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.
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.
The Philippines is currently facing a catastrophic drought, one of the slow-onset effects of climate change, along with other climate impact drivers such as rising sea levels, increased precipitation, stronger wind patterns, and typhoons. This catastrophic drought is driven by the 2023-24 El Niño, which is, according to the United Nations weather agency, one of the five strongest on record. Climate Change Commission defines Drought as a decrease of 21 to 60 percent in rain occurrences for five consecutive months, or below normal rainfall conditions for three consecutive months. Additionally, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geographical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported on March 25 that 37 provinces have experienced drought conditions (3 consecutive months of way below normal rainfall conditions/more than 60% reduction from rainfall average), 22 provinces with dry spell (3 consecutive months of below normal rainfall condition/21%-60% reduction from rainfall average) and 12 provinces with dry condition (2 consecutive months of below normal rainfall condition). Five (5) provinces declared a state of calamities due to the worst effects of drought in their area, namely Occidental Mindoro (IV-B), Negros Occidental (VI), Sultan Kudarat (XII), and Maguinadanao Del Norte, Maguindanao Del Sur (BARMM). Besides these provinces, 34 local government units also declared a state of calamity. According to the data released by the Philippines Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center (DROMIC), as of 24 April 2024, there were 531,114 families or 2,283,636 persons affected in 3,053 villages in 11 Regions. Food and other livelihood support is the main need of the time. It is expected that the need for food and livelihood support in the affected areas is going to increase. ACT Alliance member National Counsel of Churches in Philippines (NCCP) with the support from RRF mechanism addressing the urgent needs by providing food packs to 2,400 households, distribution of multi-purpose cash assistance to 300 households and Construction of 2 water pumps/deep wells for 2 communities. link to the detailed proposal attached below. NCCP_ACT-RRF-Proposal-El Nino Drought
The Global Rapid Response Fund (GRRF) is an annual funding appeal administered by the ACT Alliance secretariat. The fund prioritises ACT local and national members in line with our localisation commitments and in recognition of the distinct advantage these members have in providing timely, high quality, locally led emergency response interventions. Funds for the RRF are provided by ACT Alliance members and non-members. The total request for funding this year is USD 2,529,167 with a total budget of USD3,250,000, and with last year’s balance carried over of USD 720,833.07. This request will provide assistance in communities impacted by humanitarian crises up to 20 local contexts with a maximum funding ceiling of USD$150,000 per local member. GRRF proposals are assessed based on the ACT Scale up criteria which includes a requirement for requesting members to include a needs assessment and updated EPRP as part of their application for funding. RRF funding projects are normally between a minimum two and maximum six-month duration. Anticipatory action will be piloted this year where an additional allocation of USD 250,000 will be earmarked. GRRF24 Appeal
In Eastern DRC, militia commonly known as wazalendo (patriots), have joined forces with Government military forces (FARDC) to fight rebel groups (including M23) who have terrorized North and South Kivu for nearly two years in the Masisi territory (United Nations Group of Experts on the DRC). The fighting and displacement which was previously taking place and affecting persons within the greater Masisi territory in North Kivu area has now spread to other parts of Eastern DRC including Sake, a town of strategic importance. Heavy fighting between the Congolese army and M23 rebels has escalated between 28th January -12 February 2024 in the territories of Masisi, Rutshuru and Nyiragongo, fueling regional tensions and causing an increase of displacement of 13 percent according to IOM with 1.65 million people currently displaced in North Kivu alone. The escalation of tensions in recent weeks has triggered a continued movement of populations previously living in camps or with host families towards the province of South Kivu in Kalehe territory, in the direction of Goma and surrounding areas (Relief Web) and to Uganda and Tanzania. ACT Members in DRC, Uganda and Tanzania are planning to respond to the affected through a regional appeal. CEA 241 Emergency Response to DRC Conflict. DRC Results Framework
February 2024 marks two years since the Russian invasion in Ukraine. Heavy fighting and attacks continue to impact 3.7 million internally displaced people, with 111,500 people residing in collective sites and 6.5 million refugees seeking safety, mostly across Europe. The Appeal has been revised using updated needs assessments of ACT members (AIDRom, Christian Aid, Church World Service, HEKS/EPER, Hungarian Interchurch Aid and Lutheran World Federation) and findings and recommendations from the external evaluation conducted in December 2023 – January 2024. Based on this revision and the funds received, the new budget requested is 25,612,489 USD. UKR221 Appeal Extension Final UKR221 Results Framework Extension
After nearly 13 years of conflict, Syria remains a complex humanitarian and protection emergency characterized by ongoing hostilities and their long-term consequences, including widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure, economic collapse, explosive ordnance contamination, Covid 19, and one of the largest numbers of internally displaced people in the world. Compounding this situation, an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.8, with at least 1,200 aftershocks have been reported (occurred at Central Turkey near the city of Gaziantep), followed by a second earthquake of 7.5 magnitude on February 6, 2023. Striking communities during winter, these earthquakes left hundreds of thousands of people, including vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly, without access to essential resources like shelter, food, water, heat, and medical care in freezing temperatures. The disaster severely affected at least 15.73 million people in Turkey and Syria, resulting in a tragic loss of over 55,000 lives and nearly 130,000 injuries. The earthquakes led to the displacement of millions from their homes. In Syria, close to 9 million people were impacted, with the most significant damage concentrated in the north-western regions, particularly Aleppo and Idlib. In these areas, more than 7,400 buildings were either completely or partially destroyed, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian situation in the region. As the situation is moving from emergency to recovery, Syria is experiencing further despair either in its political instability or economic downfall, the situation is ever-changing and even more dire. ACT Syria Forum members and HIA are responding together to deliver life-saving and early recovery support to a targeted 1.5 million beneficiaries. This 4th revision is based upon the updated needs assessments of ACT members in the appeal (CA, GOPA-DERD, HEKS/EPER, the LWF, MECC and HIA in Türkiye ). This includes an update of the results framework, budgets and the integration a Survivor & Community Led Response (SCLR) approach by of Christian Aid through their local partners. Based on this revision and funds received, the new budget requested is 3,520,892 USD. SYR231 - Syria Turkey Response Revision 4 Results-Framework SYR231- Revision 4 Links to the previous versions: Syria and Türkiye: Syria Protracted Crisis – Developing the Resilience of Affected People and Emergency Response for Affected Communities of Syria-Türkiye Earthquake – SYR231- Revision 3 – ACT Alliance Syria and Türkiye: Syria Protracted Crisis – Developing the Resilience of Affected People and Emergency Response for Affected Communities – SYR231- Revision 2 | ACT Alliance Syria: Syria Protracted Crisis – Developing the Resilience of Affected People and Emergency Response for Affected Communities of Syria-Türkiye Earthquake- SYR231- Revision 1 | ACT Alliance SYRIA: Syria Protracted Crisis – Developing the Resilience of Affected People – SYR231 | ACT Alliance
On October 3rd 2023, Pakistan's interim government announced the repatriation of "illegal" refugees and migrants, citing security concerns but were later also found to be targeting Afghan Citizen Card holders and even those with Proof of Registration cards. Since then, according to UNHCR, more than 450,000 people have returned to Afghanistan. In Phase one of the government's plan, effective from November 1st, the focus was on "illegal" Afghans—those lacking documentation, possessing fake Pakistani papers, or overstaying visas. The subsequent phases are targeting Afghan Citizen Card holders and even those with Proof of Registration cards, although no specific timeline has been announced. A hotline established by the Interior Ministry has been encouraging reporting, leading to fines for landlords and firms employing Afghans without proper documents which has resulted in local law enforcement harassing Afghans indiscriminately. The enforcement measures have raised international human rights concerns, and the situation is further complicated by the inadequate preparedness of Afghanistan to accommodate many deportees amidst existing crises. From January to December 2023, 49,468 families and 283,029 individuals had returned to Afghanistan. In Nangarhar, 58,241 females (35387 children and 22854 adults) and 63433 males (40388 children and 23045 adults) have returned. Whereas, till January 15th, 2024, 386 families and 1913 individuals have returned to Afghanistan. Based on the initial findings of a Multi-Sectoral Need Assessment (MSNA) survey (please refer to the attached report) conducted by CWSA in Laghman and Nangarhar provinces. Afghan deportees are extremely vulnerable, particularly women and children are at risk of losing their lives in a harsh winter if left without adequate shelter. According to the initial assessment conducted by CWSA, the priority needs are; Emergency shelter (tents, as well as longer-term solutions to withstand winter), Cash assistance, WASH (latrines, potable water and storage containers), Food assistance and protection, Healthcare and medicines, Livelihood, Quality & accountability (Q&A), Education. ACT Alliance member Community World Services Asia (CWSA) with the support from ACT Secretariate RRF mechanism will be supporting around 3000 by providing the multi-purpose cash assistance in the Nangarhar province of Afghanistan. RRF 01 2024 Afghanistan Returnees
On 7 October 2023, Palestinian militant groups launched a major attack on Israel from the Gaza Strip. The attack included rocket barrages and vehicle-transported attacks across the border on Israeli communities and forces. In response, the government of Israel declared a state of emergency and war; The Israeli military retaliated by conducting a counteroffensive and an extensive aerial bombardment campaign on Gaza followed by an invasion. This conflict created a short-term crisis for families from Gaza Strip, as many of the Gazans who were visiting Jordan, families and students, were severely affected and got stuck due to the borders closure into Gaza and were not able to return. Thus, forcing them to stay in Jordan with no source of income and having to cover their own survival needs in Jordan such as paying rent, securing their basic daily needs (food, non-food, medications), and students who are already studying at the Jordanian universities lost all financial support to continue their studies Adding to this, the context created a negative impact on psychological wellbeing of these people who were stuck in Jordan resulting a sense of helplessness, stress, and insecurity. There is no ceasefire in sight and therefore the situation of Gaza families and students is expected to continue at least for three from the time a ceasefire is reached. ACT Jordan Forum member DSPR is planning to support around 1,230 most vulnerable people directly affected by the current conflict with MPCA, shelter and MHPSS. RRF15-2023 Jordan
Kenya and Tanzania are witnessing widespread flooding attributed to the El Nino phenomenon, leading to the loss of lives, livelihoods and causing displacement. According to the Government of Kenya nearly 950,000 people across the country are affected, close to 89,000 households (534,000 people) are displaced and 160 people have lost their lives. According to the latest information from UNOCHA the death toll due to flooding and mudslides in Tanzania has risen to 88 persons, with 139 injured and 5,600 people affected according to the Tanzania government official report on 11th December 2023. Members of ACT Kenya Forum (NCCK, KELC, CWS) and members of ACT Tanzania Forum (ELCT, TCRS, CCT) are planning to response to the floods through a regional appeal. EAR 231 Floods Response Consolidated Results Framework-Kenya Tanzania
Somalia's federal government declared a state of emergency in October 2023 after extreme weather exacerbated by El Nino destroyed homes, roads, and bridges, residential and commercial buildings, health, and school facilities. The El Nino induced rains which began on 4th October 2023, have caused massive flooding, and have resulted in massive flash floods in Somalia’s low lying riverine and coastal areas. The number of people affected by the heavy rains and floods has reached 2.48 million, according to the Somalia Disaster Management Authority (SODMA), with 899,000 displaced according to UNHCR’s Protection & Return Monitoring Network (PRMN) and 118 killed across the country (UNOCHA) ACT Somalia Forum members are planning to respond to the flood response. This intervention will be implemented in a consortium composed of the five ACT Somalia Forum members in Somalia namely FCA, DKH, LWF, NCA, and Diakonia Sweden in five different geographical locations. SOM 231 Emergency Response Early Recovery and Resilience Building for Flood affected Populations of Somalia Final SOM 231 Consolidated Results Framework-ACT Somalia Forum
Since 2019 Lebanon has been experiencing a series of disasters ranging from the beginning of an economic crisis, the outbreak of COVID-19, and the devastating 2020 Beirut Blast. Combined with the political deadlock in the country and the inability to reach a common understanding of how the country should proceed, the economic crisis only worsened to extreme lengths. As a result, the Lebanese currency continued to depreciate while inflation increased. More people fell into poverty and those already classified as vulnerable are now in a much more difficult position, large numbers of people can no longer afford to pay for basic needs. This made them unable to afford healthcare and education as money is very scarce and only covers necessities of food. Assessments among the affected population highlighted the need for food, cash assistance, rehabilitation and psychosocial support. The extension for additional 12 months of the appeal is based upon the needs assessments of ACT members in the appeal DSPR and MECC, and arises from the high humanitarian needs on ground to respond to the current crises in Lebanon as the appeal was underfunded. LEB211 Appeal - Extension
Since October 8, the number of people forcibly displaced in South Lebanon due to conflicts and violence on its borders continues to rise. These internally displaced persons found themselves in precarious situations, in desperate need of assistance and protection; especially those who do not have the means to rent elsewhere. Over 50,000 IDP’s are now scattered in collective shelters, municipalities and some in rental houses or with families. IDPs in collective shelters often lack the basic necessities of life, including food, water, healthcare, and essential supplies. Tyre. As of 21st of November 2023, Lebanon has recorded 55,491 internally displaced persons (IDPs). IDPs have sought safety in 429 locations (villages or neighborhoods) across 355 cadasters throughout Lebanon. Displacement has been observed in 25 out of the 26 districts across all eight governorates. Most of the IDPs (73%) are in five districts out of the total 25 districts hosting IDPs - specifically, Sour, El Nabatieh, Aley, Beirut, and Saida. ACT Lebanon Forum member MECC are planning to support around 5,360 most vulnerable people directly affected by the current conflict MPCA and WASH. RRF14 -2023 Lebanon - Internal displacement
Since the 30th of October, Tropical Storm Pilar (TS Pilar) has caused heavy rains and flash flooding, pouring between 144.5 and 210.0 mm of rain in the first 11 hours of the meteorological phenomenon. It rained the equivalent of the entire month of November. Both the Federation of Agrarian Reform Cooperatives of the Central Region (FECORACEN in Spanish) and the Salvadoran Chamber of Small and Medium Agricultural Producers (CAMPO in Spanish) report that the losses of livelihoods and agricultural production crops amount to up to 75% of beans and 50% of corn, which will imply an increase in the price of products in the basic basket. They estimate the losses amount to $22.2 million, of which $15.2 million correspond to bean crops and $7 million to corn. The National Directorate of Civil Protection registered 334 emergencies attended, among the main ones: 25 landslides, 9 rescues, 15 injured, 3 deaths, 2 missing, 9 damaged vehicles, 135 fallen trees, 15 gullies, 3 houses destroyed, 35 homes flooded, 66 homes affected and 15 buildings destroyed, 19 landslides, 2 rivers overflowed, 1 bridge destroyed and 1 affected, 12 communities without electricity, 2 communities without telephone communication and 90 streets affected. This project seeks to alleviate the humanitarian needs of the population affected by Tropical Storm Pilar, in the sectors of Psychosocial Support, WASH and Food Security (through the delivery of cash transfers/vouchers). It also seeks to strengthen capacities for community resilience for disaster risk reduction. The project will last 4.5 months and will reach 873 families (3,492 people) affected by Tropical Storm Pilar, through the provision of humanitarian services and subsequent actions that were previously consulted at the community level. The SLS and ALFALT will be the direct implementers of the project, with the support of professional staff from LWF El Salvador, Christian AID and CREDHO in terms of coordination, quality programming and monitoring. RRF 13 2023 El Salvador Tropical Storm Pilar
Since April 29, Rio Grande do Sul, in southern Brazil, has experienced heavy rains that flooded 452 municipalities. As of 15 May 2024, these floods have affected more than two million people, where 538,126 displaced with 76,588 in shelters, about 806 have been injured, 149 confirmed deaths, and 108 missing persons (Civil Defense Bulletin of the State of Rio Grande do Sul. Issued on the 15th of May 2024). In Porto Alegre, the Metropolitan Region, and the Vale do Rio Pardo, heavy and constant rains began in early May, prompting public authorities to declare a state of public calamity on 2nd May. The situation worsened on May 13, with a resurgence of rains and rising river levels, leading to the evacuation of many who had returned to their homes. Porto Alegre, with 1.3 million inhabitants, has 157,000 affected people. This flood is the largest in the history of Rio Grande do Sul. By Monday, May 13, rainfall in Porto Alegre reached 341.7 millimeters for the month, exceeding the average May rainfall of 113 millimeters (National Institute of Meteorology Inmet). According to the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFGRS), the main concern at the moment is the further rise in levels due to rainfall and wind effects. All scenarios projected by the Institute of Hydraulic Research (IPH-UFGRS) for the next week indicate a prolonged rise in the Guaíba's water levels, with a subsequent peak expected to exceed 5 meters. The economic impact is significant, characterized by substantial damage to critical infrastructure and disruptions to food and water distribution systems. Over a million households are currently experiencing water shortages, and the isolation of Porto Alegre poses a threat to agriculture, which is vital to the state's economy. Authorities have issued warnings of imminent food shortages and price increase that could have ripple effects across the nation. Please see the infographic of this disaster on https://reliefweb.int/report/brazil/maior-catastrofe-climatica-do-rs-abril-maio-de-2024-pt Communities are devastated. The affected population has lost their homes, belongings, and livelihoods. Among the most affected populations are women from solidarity economic enterprises and their families, the majority of whom are women who already lived communities deeply affected by economic and social inequalities and in high-risk areas. 2,500 informal recyclable waste collectors, including women, lost their livelihood due to the floods in the Metropolitan Region of Porto Alegre and the Vale do Rio dos Sinos. Many of them had their homes, which are also their workspaces, completely flooded and left in a hurry, leaving everything behind. Households dependent on family and agroecological farming have had their properties flooded, losing production, many animals, and machinery, mainly in the Vale do Rio Pardo region. In quilombola communities (communities of descendants of Afro-Brazilian slaves who escaped from slavery in colonial Brazil and formed their own settlements), the situation is serious. Many are still stranded, without access to water, energy, and food. In the Machado Quilombo and the Quilombola Front of Rio Grande do Sul, a quilombola leader categorically stated that "97% of the area is a total loss.” For this emergency, the Lutheran Foundation for Diaconia (FLD) is seeking, jointly with community associations, to provide direct emergency response to 500 families (over 2,500 people) in the sectors of food security (delivery of food items), WASH (delivery of cleaning and hygiene products), and Community-based Psychosocial Support (CBPS). As a context, a humanitarian corridor has been established in the city to transport essential items such as food, water, and medicine. Access to the humanitarian corridor for transporting food and essential items is granted to community associations, in coordination with the municipality. This enables the identification of the most needed items and ensures their delivery to the affected population, including the most vulnerable. ACT Alert Brazilian Floods 2024
Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Malawi are some of the most drought affected Southern Africa countries having received less than 20% of the typical rainfall expected during the last season. The poor rains have been attributed to the on-going El Niño Southern Oscillation effects (World Weather Attribution). On 23rd March 2024, Malawi government declared a state of emergency in 23 out of 28 drought affected districts (afrinews) , in Zimbabwe on 4th April 2024 the president of Zimbabwe declared the drought situation in Zimbabwe to be a national disaster (BBC) while in Zambia and the drought was also declared a national disaster on 29th February 2024 as 84 out of 116 districts nationally have been affected (afrinews) by drought induced El Nino effects. ACT Forum members in Zimbabwe, Malawi and Zambia are planning to respond to the people affected by drought. SAF 241 Drought Response
On Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at 02:35 WITA, Mount Ruang in Sitaro Regency, North Sulawesi, Indonesia erupted with a maximum amplitude of 55 mm and a temporary duration of ± 10 minutes. This eruption was a continuation from the April 16 eruption. Based on the government’s report and initial assessment, recently, the disaster indicates a moderate impact and is categorised as medium-scale emergency. Around 20,000 people from 12 villages in Tagulandang Resort are greatly affected by this eruption. Communities within a radius of 4-6 km from Mount Ruang have evacuated independently, including those from Bahoi Village, Balehumara Village, Barangka Pahe Village, Mahangian Village, Tulusan Village, Lesa Village and Lesa Rende Village. People were displaced in Sitaro Regency and North Minahasa Regency. Volcanic ash covered the roads and houses by 2-5 cm, hampering the activities of the community. It also covered several airports around the North Sulawesi region including Sam Ratulangi Manado Airport, Djalaludin Gorontalo Airport, Melonguane Airport, Siau Airport, and Naha Airport, causing access to the North Sulawesi region to be impassable by air for the next couple of days. According to initial assessments, Food, NFIs, Health and protection are the main needs for the people in the IDPs camps. The ACTIF forum members PELKESI, YEU and MBM are operating in the areas and are planning to respond the emergency through the RRF mechanism. Indonesia_Alert_Mt. Ruang volcano Eruption May 2024
The Philippines is currently facing a catastrophic drought, one of the slow-onset effects of climate change, along with other climate impact drivers such as rising sea levels, increased precipitation, stronger wind patterns, and typhoons. This catastrophic drought is driven by the 2023-24 El Niño, which is, according to the United Nations weather agency, one of the five strongest on record. Climate Change Commission defines Drought as a decrease of 21 to 60 percent in rain occurrences for five consecutive months, or below normal rainfall conditions for three consecutive months. Additionally, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geographical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported on March 25 that 37 provinces have experienced drought conditions (3 consecutive months of way below normal rainfall conditions/more than 60% reduction from rainfall average), 22 provinces with dry spell (3 consecutive months of below normal rainfall condition/21%-60% reduction from rainfall average) and 12 provinces with dry condition (2 consecutive months of below normal rainfall condition). Five (5) provinces declared a state of calamities due to the worst effects of drought in their area, namely Occidental Mindoro (IV-B), Negros Occidental (VI), Sultan Kudarat (XII), and Maguinadanao Del Norte, Maguindanao Del Sur (BARMM). Besides these provinces, 34 local government units also declared a state of calamity. According to the data released by the Philippines Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center (DROMIC), as of 24 April 2024, there were 531,114 families or 2,283,636 persons affected in 3,053 villages in 11 Regions. Food and other livelihood support is the main need of the time. It is expected that the need for food and livelihood support in the affected areas is going to increase. Alert Note by NCCP_Drought Situation in Philippines
The escalating conflict in Gaza that started on the 7th of October has impacted the whole Middle East region, with cross-border incidents into Lebanon. Daily clashes have been reported over the Blue Line, the demarcation line on Lebanon’s southern border since 8th of October. As conflict at Lebanon's border with Israel continues to escalate, the South of Lebanon has been heavily affected by the ongoing cross border conflict and spillover of the Gaza crisis, with frequent clashes, airstrikes and, military operations leading to widespread destruction and loss of life. The escalation of hostilities has forced thousands of families to flee their homes, seeking safety in neighboring areas, makeshift shelters within the region, or moving to other areas in Lebanon. Thousands have lost their homes, possessions, and livelihood assets. As of 12 March, 91,316 individuals (52% females) have been displaced from south Lebanon due to the ongoing hostilities along the Blue Line. It is estimated that at least 60,000 persons have remained in border villages and are highly affected by exchanges of fire while having lost livelihoods and income and the situation becomes more acute. ACT Lebanon Forum members Christian Aid, DanChurchAid, DSPR- JCC, Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) and Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) are preparing an appeal for responding to the urgent needs with special focus on people who have been directly affected by the current conflict. ACT-Alert-South Lebanon Response
Armed conflict, extra judicial killings by security forces and political violence in DRC has caused massive displacement across the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu and Tanganyika in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is reported that there is visible movement of displaced persons from areas like Shasha, Kirotse and Sake towards Goma and the Uganda border point of Bunagana. The city of Sake has also been affected by bombs and there have been reports of human rights violations and gender-based violence against women and girls. Children have abandoned their schools; unaccompanied children are also observed in the streets and in the neighborhoods of the city of Goma and its surroundings as well as the city of Minova in South Kivu. The displacement is also caused by rising tensions with neighboring Rwanda on alleged support for militia groups. In DRC the internally displaced populations are living in churches, schools, and open spaces while some of the most vulnerable are hosted by family and friends. In Uganda and Tanzania, refugees are settled in already established refugee camps. Uganda received 2,551 refugees since January 2024. As of 19 February, about 14,599 refugees are in Tanzania. The forums in DRC, Uganda, and Tanzania are requesting to launch an ACT appeal to support the ongoing response in these three countries. ACT Alert DRC Conflict
As of February 5, 2024, a mega wildfire has devastated approximately 26,000 hectares. The affected areas include the provinces of Valparaíso and Marga Marga in the Quinta Región, where over 15,000 homes have been completely damaged. The combination of high population density in challenging terrains, prolonged drought, and soaring temperatures in Chile has greatly facilitated the rapid spread of wildfires. This situation is further compounded by the challenges in accessing affected areas and the limited capacity of Chilean institutions and emergency services to contain the fires effectively. UN Chile has reported that this prolonged heatwave commenced in January 2023, which has created the perfect conditions for the escalation of forest fires in this region of the country. Current main impacts:
On October 3rd 2023, Pakistan's interim government announced the repatriation of "illegal" refugees and migrants, citing security concerns but were later also found to be targeting Afghan Citizen Card holders and even those with Proof of Registration cards. Since then, according to UNHCR, more than 450,000 people have returned to Afghanistan. Afghan deportees are extremely vulnerable, particularly women and children are at risk of losing their lives in a harsh winter if left without adequate shelter. In Phase one of the government's plan, effective from November 1st, the focus was on "illegal" Afghans—those lacking documentation, possessing fake Pakistani papers, or overstaying visas. The subsequent phases are targeting Afghan Citizen Card holders and even those with Proof of Registration cards, although no specific timeline has been announced. A hotline established by the Interior Ministry has been encouraging reporting, leading to fines for landlords and firms employing Afghans without proper documents which has resulted in local law enforcement harassing Afghans indiscriminately. The enforcement measures have raised international human rights concerns, and the situation is further complicated by the inadequate preparedness of Afghanistan to accommodate many deportees amidst existing crises. From January to December 2023, 49,468 families and 283,029 individuals had returned to Afghanistan. In Nangarhar, 58,241 females (35387 children and 22854 adults) and 63433 males (40388 children and 23045 adults) have returned. Whereas, till January 15th, 2024, 386 families and 1913 individuals have returned to Afghanistan. Based on the initial findings of a Multi-Sectoral Need Assessment (MSNA) survey (please refer to the attached report) conducted by CWSA in Laghman and Nangarhar provinces. 100% of the people are reportedly food insecure and urgently need food assistance. Nearly all respondents i.e., 98% reported anxiety, uncertainty and insufficiency of food. 42% mentioned that they have no income, 37% mentioned selling households’ assets, and 21% mentioned humanitarian assistance as their source of income after the resettlements. According to the initial assessment conducted by CWSA, the priority needs are;
A series of explosive eruption from Mt. Lewotobi Laki-Laki occurred from December 23rd to January 1st, 2023. After the eruption on December 23rd, 2023, a crack was seen in the northwest of the peak 160 meters long and emitting thick white smoke with the height around 300 meters. On January 1st, 2024, at 00.03 Central Indonesian Time there was an increase in continuous earthquakes with an amplitude reaching 7 mm. A new eruption center was observed originating from a fracture in the south-southeast of Mt. Lewotobi Laki-Laki’s summit. The eruption occurred 1,000-1,500 meters high from the peak, the eruption ash column was white, grey to black. Based on the government’s report and initial assessment, recently, the disaster indicates in a moderate impact and is categorised as medium-scale emergency. Nevertheless, there is a possibility for status raise since Mt. Lewotobi Laki-Laki’s was increased by PVMBG to Level III since January 1st, 2024. The local government of East Flores District has also declared a disaster emergency alert for 14 days starting from January 1st, 2024. Indonesia forum is planning to respond to the urgent needs of the affected population with life saving activities focus on the most vulnerable population. ACT Alliance members including Pelkesi, YEU, MBM and CWS are currently working in the areas and planning to expand to the affected areas. Indonesia_Alert_Lewotobi Volcano Eruption_2024
On 7 October 2023, Palestinian militant groups launched a major attack on Israel from the Gaza Strip. The attack included rocket barrages and vehicle-transported attacks across the border on Israeli communities and forces. In response, the government of Israel declared a state of emergency and war. The Israeli military retaliated by conducting a counteroffensive and an extensive aerial bombardment campaign on Gaza followed by an invasion. This conflict created a short term crisis for families from Gaza Strip, around 115 families, who were visiting Jordan for family reasons, and university students, around 30 students, who is studying in Jordan and got stuck due to the boarder’s closure who were not able to return back to Gaza which forced them to stay in Jordan with no source of income required in paying their housing rent, securing their daily needs of food and non-food items, medication, and university tuition fees for the students who are already studying at the Jordanian universities and lost all financial support to continue their studies. Adding to that the crises created a negative impact on psychological wellbeing of those who got stuck in Jordan creating the feeling of insecurity and stability. ACT Jordan Forum member DSPR is preparing an RRF for responding to the urgent needs with special focus on people who have been directly affected by the current conflict in Gaza. ACT Alert- Jordan Humanitarian Crisis
Floods that started on 17th October 2023 in Manyara region (northeastern), Kagera and Mwanza regions (northwestern) in Tanzania, linked to the El Nino phenomenon characterized by heavy, excessive. continuous rain that have triggered floods and landslides. The excessive rains have resulted in death, injury and destruction of homes, farms and public property. Flood affected families have been left without food, safe water, shelter, and household items. School classrooms and health structures are also destroyed, and this may disrupt access to education and health services. There has also been a rise of infectious diseases as the flood water is infected. Due to the heavy rains, some communities remain isolated due to the increase in the flow of rivers and streams. Three national members, Council of Churches of Tanzania (CCT), Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania (ELCT) and Tanganyika Christian Refugee Services (TCRS) are planning to respond to the effects of the floods. Tanzania Floods
Kenya is experiencing widespread flooding caused by enhanced rains which started on the third and fourth weeks of October 2023 marking the beginning of the rainy season (October – December). The rainy season has been characterized by heavy storms that caused flooding , flash floods, and increased river levels (Relief Web, November 2023). The Government of Kenya (November 27th, 2023) classified the floods emergency at the Alarm stage up from the alert stage. While acknowledging the floods disaster as a national concern, the President of the Republic of Kenya has acknowledged that this is a large-scale emergency that needs attention and additional resources (AFP, November 2023). Some of the worst affected counties include counties in Kenya that border Somalia (Mandera, Wajir and Tana River counties) and counties in the northern Kenya region bordering Ethiopia are also hit hard by flooding (AP News). Some ACT Kenya Forum members have already started providing support to the affected communities while other ACT Kenya forum members who have programs in the worst affected regions are planning to respond to the flood emergency. Two international members (Church World Service (CWS) and Lutheran World Federation – World Service (LWF-WS), and two national members Kenya Evangelical Lutheran Church (KELC) and the National Council Churches of Kenya (NCCK) are planning to respond to the flood’s crisis. Kenya Floods Alert
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
