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.
By October 12, 2018 the exodus from Central America to the United States has grown in complexity and continues to pose grave risks for the people on move, coming mainly from the north triangle (Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador) to reach the Mexican-USA border, to seek asylum due to social and political violence, drought and lack of economic opportunities given the high inequity and poverty in their countries. People on the move are growing in number, and the threat for their lives and properties have become severe brought on by gangs and traffickers. The situation at each border, Guatemala, Mexico or USA, is more challenging due to the tightening of border control measures (e.g. at the Honduras-Mexico border), leading to cases of mass refoulement (migrants returned in huge numbers). For those that entered the United States are usually caught by border patrols and children are from their parents and sent to detention camps without any specific plans for reunification.
The purpose of this appeal is to initiate a humanitarian component to help meet the needs of people on the move, to promote legislation and policies that are in accordance with states’ human rights obligations, transparent, and to solicit the support from international community through the pertinent bodies of the United Nations. In addition, this measure seeks to guarantee the safety and physical integrity of migrants, especially minors, the elderly and women, and to prevent people from being deceived by international criminal organizations engaged in migrant smuggling, which endangers their lives, trying to have the families together and communicated. In this context, collecting information about rights violations, and providing evidence of CSO activities will be crucial for influencing a rights-based implementation of the Global Compacts for Migration and on Refugees in Central America and Mexico.
ACT Alliance North America members, ELCA, CLWR and CWS, are collaborating with members of the Central
America ACT Alliance Forum, CASM, CEDEPCA, SLS and LWF, for an 18-month humanitarian assistance initiative to assist Central American families and vulnerable individuals who are seeking asylum in the US.
CAM191_Migrants_Appeal
On 3 June 2019 five districts in Serbia (Moravica, Rasina, Sumadija, Pomoravlje and Ras, namely central and western Serbia) were affected with flash flooding caused by massive rainstorms and heavy showers that exceeded 100l/m2. The Serbian Ministry for Internal Affairs declared a state of emergency in these five districts. In all listed districts both rural and urban households are affected. Affected areas are localised, but heavily damaged. As high temperatures have been forecasted for the following days, there is a high risk of spreading contamination and infections, both among humans and animals. Water supplies are compromised. Several thousand hectares of agricultural land are destroyed as well as roads and more than 20 bridges. RRF-07-Serbia
The Lake Chad Basin area, which includes parts of Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon, is facing one of the most severe humanitarian crises of our times. The crisis is characterized by displacement of at least 2.5 million (IDPs, refugees and, returnees). The situation in the Lake Chad region is deteriorating, as States are unable to provide adequate services to the affected communities. This coupled with a decrease in humanitarian funding creates a gap in meeting humanitarian needs. Lutheran World Federation (LWF-Chad & Cameroon), Christian Aid-Nigeria and Norwegian Church Aid (NCA-Nigeria) have raised a regional appeal covering Chad, Cameroon and Nigeria to respond to this crisis and are planning to support improved living conditions of the affected populations (IDPs, refugees and host communities. LTCD 19 Humanitarian Emergency ( Appeal)
In the evening of Wednesday the 6 March 2019, the district of Same, Kilimanjaro Region in Tanzania was hit by unexpected heavy rains accompanied by storm and heavy winds. On the night of 8th March 2019, a heavy rainstorm accompanied by strong wind also hit the district of Morogoro (Morogoro region) in Tanzania where 226 households were affected. In both locations villages were badly affected, residential houses, business houses, food reserve items and livestock were adversely affected. The disaster also affected and destroyed classrooms, teachers’ houses/offices, directly affecting schools. According to the reports received from the assessment teams (government and Tanganyika Christian Refugee Service -TCRS), there are still gaps in the response that the ACT RRF can support. TCRS proposes to provide most affected households especially those who are still hosted by community members (neighbours, friends, and relatives) with food assistance. Tanzania_ Rainstorm Emergency (RRF)
The Government of Pakistan estimated that around 3 million people have been affected by drought in eight districts of Sindh Province. Majority of the affected communities are dependent on agriculture and livestock. Scarcity of water has severely affected their livelihood conditions. This has placed the local population under great strain, exhausting their coping capacities and resilience. The needs assessment, conducted in 69 out of 513 revenue villages, by National Disaster Consortium (NDC) from Oct 2018 – Jan 2019, confirms that 71% of the surveyed households are moderately or severely food insecure, whereas 32% are severely food insecure. They also reported that 67% of the respondents spends 65% of total household expenditures on acquiring food, one of the main reason for contracting debt. The report confirms that food is top priority of the drought affected communities that has compelled them to adopt negative coping mechanisms. Direct food assistance is proposed to increased food security. ACT members Community World Service Asia (CWSA) and Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) plan to support 78,000 most vulnerable persons addressing food security and livelihood for two years, and with a budget of USD1,826,156. Appeals_Pakistan_Drought-PAK191
The Rapid Response Fund (RRF) is a global fund of the ACT Alliance administered by the ACT secretariat. Funds for the RRF are provided by ACT Alliance members and non-members on the basis of an annual appeal, and is intended to be accessed exclusively by ACT national members in pursuit of the localization agenda and in recognition of their distinct advantage of being at the forefront of emergency response in their own localities. ACT Alliance has the privileged position of being a network of local, national and international actors committed to partnerships amongst each other. This commitment enables international and global members of ACT to enhance the capacity of local and national actors, through resources, training and/or other support, allowing for first response in the beginning of a crisis or disaster to come directly from the community itself. The requested amount for GRRF19 Appeal is 2,689,435 USD. This year, in light of the priorities set by the new ACT Global Strategy 2019-2026, including inter alia the continuing strengthening of the ACT Humanitarian Mechanism, the full rollout of the digitalized Emergency Preparedness and Response Planning (EPRP) process, and improving adherence to the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) and Sphere. In addition to funding RRF projects of national members, the Secretariat proposes to utilize 7.5% of RRF funds resource parallel mechanisms that will strengthen the humanitarian mechanism and primarily benefit the RRF. As in the 2018 GRRF, the Alliance continues to recognize the challenges that remain so that we are able to deliver high-calibre and accountable humanitarian response, and there remains a strong need to address issues around quality, capacity and preparedness especially in the work of national members. GRRF19 Appeal
Cyclone Fani made landfall at Puri on 3rd May 2019 (Friday), State of Odisha. It unleashed copious rain and windstorm that gusted up to 250 kmph, blowing away thatched houses and flooding towns and villages, before weakening and entering into neighboring state of West Bengal in India. The State Emergency Operation Center reported 37 deaths caused by the typhoon. 14,828,084 individuals were affected. Fourteen Districts were affected: Angul, Balasore, Bhadrak, Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Ganjam, Jagatsinghpur, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Keonjhar, Khordha, Mayurbhanj, Nayagarh, and Puri. The government also estimated that 508,467 houses have been damaged. ACT Member CASA will respond in the Districts of Puri and Jagatsinghpur with a budget of USD 1,052,137.60 for a period of 90 days. They will be giving assistance to the affected communities addressing shelter, health, WASH, and food security. Concept Note India Cyclone Fani IND191
In the afternoon of Saturday 16 March 2019, the district of Jayapura in Papua was hit by flash floods around 19.30 PM (+9 GMT) that wiped out some areas in Jayapura District. The flood badly damaged most sub-districts in Jayapura District, especially in sub-District Sentani. The affected sub districts are as follows : Dobonsolo, Hinekombe, Hobong, Ifale, Ifar Besar, Keheran, Sentani Kota, Sereh, and Yohbe. According to data released by BNPB on Wednesday, March 20, there were approximately 104 casualities, 79 persons missing, 60 persons injured, and around 9,691 IDPs. The flood has also damaged villagers’ houses, public infrastructure and facilities including health facilities. The number of displaced people increased as the floods spread widely. People had to evacuate to 18 relief camps. The national government declared a state of calamity in the areas most affected by the floods. Assessments made by ACT member PELKESI/ICAHS indicated that affected individuals need food, shelter assistance provision of health services, drinking water and access to clean toilets. Household items have also been damaged. Most vulnerable are women, children under five, elderly persons, and persons with disabilities. The national government has been inundated with other recent disasters, specifically Lombok and Central Sulawesi earthquakes, and this response is necessary to augment government support. RRFs Indonesia_Flash Floods in Jayapura Regency, Papua-No.RRF04_2019
On October 2018, a month after Typhoon Mangkhut, Typhoon Yutu (Rosita) made landfall in the Municipality of Dinapigue, Isabela province, just a few hundred kilometres south of Typhoon Mangkhut’s path. With 150 km/h maximum sustained winds, Typhoon Yutu exacerbated the impact of the previous typhoon and hampered the response and recovery efforts in the region. These two successive typhoons likewise affected 1,098 barangays within 100 kilometer radius along paths of both typhoons that resulted in repeated displacements in six provinces. (UN OCHA Report as of November 9, 2018) The estimated cost of damages to agriculture rose to USD 553.8 million making the recovery more difficult for the poor farmers, indigenous people, and vulnerable sectors in the hardest hit communities. Through the continuing assessment made by the ACT implementing members, the National Council of Churches in the Philippines decided to revise the appeal (PHL 181) to accommodate increased need and additional number of affected families by the Typhoon Mangkhut and Yutu and implement project activities jointly with Christian Aid. Appeals_Philippines_Super Typhoon Mangkhut-PHL181 (revised)
Mozambique Heavy rains caused by powerful tropical Cyclone Idai hit the central and northern regions of Mozambique on 14th March 2019, leading to massive floods and leaving more than hundreds of people dead and hundreds of thousands affected. The cyclone then barreled on to southern Malawi and eastern Zimbabwe. The death toll has continued to rise with current figures putting the death toll to 518 in Mozambique alone. The situation is likely to deteriorate as forecasts predict heavy rainfall in Sofala and Manica provinces and at least 350,000 people are at risk (OCHA Flash Update, 19 March). Most of the affected population are in the provinces of Zambezia and Sofala. Zimbabwe The flooding caused by the Tropical Cyclone Idai weather system since 15 March 2019 continues to cause destruction in Zimbabwe, although rains have begun to dissipate in Manicaland and Masvingo provinces. At least 415 deaths and over 200 injuries have been officially reported, mainly in Chimanimani and Chipinge, and at least 217 people are reportedly still missing. These figures are expected to rise in the days ahead as the full extent of the damage and loss of life becomes known. At least 16 000 homes have been destroyed in Chimanimani, Mutasa, Mutare, Chipinge, Buhera, Chikomba, Gutu and Bikita districts and family members displaced. In Chimanimani alone, eight bridges have been destroyed. In Buhera, the Marowanyati dam has overflowed and many families are displaced. People living along the Mwerahari River have been advised to be on high alert. The Tongogara refugee camp in Chipinge has been affected by flooding, and 49 households have been relocated within the camp. Malawi More than 922,900 people have been affected by Tropical Cyclone Idai on 5 March 2019, including more than 75,900 displaced, with 56 deaths and 577 injuries reported by the Government of Malawi. The heavy and persistent rain led to severe flooding across some districts in southern Malawi. Fourteen districts have been impacted. Nsanje (18,000 households), Chikwawa (16,000 households) and Phalombe (22,848households) recorded the highest number of displaced persons. Nsanje district recorded the 17,400 people or 3,867 households IDPs. Phalombe recorded 22,848 households (102,816 people) affected and 1,228households (5,526) people displaced. In 2015, Malawi was also affected by floods with close to 147,000 people were in IDP centres with an estimated 26,000 IDPs located outside centres/in hard to reach areas. The same districts, Nsanje, Chikwawa, Phalombe and Zomba were the most affected. The three ACT Forums have long presence in the response countries and had been actively responding and closely coordinating amongst members since. The Forum builds on decades of ACT Alliance members’ experience in the region in providing humanitarian response to all people in need, without discrimination. ACT members will continue to work collaboratively in the countries as well as in coordination between the 3 forums to ensure maximum benefits and coordination. The responding members of the forums have extensive knowledge and experience in responding to emergency situations, and responses in the sectors such WASH, Protection and Psychosocial support, health and nutrition, CASH, livelihood and early recovery. Appeals_Mozambique_Malawi_Zimbabwe_Cyclone Idai-SAF191
Heavy rains caused by powerful tropical Cyclone Idai hit the central and northern regions of Mozambique from 14th March 2019, leading to massive floods and leaving at least 202 people dead, according to the President of Mozambique, Filipe Nyusi. The death toll is expected to rise in the coming days. The situation is likely to deteriorate and the number of people affected is likely to increase, as weather experts predict heavy rainfall in Sofala and Manica provinces from 19 to 21 March. Flood waters may rise up to around eight metres and at least 350,000 people are at risk (OCHA Flash Update, 19 March). There are also growing concerns regarding the potential effects of the overflow of the Marowanyati Dam in Zimbabwe on water levels in Mozambique. Most of the affected population are located in the provinces of Zambezia (districts of Chiunde, Luabo, Inhassugue, Mopeia, Nicoandala , Maquaival, Mocubela. Mulevala, Mocuba, Milage, Dere and Qualimane), Niassa (districts of Cuamba and Madimba), and Sofala Province (districts of Buzi, Chemba, Caia, Cherigoma, Chibabava, Dondo, Gorongosa, Morremeu, Marrigue , Muaza amd Nhamantanda). Based on initial assessments from ACT member Comité Ecuménico para o Desenvolvimento Social (CEDES)/Ecumenical Committee for Social Development, 683 of those affected in Zambezia by the floods have been identified as orphans and vulnerable children, and 165 have been identified as elderly. Moreover, 286 classrooms have been total destroyed forcing more 2,450 children out of schools. The damage to agricultural lands is also very significant, with at least 83,813 hectares of crops such as maize, cassava, sorghum and millets flooded, affecting 53,318 small farmers whose livelihoods depends on farm produce. RRFs_Mozambique_Cyclone Idai-No.RRF3_2019
On the evening of Sunday 27 January 2019, strong winds and torrential rainfall battered parts of Cuba, including the capital city of Havana. Amid the stormy weather, a powerful tornado ripped through parts of the city causing significant damage. The severe weather has been blamed for at least eight deaths while more than 190 others have been hospitalized with varying injuries, according to Reuters. The tornado was classified as an F-3 by the Cuban Center for Meteorology, with estimated winds of 155-199 mph. The tornado is the strongest to strike Cuba in nearly 80 years, since a Category F4 tornado struck the town of Bejucal in December 1940. The Cuban Council of Churches in coordination with the local authorities is providing food security, WASH and psychosocial support to the affected population. RRFs_ CubaTornado _2019
Heavy rainfall has been affecting southern Peru (particularly Arequipa, Moquegua, Tacna and Ica Regions) since February, causing rivers to overflow, triggering floods, landslides and mudslides. According to media reports, as of 13 February, ten people were killed, 1 800 injured and approximately 8 000 affected. Media reported 51 deaths and 79 injured people. Furthermore, 228 houses have been destroyed, 26 bridges have been demolished and several roads have been blocked by torrential rain and landslides. On March 28 and 29 respectively the National Institute of Civil Defense (INDECI) declared a state of emergency for the provinces of Chanchamayo and the districts of Palca and (province of Tarma) and the district of Ulcumayo (province of Junin respectively). On 17 April 2019, the Peru National Emergency Operations Center (COEN), reported landslides in the municipalities of Cajabamba and Distrital de Cachachi in the Cajamarca Region occurred on Monday, 15 April; families and communication networks were affected. As of 4 April, at 8.00 UTC, media report that in Junin Region (central Peru) eleven people have been reported dead and at least 1 800 have been affected by the overflowing of rivers Chanchamayo, Paucartambo and Perené. Up to 30 houses have been reportedly destroyed and over 500 have been flooded. Intense rainfall has been registered in San Martin Region (northern Peru), where the overflowing of the river Huallaga has affected 228 people and flooded 70 buildings, heavy rain, strong winds and thunderstorms are still expected and could affect mainland Peru, from the central areas to the south. A Level 4 warning has been issued for several districts in Arequipa, Puno, Tacna and Cuzco regions (southern Peru). The government extended the state of emergency in several districts of the Huánuco and Pasco regions, due to disasters caused by mudslides and landslides due to heavy rains, with the purpose of continuing with the execution of immediate and necessary actions, response and rehabilitation that correspond. This extension is valid for 60 days, counting from April 17. The ACT Alliance Forum through DIACONIA Peru and the Methodist Church are willing to provide emergency relief to the affected community of Pucharini. The Forum is currently is preparing a response proposal based on a quick needs assessment. Coordination meetings are taking place at country level, in coordination with ACT Secretariat Regional Office, Alerts_Floods_Mudslides_Peru
Heavy rains have affected different regions in Bolivia. Overflowing rivers and floods have been reported in Alto Beni, Palos Blancos, Guanay, Rurrenabaque, Riberalta, Villa Montes, Cutaiqui, San Borja and San Buenaventura. According to the Ministry of Defense reports, 79 municipalities (of 338 in the country) are under a state of disaster and 25 are under a state of emergency as of April 8. A total of 47,125 families suffered partial loss of assets, 23,683 families have been left homeless, 34 people were reported dead and 26 people are missing. The Government has reported that the greatest number of victims are found in Potosí, La Paz, Chuquisaca, Beni, Santa Cruz and Cochabamba - more than 70,000 families affected between February and April. Major damages include loss of crops, housing and other assets. The rains that have been falling since the beginning of the year, influenced by the El Niño phenomenon, have caused different degrees of impact. On 2 and 3 of April, heavy rains affected areas between the departments of Chuquisaca and Santa Cruz, affecting 3,059 families in two municipalities in Monteagudo and Cami. The Bolivian Government declared a national emergency on 27 February, and on 10 April declared an emergency for the departments of Potosí, La Paz, Chuquisaca, Santa Cruz and Cochabamba. The ACT Alliance Forum through its local member The Methodist Church in Bolivia is willing to provide emergency relief through a RRF in five Municipalities belonging to the Departments of Beni and Potosí. (Tupiza, Villazon, Colquencha, San Borga, Rurrenabaque). Alerts_Floods_Bolivia
In Tanzania, the locations of Same and Morogoro were hit by a heavy rainstorm accompanied by heavy winds in early March 2019. In both locations, there was massive destruction of roofs (houses, government institution facilities, churches and mosques) and massive destruction of food on farms, many livestock were lost. To date, the affected displaced persons from both locations are being hosted by local community members. This hosting arrangement continues to be challenging as displaced and hosting communities continue to share limited space and resources. There is also a risk of gender-based violence. In addition, pupils from affected schools are affected by poor access education services due to the rainstorm destruction. ACT Tanzania Forum member (TCRS) is planning on submitting a Rapid Response Fund Request to support the needs that are still pending among affected communities. Alert-Rainstorm in Tanzania
On the morning of Friday the 15 March 2019, storm IDAI made landfall near Beira in Mozambique and brought strong winds and caused severe flooding in South-eastern Malawi. Since then, the Southern and Central region of Malawi has been affected by consecutive days of torrential, continuous rains and severe flooding. As of 16 March, the United Nations in Malawi reported that official data indicate that more than 922,000 people have been affected in 15 districts. There have been at least 56 deaths, 577 people injured and over 16,000 households displaced. In addition, crops, houses and livestock have been destroyed. ACT Malawi Forum is working on a joint regional appeal with ACT forum members in Mozambique and Zimbabwe. Alerts_Malawi_Cyclone Idai.
Heavy rains caused by powerful tropical Cyclone Idai hit the central and northern regions of Mozambique from 14th March 2019, leading to massive floods and leaving at least 202 people dead, according to the President of Mozambique, Filipe Nyusi. The death toll is expected to rise in the coming days. The situation is likely to deteriorate and the number of people affected is likely to increase, as weather experts predict heavy rainfall in Sofala and Manica provinces from 19 to 21 March. Flood waters may rise up to around eight metres and at least 350,000 people are at risk (OCHA Flash Update, 19 March). There are also growing concerns regarding the potential effects of the overflow of the Marowanyati Dam in Zimbabwe on water levels in Mozambique. Most of the affected population are located in the provinces of Zambezia (districts of Chiunde, Luabo, Inhassugue, Mopeia, Nicoandala , Maquaival, Mocubela. Mulevala, Mocuba, Milage, Dere and Qualimane), Niassa (districts of Cuamba and Madimba), and Sofala Province (districts of Buzi, Chemba, Caia, Cherigoma, Chibabava, Dondo, Gorongosa, Morremeu, Marrigue , Muaza amd Nhamantanda). Based on initial assessments from ACT member Comité Ecuménico para o Desenvolvimento Social (CEDES)/Ecumenical Committee for Social Development, 683 of those affected in Zambezia by the floods have been identified as orphans and vulnerable children, and 165 have been identified as elderly. Moreover, 286 classrooms have been total destroyed forcing more 2,450 children out of schools. The damage to agricultural lands is also very significant, with at least 83,813 hectares of crops such as maize, cassava, sorghum and millets flooded, affecting 53,318 small farmers whose livelihoods depends on farm produce. Alerts_Mozambique_Cyclone Idai
On the morning of Friday the 15 March 2019, the province of Manicaland in Zimbabwe was hit by Cyclone Idai, causing massive floods that destroyed houses, swept away fields, uprooted trees, and demolished bridges. Cyclone Idai has triggered a massive disaster in Southern Africa affecting hundreds of thousands of people, with widespread flooding and devastation affecting Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi. Cyclone Idai made landfall near the port city of Beira in Sofala province on Thursday with winds of up to 177 km/h (106 mph). In Zimbabwe, the government reported that 98 people have been killed and more than 200 missing as of today. Some rescuers said homes and bodies were washed away in the rivers to neighbouring Mozambique. At least 20,000 houses have been partially damaged in the south-eastern town of Chipinge, while 600 others were totally destroyed. The Government is struggling to cope with the huge influx of affected households as the country reels from economic problems. The affected households are now sheltered in churches and temporary structures set up by UN agencies. Several aid agencies are assisting government efforts in the search and rescue operations and in the distribution of food aid. Alerts_Zimbabwe_Cyclone Idai
On the morning of Wednesday, the 6th March 2019, the Southern region of Malawi, was affected by severe flooding and put in a state of crisis. On Friday 8 March 2019, the President of Malawi, Arthur Peter Mutharika, declared a State of Disaster in areas affected by the heavy rains and flooding. Already over 74,500 people are affected and more than 9 deaths have been reported. Malawi government’s Department of Disaster Management Affairs DoDMA and other stakeholders are responding with food and non-food items. ACT Malawi national Forum members Churches in Relief and Development (CARD) and Evangelical Lutheran Development Services (ELDS) are submitting a Rapid Response Fund to respond flood to affected persons. Malawi_Floods Alert
The Lake Chad Basin is facing one of the most severe humanitarian crisis of our time. The area includes parts of Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon now home to 2.5 million displaced persons (IDPs, refugees, and returnees). There are at least 10.7 million people suffering hunger and malnutrition, subjected to extreme hardship caused by poverty, climate change, and conflict. Insecurity is hampering the resumption of normal life, leaving conflict-affected families dependent on humanitarian assistance for survival (OCHA, Lake Chad Basin, crisis overview January 23, 2019). The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) - jointly with UNDP, the United Nations Development Program, and implementing partners, including ACT Alliance members (Lutheran World Federation, Christian Church Aid and Norwegian Church aid), have launched the 2019 Regional Refugee Response Plan (RRRP), an appeal for US$135 million to help hundreds of thousands of people displaced by the worsening Boko Haram insurgency in the Lake Chad Basin region. ACT Lake Chad members will focus on WASH, Protection/ Psycho-social support; and Livelihood/Early Recovery. Therefore, there is a pressing need to provide immediate assistance to minimize loss of life and to ensure that the needs of the most vulnerable are covered. Call 4 Action_Lake Chad Region.
During the night of Sunday the 27 January 2019, Strong winds and torrential rainfall battered parts of Cuba, including the capital city of Havana. Amid the stormy weather, a powerful tornado ripped through parts of the city causing significant damages. The severe weather has been blamed for at least four deaths while more than 190 others have been h8ospitalized with varying injuries, according to Reuters. The tornado has been classified as an F-3 by the Cuban Center for Meteorology, with estimated winds of 155-199 mph. The tornado is the strongest to strike Cuba in nearly 80 years, since a Category F4 tornado struck town of Bejucal in December 1940. Other reports from the city indicated that cars were overturned, trees were uprooted, and homes were damaged by the severe weather. As of Monday afternoon, around 500,000 people were still without power and 200,000 were without water as emergency crews continued repairs following the storm. Damage to Hijas de Galicia Maternity Hospital forced patients and staff to evacuate shortly after the storm on Sunday night. Dry weather is forecast in Havana from Wednesday into Friday, aiding in cleanup and recovery efforts following the storm. The Cuban Council of Churches is monitoring the situation and its emergency team is preparing to respond according to the results of a contextual analysis and rapid needs assessment. The Cuban Council of Churches has previous work in the affected area and is assessing the impact of the disaster to better understand the needs and vulnerabilities. A RRF will be submitted to address the most pressing needs of the affected population. Alerts_Tornado_Cuba
On January 25, 2019 a dam with more than 12 billion cubic meters of mineral debris has broken and another two were affected, all with tailings of the activity of iron mining, immediately reaching the Municipality of Brumadinho and then the Parque da Cachoeira reserve, in the State of Minas Gerais. According to the latest official data, 60 persons died, 760 households (3,800 persons) were directly affected and there are still hundreds of missing people. According to the authorities many of the missing are likely buried deep in mud. The risk of the Dam B6 which has 3-4 million cubic meters of water to collapse, led authorities to evacuated 5400 households (27,000 persons) from Brumadinho. The impact on the soil of the ore tailings, the extent of the disaster along the rivers of the region and the contamination of the phreatic surface cannot yet be evaluated. There is an immediate impact on access to water for human consumption since the water distribution systems are affected and water is not safe for consumption for households that have not been evacuated. There are 760 families in a situation of helplessness with loss of relatives/friends and conditions to re-establish themselves in a psychosocially balanced way, in a process of care seeking to re-establish themselves. The effects of the mud torrent damaged 250 houses and destroyed 25. A local commission was created with local and national authorities to offer more effective assistance, nevertheless the affected people were not included, avoiding their full participation and ownership, contrasting with the localisation principle. Brumadinho is only 62km from Belo Horizonte the capital of Minas Gerais and one of the main Brazilian cities. There is an alert on the high risk of the tailing reaching two important rivers: Paraopebas river and the São Francisco river. ACT Alliance members in Brazil are monitoring the development of the situation and KOINONIA, a FEACT Brazil's member with others local partners are planning to provide Psychosocial support and Food security. Other ACT Alliance local members will engage on the external dissemination and advocacy activities related to the disaster. Alerts_Mudslides_Brazil
The humanitarian situation in Somalia continues to be unpredictable and volatile and is among the most complex and long-standing protracted crisis in the world. It is predicted that at least a third (4.2 million) of Somalia’s (12.3 million) people will require humanitarian and protection services in 2019. This is according to UNOCHA’s 2019 Humanitarian Response Plan which also states that out of 4.2 million persons in need, at least 2.6 million are internally displaced persons (IDPs) living in camps across the country. Children account for at least 60 % of IDPs population, many of who face specific protection risks such as family separation, forced child labor, sexual exploitation, and abuse. The dire situation is further compounded for the internally displaced persons more specifically for people of an ethnic minority because they are the most vulnerable. Addressing displacement in Somalia is made more challenging due to complex governance challenges. Insecurity is the main cause behind internal displacement, and this insecurity stems from the armed conflict between militia groups and government/AMISOM forces. Perennial droughts and climatic shocks also significantly contribute to internal displacement. Displaced persons living in overcrowded camps need Water and sanitation facilities, Education and protection services, particularly targeting women and children. Among host communities, there is an equal need for basic humanitarian needs. Among hosting communities, climate change shocks (like drought and floods) have resulted in the destruction of valuable assets for farmers and pastoralists who need self-reliance initiatives such rehabilitation of farmland, support for farm inputs, training of best agronomic practices to improve their coping mechanism and survivals. In addition, poor rainfall Deyr rains (Oct-Dec 2018) that were reported to be below average has robbed the gains of above average Gu rains (April-June 2018). There is a pressing necessity to provide immediate assistance to minimize loss of life and to ensure that the needs of the most vulnerable are covered first. ACT Somalia Forum members Diakonia Sweden, DKH, LWF and NCA are planning to submit an appeal to support needs in the areas of WASH, Education, and Resilience Building initiatives. Somalia_Emergency Response to Humanitarian Crisis (Call For Action).
The Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWSNET) has warned that there is an increased probability of drought induced El Niño weather conditions expected in the Southern part of Africa; including Zimbabwe during the upcoming 2018/2019 agricultural season. Based on the El Niño forecast (Oct 2018-Jan 2019) and looking at similar trends in previous years, below-average rainfall and a late start of erratic rains will lead to crop failure. The Zimbabwe Vulnerability Assessment Committee (ZIMVAC) 2018 report estimates that 1.5 million people in rural and urban areas will require food assistance during the lean season and currently communities in Matabeleland North, South and Masvingo are already in urgent need of food assistance. As the lean season intensifies food prices are also on the increase, especially staple cereal food items. The drought situation in Zimbabwe is compounded by economic challenges in Zimbabwe as some households in deficit producing areas are already experiencing Crisis (IPC Phase 3). Households are already reducing the number of meals and portions of food taken per day and consuming less preferred foods as the 2018-19 lean season gets under way. The emergency response is currently being coordinated by Zimbabwe Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare with support from UN Agencies who are currently doing Cash transfers and in-kind food distribution (WFP and FAO). Various District Governments in Zimbabwe are coordinating meetings with all stakeholders. The ACT Zimbabwe forum members Christian Aid and Danish Church Aid are planning to submit a concept note to provide food assistance and protect the lives of livestock using mobile money transfers to ensure that the drought affected persons’ basic needs are met with regards to food security and livestock protection. Furthermore, ACT Zimbabwe Forum will engage in advocacy on the national and international level to ensure that the voices of those affected by the drought are amplified. Alert_Zimbabwe 2018 drought
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
