El Salvador is facing a severe meteorological and agricultural drought, exacerbated by the El Niño phenomenon, affecting rural communities, particularly in the country’s Dry Corridor. In August 2026, rainfall was 57% below the historical average, resulting in significant agricultural losses, reduced water availability and deteriorating food security. Following a Red Alert issued on 25 August, the government declared a six-month State of National Emergency on 7 October 2026.

A needs assessment conducted by ACT Forum El Salvador across 44 communities identified substantial crop losses, declining household incomes and increasingly negative coping strategies. Among respondents reporting agricultural losses, 55% had lost their entire harvest, while 77.5% reported severe impacts on their ability to obtain food or income.

ACT Alliance members Asociación Cristiana de Educación y Desarrollo (ALFALIT) and the Salvadoran Lutheran Synod (SLS) intend to mobilise a locally led response through the Rapid Response Fund (RRF), targeting approximately 800 families (3,200 people) in affected communities. The proposed intervention will combine multipurpose cash assistance, hygiene and personal care kits, community-based psychosocial support and gender-based violence prevention activities.

ACT El Salvador Drought Alert_English 13_Oct_2026

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El Salvador enfrenta una grave sequía meteorológica y agrícola, agravada por el fenómeno de El Niño, que afecta a las comunidades rurales, especialmente en el Corredor Seco del país. En agosto de 2026, las precipitaciones fueron un 57 % inferiores al promedio histórico, provocando importantes pérdidas agrícolas, una menor disponibilidad de agua y un deterioro de la seguridad alimentaria. Tras la declaración de Alerta Roja el 25 de agosto, el Gobierno declaró un Estado de Emergencia Nacional por seis meses el 7 de octubre de 2026.

Una evaluación de necesidades realizada por el Foro ACT El Salvador en 44 comunidades identificó pérdidas significativas de cultivos, reducción de los ingresos familiares y un creciente recurso a estrategias de afrontamiento negativas. Entre las personas encuestadas que reportaron pérdidas agrícolas, el 55 % había perdido la totalidad de sus cosechas, mientras que el 77,5 % señaló graves afectaciones en su capacidad para obtener alimentos o ingresos.

Las organizaciones miembros de la Alianza ACT, Asociación Cristiana de Educación y Desarrollo (ALFALIT) y el Sínodo Luterano Salvadoreño (SLS), tienen la intención de movilizar una respuesta humanitaria liderada localmente a través del Fondo de Respuesta Rápida (RRF), dirigida a aproximadamente 800 familias (3.200 personas) en las comunidades afectadas. La intervención propuesta combinará transferencias monetarias multipropósito, kits de higiene y cuidado personal, apoyo psicosocial comunitario y actividades de prevención de la violencia basada en género.

Alerta-El Niño-Foro El Salvador 13 octubre 26

Severe flooding following days of torrential rainfall has affected Port Harcourt and surrounding areas of Rivers State, Nigeria, since 27 September 2026. Homes, schools, businesses and roads have been submerged, with hundreds of families displaced and thousands of residents affected across Obio/Akpor, Ikwerre, Etche, Oyigbo and Eleme Local Government Areas. Some displaced people are reportedly sheltering in vehicles, schools, churches and under bridges and flyovers. Floodwaters mixed with refuse and sewage are also raising concerns about the risk of disease outbreaks.

The Christian Council of Nigeria, through its Rivers State Chapter and local member-church structures, is in contact with affected communities and is preparing a response. Priority needs include food and non-food items, clean water, sanitation and hygiene, shelter, healthcare, psychosocial support and livelihood assistance. ACT Nigeria Forum, through CCN, is considering a Rapid Response Fund response to assist 500 flood-affected households in Obio/Akpor, Ikwerre and Eleme through NFIs, hygiene and sanitation support, psychosocial assistance and conditional cash for food and livelihood recovery.

Rivers State Nigeria Flood Disaster Humanitarian Emergency3rd October 2026

Widespread flooding and water accumulation occurred across multiple regions of Thailand, driven by continuous heavy rainfall and cumulative precipitation, as well as northern runoff flowing down into the Central region and other areas. Combined with the influence of monsoon troughs and low-pressure cells, this led to flash floods, overflowing rivers in low-lying areas and riverside communities, as well as severe water accumulation on main roads, streets, and alleys across Bangkok and its vicinity.

According to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) report as of September 27, 2026, ongoing floods affected 25 provinces and all 50 districts of Bangkok, impacting over 226,000 households in total and resulting in 8 deaths across Sa Kaeo, Chanthaburi, and Saraburi provinces.

Heavily affected provinces include Samut Prakan (recording the highest number of affected households at 124,678), Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya (13,971 households with water levels still rising), and Bangkok (over 52,000 affected households).

There is no comprehensive national humanitarian needs assessment for the current flooding but as per the initial information from the communities there is a high need of Clean drinking water, food items, hygiene items and cleaning equipment.

The Church of Christ in Thailand (CCT), through its Social Development and Service Unit (SDSU), closely monitored the situation and gathered local data starting September 24, 2026. Coordination was established with the area of CCT District 6, which covers provinces in the Central region. Staff members and volunteers, in collaboration with the Bangkok Community Help Foundation, distributed rice and dry food supplies to disaster-affected communities in the Lat Krabang community, while the Khlong Toey Mission Center provided assistance to the Prawet community, starting from September 25 onwards.

ACT Alert – Floods in Thailand 2026

Heavy rainfall since September 10th has caused rivers to overflow in the Ribeira Valley in São Paulo, Brazil, with flooding reported from September 13th in the municipality of Eldorado. Several Quilombola communities have been affected, with homes flooded, roads disrupted and some communities isolated, limiting movement, communication and access to essential services. An estimated 200 families, around 800 people, have been directly affected, while as many as 500 families, approximately 2,000 people, may be affected directly or indirectly. São Pedro is currently reported to be in the most critical situation, with the community completely isolated and facing communication difficulties and possible power cuts.

The ACT Brazil Forum is following the situation, with ACT member KOINONIA leading the response in south-eastern Brazil in collaboration with the Movement of People Affected by Dams (MAB). The Forum is considering a Rapid Response Fund response focused on supporting isolated and displaced families through coordination and monitoring, Community-Based Psychosocial Support, cash assistance, transport and relocation support, and advocacy with authorities on flood-control measures and early warning for downstream Quilombola communities.

Alert – Ribeira Valley Flood São Paulo Brazil

The ongoing conflict in Gaza since October 2023 has resulted in the displacement of Palestinians into Egypt, including wounded people, women, children, elderly. North Sinai remains a primary area of humanitarian response, with approximately 350 displaced Palestinian families currently seeking shelter in Al-Arish and Bir al-Abd. 

The humanitarian situation is further compounded by depleted household savings, loss of income, overcrowded communal accommodation, and limited access to essential services. 

Approximately 350 displaced Palestinian families are currently monitored in North Sinai. Displaced families have experienced depletion of household savings and a reduced ability to meet their basic needs. People living with chronic illnesses face interrupted access to essential medication and medical care, while families report having to make difficult choices between purchasing food and accessing treatment. Overcrowded communal accommodation has further increased protection and privacy risks, particularly for women and girls. Food insecurity is also significant, with families unable to consistently afford adequate food to meet their needs. 

ACT Alert North Sinai- Egypt – September 2026 (1)

Odisha is experiencing a severe monsoon-related flood emergency in 2026, with repeated episodes of heavy to very heavy rainfall, riverine flooding and inundation affecting communities across several districts. The emergency has been particularly acute in northern and coastal Odisha, including Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar and Kendrapara districts. The situation has been compounded by rainfall in upstream catchments and increased river discharge, resulting in the overflow of major rivers systems including the Brahmani, Baitarani, Subarnarekha and Budhabalanga. The flooding is primarily associated with intense and persistent monsoon rainfall, low-pressure systems over the Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas, heavy rainfall in upstream catchments, and subsequent rises in river levels and reservoir/barrage releases. In Balasore, the Subarnarekha River has repeatedly risen above its danger level, causing extensive inundation of low-lying villages and disruption of roads and other essential infrastructure.

There ae 6 deaths reported due to collapse of house wall. 1,426 houses have been damaged due to high floods this year. 489,000 livestock affected while 234,000 poultry birds also affected which is also the source of livelihood for many poor and vulnerable people those are affected by floods. In Bhadrak: 1,27,807, Jajpur: 1,78,636, Khordha: 25,641., Kendrapara: 47,631.

The state governments of Odisha is responding with their capacity. However, there are some gaps identified are; Relief distribution is inconsistent across locations due to the submerge of areas, many families still lack adequate dry ration and shelter materials not reaching by the government, dry ration is not sufficient to the affected families, livelihood recovery remains a major concern, cattle feed is a major challenge as all the grazing land stagnant with the flood water, water purification table shortage by the concern department, etc.

ACT Alert_Floods in Odisha State, India

The Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) has intensified over the Philippines, bringing persistent heavy rainfall over western and northern Luzon, Metro Manila, some parts of CALABARZON (combined provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon), and MIMAROPA (combined provinces of Mindoro island, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan) for the past four weeks. By August 30, the Office of Civil Defense reported 429 areas in Metro Manila, CALABARZON, Ilocos Region, and Central Luzon that were flooded by the heavy rains. The Mines and Geosciences Bureau, meanwhile, issued alerts for landslide occurrences in 3,786 villages.

A total 117 local government units have declared a state of calamity, unlocking emergency funds, triggering price freezes, and speeds up relief delivery efforts. This includes province-wide declarations in Benguet, Bataan, Bulacan, Pampanga, Zambales, Pangasinan and Cavite. The emergency has already displaced 83,580 people across the country.

Among the regions, Central Luzon recorded the highest death toll with 16, including nine indigenous Ayta people; followed by the Cordillera Administrative Region which recorded the highest death toll with 15, all from landslides. Four were recorded in Rizal province of Calabarzon due to rock slides.

While local resilience efforts through vigilance in flood mitigation projects, government aid, and civil society mutual aid initiatives helped communities get by at the beginning of the rainy season; local capacities were later on overwhelmed by the incessant rains, month-long floodings, and cumulative impacts and damages.

The government reported P1.74 billion worth of aid provided to affected families by OCD, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), local government units, and other partners. Pre-emptive evacuation by local government units were employed. Search and rescue efforts in different municipalities and provinces have been responsive.

An initial assessment conducted by local ecumenical formations identified the following priority needs: a) Food assistance and access to safe drinking water; b) Essential non-food items, including hygiene kits and cleaning materials; c) Psychosocial support and protection services, particularly for women and children; d) Economic support for income and livelihood losses

ACT Alliance member, the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP) is on the ground and extending its response efforts to areas affected by floods.

ACT Alert – Philippines Central Luzon floods

On 26 August 2026, a devastating and sudden-onset flash flood occurred in the Bhote Koshi River, following a powerful surge of water, sediment, ice, rocks, and debris from the upstream Himalayan catchment in Tibet/China, reportedly associated with a major ice-and-rock avalanche/landslide. The flood rapidly travelled downstream through the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli river systems, severely affecting communities in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Gorkha and Dhading, including settlements, market places and travellers in and around the Rasuwa–Gosaikunda area, while posing continuing risks to downstream communities towards Gorkha, Chitwan, Nawalparasi and along the Trishuli and Narayani corridor.

As of the latest NDRRMA update-5, 165 bodies have been recovered, 73 injured people are receiving treatment, and 823 people are reported missing. Among those missing are 44 Nepal Army personnel, 13 Armed Police Force personnel and 28 Nepal Police personnel who were working in the affected areas. According to the Nepal Tourism Board, 579 people, including 466 foreign tourists and 113 Nepali tourists, who had travelled to Gosaikunda and surrounding areas remain out of contact. The Government has mobilized 7,415 security personnel for search and rescue, and 239 people have so far been rescued by helicopter operations. These figures remain preliminary, and the full scale of casualties, displacement and losses is yet to be established as access to affected areas improves.

The Government, security forces, local authorities, Nepal Red Cross, UN agencies and humanitarian partners are leading the initial response, but the scale of the disaster and access constraints are likely to exceed available local capacity. Significant gaps remain in reaching remote communities and in reliable information on affected and displaced populations, sectoral needs, infrastructure damage and vulnerable groups.

For ACT Alliance Nepal Forum, the immediate priority is to ensure rapid, coordinated needs assessment and targeted support to underserved communities, particularly in emergency shelter/NFIs, WASH, food, health, education, protection and early recovery, while avoiding duplication with the Government-led response.

ACT Alert_Nepal_Bhotekoshi Flash Flood

Following the 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck Colombia on 10 August, ACT Alliance members are preparing a coordinated humanitarian response to support affected communities, with particular attention to Chocó and other heavily impacted areas, including Caldas, Risaralda and Valle del Cauca. According to information available as of August  14th, at least 284 people have died, more than 3,977 have been injured and approximately 360,000 people have been affected nationwide. Thousands of homes and public buildings have been destroyed or damaged, while continued aftershocks, landslides and disruptions to roads and communications are compounding humanitarian needs, particularly in rural, riverine and hard-to-reach communities. Indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities are among those facing heightened vulnerabilities.

Through the ACT Colombia Forum, HEKS/EPER and the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) are preparing a comprehensive response addressing urgent and evolving needs in WASH, emergency shelter and household items, food security,protection, mental health and psychosocial support, livelihoods and early recovery, alongside support for the rehabilitation of critical community infrastructure and essential services. The response will prioritize vulnerable households and communities that are difficult to reach through conventional humanitarian channels, while working closely with local organisations, faith-based partners, authorities and affected communities. As immediate life-saving needs are addressed, the response is expected pto progressively support safer housing, restoration of livelihoods, rehabilitation of community infrastructure and community-led recovery and resilience.

ACT-Alert Earthquake_Colombia