El Salvador is facing a humanitarian emergency caused by prolonged drought conditions associated with the El Niño phenomenon. A 57% rainfall deficit recorded in August 2026 has severely affected agricultural production, livelihoods and food security, particularly among rural households dependent on subsistence farming and agricultural labour. Crop losses, declining incomes and difficulties accessing essential goods have increased the vulnerability of affected communities.

ACT Alliance has approved USD 149,998 from its Rapid Response Fund to support a three-month humanitarian response (October 2026 – January 2027) implemented by the Asociación Cristiana de Educación y Desarrollo (ALFALIT) and the Sínodo Luterano Salvadoreño (SLS), members of the ACT El Salvador Forum.

The response will support 738 households (3,035 people) across six departments: Santa Ana, Chalatenango, La Paz, San Miguel, Morazán and Usulután. The project will provide one-off multipurpose cash assistance to help families meet essential needs, including food, healthcare, water and hygiene. This will be complemented by community-based psychosocial support activities and gender-based violence prevention sessions to strengthen emotional well-being, coping capacities and community protection mechanisms.

The response will prioritise the most vulnerable households while promoting community participation, protection and accountability to affected populations.

—español—

El Salvador enfrenta una emergencia humanitaria provocada por las condiciones de sequía prolongada asociadas al fenómeno de El Niño. El déficit de precipitaciones del 57 % registrado en agosto de 2026 ha afectado gravemente la producción agrícola, los medios de vida y la seguridad alimentaria, especialmente de las familias rurales que dependen de la agricultura de subsistencia y del trabajo agrícola. La pérdida de cosechas, la reducción de ingresos y las dificultades para acceder a bienes esenciales han incrementado la vulnerabilidad de las comunidades afectadas.

ACT Alliance ha aprobado 149.998 USD a través de su Fondo de Respuesta Rápida (RRF) para apoyar una respuesta humanitaria de tres meses (octubre de 2026 – enero de 2027), implementada por la Asociación Cristiana de Educación y Desarrollo (ALFALIT) y el Sínodo Luterano Salvadoreño (SLS), organizaciones miembros del Foro ACT El Salvador.

La respuesta beneficiará a 738 familias (3.035 personas) en seis departamentos: Santa Ana, Chalatenango, La Paz, San Miguel, Morazán y Usulután. El proyecto proporcionará transferencias monetarias multipropósito por una sola vez para ayudar a las familias a cubrir sus necesidades esenciales, incluidas la alimentación, la atención médica, el agua y la higiene. Esta asistencia se complementará con actividades comunitarias de apoyo psicosocial y jornadas de prevención de la violencia basada en género, con el fin de fortalecer el bienestar emocional, las capacidades de afrontamiento y los mecanismos comunitarios de protección.

La respuesta dará prioridad a los hogares en situación de mayor vulnerabilidad, promoviendo al mismo tiempo la participación comunitaria, la protección y la rendición de cuentas ante las poblaciones afectadas.

RRF 30 2026 El salvador drought

Heavy rainfall  caused severe flooding in Rivers State, Nigeria, particularly in Obio/Akpor and Oyigbo Local Government Areas (LGAs). The floods submerged homes, damaged infrastructure, disrupted livelihoods and displaced families, leaving many households struggling to access food, safe water and essential services. Women, children, older people, persons with disabilities and economically vulnerable households have been particularly affected.

Through the ACT Alliance Rapid Response Fund, the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) plans to implement a three-month emergency response targeting 250 vulnerable households (approximately 1,500 people) in the affected communities, with a budget of USD 50,000.

The response will combine unconditional cash transfers to help families meet their most urgent needs with the distribution of essential household and WASH items, hygiene promotion and safe water practices. Mental health and psychosocial support will also be provided to 250 affected individuals to address distress associated with displacement and loss of livelihoods. The response will prioritise households with unmet needs, particularly those not covered by existing government or humanitarian assistance, while promoting community participation, accountability and protection throughout implementation.

ACT RRF 29 2026 – Nigeria floods in Rivers State

In response to the recent floods in Thailand, the ACT Alliance Rapid Response Fund (RRF) Review Panel and Management have approved USD 50,000 in immediate assistance to support communities affected by the flooding.

The response will focus on meeting critical immediate needs, including the provision of safe drinking water, food assistance, and hygiene kits to affected households. The project will be implemented by ACT Alliance member the Church of Christ in Thailand (CCT), through its Social Development and Service Unit (SDSU), leveraging its local presence and community networks to reach affected communities with timely assistance.

A devastating fire in Bukavu, South Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, spread rapidly through densely populated residential neighbourhoods, engulfing two primary schools and destroying hundreds of homes. The tragedy claimed the lives of at least 27 children, injured many others and left numerous families displaced, having lost their homes and essential belongings. The destruction of the two schools has also disrupted education for hundreds of children, further aggravating the humanitarian situation in an area already affected by conflict, insecurity and displacement.

Through its Rapid Response Fund (RRF), ACT Alliance has approved USD 60,000 to support a three-month emergency response implemented by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Congo (EELCo), from October to December 2026. The intervention will provide 300 vulnerable households (approximately 1,800 people) affected by the fire with essential non-food items, including blankets, sleeping mats, kitchen sets, water containers and hygiene supplies. Additionally, 100 affected children will receive psychosocial support through counselling and recreational activities, accompanied by specialised facilitators and their teachers, to help them cope with trauma and loss. The response will be implemented in coordination with local communities and humanitarian actors, prioritising the most vulnerable families and ensuring safe access to assistance.

(en français)

Un incendie dévastateur à Bukavu, dans la province du Sud-Kivu, en République démocratique du Congo, s’est rapidement propagé dans des quartiers résidentiels densément peuplés, ravageant deux écoles primaires et détruisant des centaines d’habitations. Cette tragédie a coûté la vie à au moins 27 enfants, fait de nombreux blessés et contraint de nombreuses familles à quitter leur domicile, après avoir perdu leur logement et leurs biens essentiels. La destruction des deux écoles a également interrompu la scolarité de centaines d’enfants, aggravant davantage la situation humanitaire dans une région déjà touchée par les conflits, l’insécurité et les déplacements de population.

À travers son Fonds de Réponse Rapide (RRF), ACT Alliance a approuvé un financement de 60 000 USD pour soutenir une intervention d’urgence de trois mois, mise en œuvre par l’Église évangélique luthérienne au Congo (EELCo), d’octobre à décembre 2026. Cette intervention permettra de fournir à 300 ménages vulnérables (environ 1 800 personnes) touchés par l’incendie des articles non alimentaires essentiels, notamment des couvertures, des nattes de couchage, des ustensiles de cuisine, des récipients pour l’eau et des articles d’hygiène. Par ailleurs, 100 enfants affectés bénéficieront d’un accompagnement psychosocial comprenant des séances de soutien psychologique et des activités récréatives, avec l’appui d’intervenants spécialisés et de leurs enseignants, afin de les aider à surmonter les traumatismes et les pertes subies. La réponse sera mise en œuvre en coordination avec les communautés locales et les acteurs humanitaires, en donnant la priorité aux familles les plus vulnérables et en veillant à garantir un accès sécurisé à l’aide.

RRF 27 2026 – DRC – School Fire

ACT Forums and members have revised Appeal CEA261, expanding the scope of the response beyond the ongoing Ebola outbreak to address the wider humanitarian consequences of conflict and displacement in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighbouring countries.

The escalation of conflict in eastern DRC has resulted in large-scale displacement, loss of livelihoods and growing humanitarian needs, while also creating additional challenges for Ebola prevention and response. Population movements, insecurity and restricted humanitarian access are increasing pressure on already vulnerable communities and services. The revised appeal therefore recognises the interconnected nature of the crises and brings together responses to Ebola, conflict and displacement within one coordinated regional effort.

While Ebola prevention, preparedness, risk communication, community engagement and support to health systems will continue, the revised appeal significantly expands assistance to conflict-affected populations, refugees, internally displaced people, returnees and host communities in DRC, Uganda, Burundi and Tanzania. ACT members will provide support across food security and livelihoods, WASH, shelter and essential household items, protection and psychosocial support, education, GBV prevention and response, and initiatives promoting social cohesion and peaceful coexistence.

Through the revised CEA261, ACT Forums and  members across the four countries aim to provide a coordinated response to the immediate needs of communities affected by these overlapping crises, while strengthening resilience, protection and preparedness.

The revised appeal has a total budget of USD 5,026,905 and covers a 12-month response period, from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027.

CEA 261 Ebola DRC Conflict & Displacement revised

Heavy rainfall and the controlled opening of the Capivari dam caused severe flooding across the Ribeira Valley in São Paulo, Brazil, affecting around 582 Quilombola families in six communities in the municipality of Eldorado. Flooded roads have left communities isolated, homes have been inundated and agricultural production, an essential source of food and income, has been heavily damaged. Access to markets, health services and other essential services has also been disrupted. In response, ACT Alliance has approved USD 62,502 from its Rapid Response Fund to support an emergency response led by KOINONIA – Ecumenical Presence and Service.

The three-month response will prioritise 200 of the most affected families, reaching approximately 800 people across the six Quilombola communities. Assistance will include cash support delivered to women heading affected households, access to safe water and essential hygiene items, support for clearing roads and homes, community-based psychosocial support and advocacy related to the management of the Capivari dam. The response will be implemented in close coordination with community leaders and volunteers from the Movement of People Affected by Dams (MAB), with affected communities directly involved in identifying priorities, providing feedback and guiding implementation.

RRF 26 2026 Ribeira Valley floods, Brazil

On 10 August 2026, a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia, with its epicenter in San José del Palmar, Chocó. As of 19 August, the national balance stands at 319 deaths, 260 missing, and 4,506 injured, with 153,336 families and an estimated 974,765 people affected across 476 municipalities in 15 departments. Damage includes 163,492 damaged and 31,461 destroyed homes, 302 collapsed buildings, and significant impact on health facilities, schools, community infrastructure, and roads nationwide. The Government of Colombia has declared a National Disaster Emergency in response to the scale of the impact.

Chocó is among the country’s most vulnerable departments, with high levels of poverty, prolonged exposure to armed conflict and displacement, recurrent natural disasters, and limited state presence and response capacity, particularly in rural areas. The earthquake is therefore compounding significant pre-existing humanitarian needs.

ACT Colombia Forum members LWF and HEKS/EPER along with their partners are working hard to provide lifesaving emergency support. Members will respond with an appeal of 2,500,000 USD to support those most in need.

COL261 Appeal Narrative

COL261 Appeal Narrative COL261 Results-Framework

In response to the recent flash flood emergency in Nepal, ACT Alliance Forum members, including DCA, FCA, INF, and LWF, have developed a joint appeal to address the urgent and medium-term needs of affected communities.

The joint appeal focuses on critical humanitarian interventions, including Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Health, Education, Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), and the distribution of Non-Food Items (NFIs). The proposed response will support affected populations over a 12-month implementation period, with an estimated budget of approximately USD 3.6 million.

The response aims to provide timely life-saving assistance while also strengthening the resilience and preparedness of vulnerable communities to future disasters.

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 3 September 2026, the latest reports indicate that the 26 August 2026 Nepal flash-flood/glacial-collapse disaster has caused: Deaths: at least 1,252 people in Nepal, Missing: more than 4,200 people, Injured: I’m not seeing a reliable, consolidated current figure for injuries in the latest official/major-source updates, Displaced: around 4,000 people are staying in relief camps. According to UNICEF estimates approximately 65,000 people, including about 22,100 children, across Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha and Tanahun

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.

ACT Appeal NPL261 – Nepal Flood Emergency

In Response to the 7.7 magnitude tectonic earthquake struck the Flores region of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) on Saturday, 15 August 2026, at 5:58 a.m. WITA (Central Indonesian Time), the ACT Alliance Rapid Response Fund approved approximately 148,000 USD for the ACT local members PELKESI and YEU currently operational in the affected areas. The repose will focus on providing Primary health care services, psychol-social support, provision of shelter material and WASH services to the most vulnerable population in Manggarai and East Manggarai Regencies in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Provinces.

The Earthquake affected nine regencies in 3 provinces (NTT, NTB, and South Sulawesi). According to the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), the earthquake’s epicenter was located offshore, approximately 30 km northeast of Mbay, Nagekeo Regency, at a depth of 15 km. Tidal station observations confirmed that the earthquake triggered a tsunami at 16 locations across four provinces: East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), South Sulawesi, and Southeast Sulawesi.

As of 20 August 2026, 4,258 aftershocks ranging from magnitude 1.1 to 6.2 have been recorded across nine regencies in NTT, with aftershocks expected to continue over the next three to four weeks (BMKG.go.id). According to the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), as of 5:00 PM on 20 August, 78 people had died, 953 people were injured, 95,871 people were displaced, and at least 23,750 families were affected. A total of 38,898 houses were damaged, including 14.

According to initial assessment the urgent needs are, Safe and accessible temporary shelters, Emergency medical care and continuity health services due to local health facilities damaged, clean water supplies, water tanks, and water treatment or purification units, Adequate food assistance, Nutrition-sensitive public kitchens tailored for at-risk groups, Protection measures to ensure most at risk groups’ rights are upheld during the disaster.

ACT RRF 24 2026 Flores Earthquake Indonesia