re-constructing a school building and supporting 2,140 HH with food rations and emergency non - food items.
The ACT Zambia forum national member working on this response in Chama and Petauke is United Church of Zambia (UCZ).The response will continue for three months since floods shall continue to affect communities in Chama district(which is located in a valley).
ZAMBIA-Emergency Response to Storm and Flood affected populations in Zambia RRF 02
In the afternoon of Friday the 5 January 2018, the region of Atsinanana in Madagascar, was affected by the tropical cyclone Ava with a maximum wind speed of 150 kph alternated by gusts of 205 km/h in a radius of 37 km around its center. The tropical storm hit the Island country off South-eastern on Friday and Saturday killing at least 29 people nationwide and forcing more than 17,000 from their homes. According to the Statement from the National Bureau for Risk and Catastrophe Management or BNGRC, 22 people are still missing. Overall, Ava affected more than 83,000 people. The cyclone struck the Eastern part of Madagascar the hardest. There, towns flooded and buildings collapsed, crops were destroyed, roads were damaged and communications were knocked down. Heavy rains are expected and spread in Regions Atsinanana, Analanjirofo, Alaotra Mangoro and Vatovavy Fitovinany. In March 2017, tropical cyclone Enawo slammed into the northeast of the country, killing at least 80 people displacing almost a quarter of a million. Enawo was the strongest cyclone to hit Madagascar in 13 years with winds of 230kph, the equivalent of a category 4 hurricane. In collaboration with relevant stakeholders, the ACT forum in Madagascar has identified a gap in safe shelter, food, non-food items, wash kits and protection and has resolved that if funded, it will have the capacity to properly bridge the identified gap. The ACT forum is planning on submitting a funding proposal to provide food, non-food items and wash kits to ensure that the cyclone affected persons’ basic needs are met with regards to wash, health and livelihoods. Alerts_Madagascar_ Ava Cyclone Emergency
It has been seven years and the conflict in Syria continues — devastating, displacing, and destroying lives and forcing millions to flee from their homes. Despite the generous response and support that has been provided by host countries, international and national NGO’S, faith-based organizations, and many others, most Syrian displaced and refugee families remain vulnerable. Refugees and displaced Syrian families live below the poverty line, struggle to meet basic needs, have limited access to legal/social protection and income- generating opportunities. This not only impacts their basic survival but also their ability to cope, to heal and re-build their lives with dignity. Ongoing violence in many parts of Syria continues to lead to large-scale displacement. While no large influxes of Syrian refugees across borders have been witnessed, an additional 570,000 Syrian refugees across the region have been registered in 2017 increasing the number of registered refugees from 4.8 million to 5.3 million (3RP- Regional Overview 2018-2019). The critical response for the refugee situation continues to fall primarily on the neighbouring countries in the region- mainly- Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey–that host the largest numbers of registered refugees per capita in the world. In Lebanon, one in five people is a refugee, while one in 15 is a refugee in Jordan, further exacerbating the already vulnerable and fragile context of the host community population. In Syria, economic contraction has left the population bereft and destitute. The destruction and disrepair of key social and civilian infrastructure marks the unravelling of essential public services, negatively impacting every aspect of daily life. The ability of the Syrian people to cope with the effects of the conflict is nearly exhausted. A multifaceted range of interventions, from emergency aid to humanitarian aid to longer-term assistance is still needed for those affected by the humanitarian crisis. Nearly half of those affected by the crisis are children and adolescents who are deprived of basic needs such as protection and education. The Internal Displaced Persons (IDPs) and Syrian refugee populations are in critical need of access to the most essential basic services and to an income that allows them to meet their basic needs. It is essential that the response continues to offer humanitarian assistance to ensure IDPs in Syria and refugees in Jordan and Lebanon to receive the support that they desperately need. Call-4-Action SYRIA JSL_18 12 2017_issued As part of the revision of the ACT Alliance Humanitarian Response Mechanism, a “Call for Action” is essentially the same as an “Alert”, but it applies to Complex emergencies only (category 3 in the ACT Revised Humanitarian Mechanism). For further information on the Revised Humanitarian Response Mechanism, please refer to its online toolkit: https://actlearn.org/course/view.php?id=236
The current crisis in Iraq has begun in June 2014, when militants of the Islamic State (ISIS) seized control of over one third of Iraq’s territory within a few weeks. With the help of international forces, Iraqi Security Forces, the Kurdish Peshmerga and various armed groups, engaged in the fight against ISIS. After several successful offensives against the ISIS-held territories, the government of Iraq declared the end of war against ISIS on 9 December 2017. The victory was expected to further motivate internally displaced people (IDPs) to return to their places of origin, as well as halt any new large-scale displacements. However, a referendum held on Kurdish independence on 25 September 2017 has triggered conflict between the government of Iraq and the Kurdish regional government. Although the new system of territorial control seems to have stabilized, economic effects of the ongoing political dispute are likely to negatively affect vulnerable populations. Call-4-Action IRAQ_final document_13 12 2017 As part of the revision of the ACT Alliance Humanitarian Response Mechanism, a “Call for Action” is essentially the same as an “Alert”, but it applies to Complex emergencies only (category 3 in the ACT Revised Humanitarian Mechanism). For further information on the Revised Humanitarian Response Mechanism, please refer to its online toolkit: https://actlearn.org/course/view.php?id=236
In the evening of Sunday 12 November 2017, the North-east of Iraq experienced an earthquake in the magnitude of approximately 7.2 – 7.5, according to European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC). The epicentre of this earthquake is located 32 kilometres from the city of Halabja. According to the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System (GDACS), approximately 1,840,000 people live within 100km of the epicentre of this earthquake in both Iraq and Iran. Local experts and seismologists in the area see potential occurrence of such shock in the future as the area has entered into a new level of intensity, and therefore it is likely that future earthquakes will be of a same or higher magnitude. Alerts Iraq Earthquake
On 23 October 2017, the Permanent Contingency Commission (COPECO) declared a green alert in five of the country’s departments: Cortés, Yoro, Atlántida, Islas de La Bahía and Colón; the alert was declared in response to the arrival of the first cold front of the season, which brought heavy rains and prompted COPECO to raise the alert level for the departments of Islas de la Bahía, Cortés, Atlántida and Colón at 5:00 pm on 24 October. That same day, the government declared a state of emergency due to the presence of the weather system in the departments of Cortés, Atlántida, Yoro, Colón, Islas de la Bahía and Gracias a Dios. The weather system brought heavy rainfall, which caused rivers and gorges to flood. As of 29 October 2017, a red alert was in effect for the departments Gracias a Dios, Yoro, Islas de la Bahía, Cortés, Atlántida and Colón, while a yellow alert was in place for departments Olancho, Santa Bárbara and Francisco Morazán and a green alert for the departments of Copán, Comayagua, La Paz, Valle, Choluteca, Lempira, Ocotepeque, Intibucá and El Paraíso. According to official data provided by COPECO, the flooding has had the following impact on Honduras: • 10,564 affected households • 50,770 affected persons • 4876 evacuated households (24,691 persons) • 25 persons rescued • 1799 households in temporary shelters (9351 persons) • 5012 damaged houses • 13 totally destroyed houses. Additionally, Tropical Depression Selma formed in the Pacific at the same time as a tropical disturbance in the Atlantic according to COPECO’s National Centre of Atmospheric, Oceanographic and Seismic Studies, producing moderate to strong rains, especially in the country’s south central and western parts. Given the level of damages, the ACT Forum from Honduras through its local member CASM (Mennonite Commission for Social Action) is planning on submitting a funding proposal to provide Food aid to affected households in the Department of Cortes, Honduras. Alerts_Honduras_Floods
On the morning of Friday the 3 November 2017, the state of Chennai, Tamil Nadu in India, was severely affected by a low pressure area that had formed over Sri Lanka and South West Bay of Bengal bringing heavy and incessant rain falls to Chennai and Tamil Nadu. This has exacerbated the flooding caused by rains since Thursday. Fishermen venturing into the sea have been warned and advised not to go into the sea for fishing. North east monsoon is strengthening and officials have predicted more rain and thunder showers to continue for next three days in most places over the northern coast, Southern Tamil Nadu including Chennai city. The southern district of coastal Tamil Nadu have recorded heavier showers in last 24 hours. According to local authorities five people are recorded to have died due to heavy rain related incidents. Two eight year old girls were electrocuted while playing outside their home in Kodungaiur as the electricity lines fell into the water. The floods have put the district 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 shelter and non food items. The rains and the flooding has meant that people have lost their livelihoods and dependent on external support. There is need for sufficient food, safe shelter and basic non-food items. The dire situation is further compounded for the flood affected people with vulnerabilities especially for those people discriminated because of caste. The government has initiated 115 relief distribution centers which is not enough to reach to all the slums areas in Chennai city and remote villages. There is a pressing necessity to provide immediate assistance. Alerts_11_2017_India_Chennai
Tropical storm “Nate” formed on Thursday the 5th of October in the Caribbean off the coast of Nicaragua. The storm caused heavy rains and landslides throughout several countries in Central America. As of October 6th, the number of casualties rose to 28 and with 14 people reportedly missing. National Civil Protection systems were triggered and are responding with local coordination mechanisms. Tropical storm Nate will continue its trajectory towards the north-eastern coast of the Yucatan peninsula on the evening of October 6th as it makes its way to the US Gulf Coast, where it is projected to make landfall as a hurricane. According to data provided by the National Civil Protection Systems, the damage reported is as follow:
In Costa Rica, landslides caused significant damage to roads and villages, cutting off some areas. A highway that connects the south of the country was washed away in Casa Mata. At least 5,000 residents fled to emergency shelters there, according to The Associated Press. The Costa Rican government declared a state of emergency, and President Luis Guillermo Solís appealed to the international community for support.
Given the level of damages so far, the Costa Rica Forum through its local member ILCO (Lutheran Church in Costa Rica) is planning on submitting a funding proposal to provide Food aid, non-Food Items, WASH, Psychosocial Support. The Nicaragua Forum is assessing the situation in order to decide if they are going to respond.
Alerts_Central_America_Tropical_Storm_NateIn the evening of Friday the 22 September 2017, the district of Karangasem where Mt. Agung in Bali Island situated, was declared on its highest alert (red alert), followed by the instruction to exclusion zone of 9 to 12 kilometres from the summit. National and provincial authorities reported the significant increase of volcanic activity and by 23 September 2017 the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) deployed initial team to assess and set up the command post. ACT Alliance members (ICCO, LWR and YEU) work in areas affected by the volcanic eruption, and is assessing the impact of the disaster to better understand the needs and vulnerabilities, ACT Alliance is now monitoring the situation and emergency teams are ready/preparing to respond according to the results of a contextual analysis and rapid needs assessment. Alerts Indonesia Volcanic Eruption
In Liberia, since the beginning of this year, there have been constant storms and floods resulting in damage and losses around the country. On Tuesday, August 31, it was reported on the National Radio Station, ELBC Super Morning Show that a heavy storm had occurred in Bong County (Central Liberia) which caused the destruction of houses thereby leading to the displacement of hundreds of local community dwellers. There are presently 5,244 people who are affected and 118 structures destroyed in Suakoko Town. Many of them are without shelters, according to reports received from the National Disaster Committee based Gbarnga, Bong County. Other impacts of the storm and floods include the destruction of schools buildings, offices, sign boards, etc. The rainy season is at its peak in Liberia, more flooding and storms are expected. Alerts_Liberia_Floods and Storms
On the morning of Friday the 25 August 2017, the state of Rakhine in Myanmar, conflict broke out disproportionately affecting the minority Rohingya community as a result of operations of the Myanmar military and other non state actors in response to attacks on three border posts on the border of Myanmar and Bangladesh allegedly by a group of Islamic militants leading to the death of nine policemen. The extent and degree of implications and sufferings of people fleeing the ongoing violence still remains uncertain. Though incidents of violence against the Rohingya community are being constantly reported by the media and other sources, the Myanmar government officially have denied such events. To date, estimations based on consolidated field reports of the agencies working in Cox’s Bazar are that 370,000 people are estimated to have crossed the border into Bangladesh seeking refuge from the violence of Myanmar military and local Rakhine communities. Alerts_Bangladesh_Rohingya Refugee Crisis
During the night of Friday, 25 August 2017, the state of Rakhine in Myanmar, was attacked by armed groups. The Arakhine Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) claimed responsibility for the attacks in three northern townships of Rakhine. The Government has officially declared ARSA a terrorist organization which gives the state authorities wide powers of arrest and detention of those suspected of belonging to ARSA. Military operations ensued immediately and have continue to-date in townships of Maungdaw, Buthidaung and Rathedaung which have been declared Military Operations areas. The UN and INGOs and the diplomatic missions have all made statements condemning the violent attacks and expressing sympathy for all those affected by the violence. According to the latest displacement figures, 300,000 conflict affected people have fled to Bangladesh. ACT Alliance has been working in Rakhine since LWF started humanitarian work in 2012. Christian Aid is also working in the Rakhine state through local organizations. Both are now planning to help people affected by the conflict. The ACT Myanmar forum has identified a gap in humanitarian aid and has resolved that if funded, it will have the capacity to properly bridge the identified gap. Alerts_09_2017_Rakhine Conflict Myanmar
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
