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 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
According to UNOCHA humanitarian bulletin (Dec 2018), over 4.2 m people will need humanitarian assistance and protection services in Somalia in 2019. The humanitarian situation in Somalia is wanting and continues to be affected by climatic shocks, protracted conflict (as a result of Al-Shabab attacks) and face other issues resulting in massive internal displacement and human suffering. ACT Somalia Forum members namely Lutheran World Federation (LWF), Norwegian Church Aid (NCA), Diakonia Sweden and Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe (DKH) have submitted a joint 18 months appeal aimed at enabling affected communities establish sustainable livelihoods, improve access to safe water/WASH facilities and enable affected communities improve their coping mechanisms and resilience. In addition, the project will support school children to access quality education as a long-term resilience strategy of supporting diversified livelihoods. SOM191 appeal budget is US$ 5,032,687 and the balance requested by members is US$ 4,972,987. SOMALIA - Strengthening Resilience for Crisis-affected Displaced, Returnee and Host community populations in Somalia (SOM 191)
On January 25, 2019 a dam broke in the State of Minas Gerais, releasing more than 12 billion liters of mineral debris broke, with tailings from iron mining. The waters and mudslides immediately reached the Municipality of Brumadinho and Parque da Cachoeira reserve, and more than 220 km along the course of the Paraopeba River. According to assessment data provided by KOINONIA, ACT Ecumenical Forum Brazil (FEACT Brazil) member with other local partners, the disaster had the following impact:
Around 97% of of the people in the island of Ambae have been displaced by the Volcanic eruption that started in 18th March 2018. As of December 2018, the government still considered Ambae as high risk and have not allowed its residents to return to their homes. The area remains at risk for flooding, landslides, continued ashfall deposits and volcanic gases. The government's response has been focused on Maewo but some of Ambae's residents have moved to the nearby Espirito Santo. This response will be focused on providing humanitarian assistance to approximately 8,700 people in Espirito Santo, mostly living in temporary shelters in and around host communities. Appeals Emergency Response to Manaro Volcano Eruption in Penama Province - Vanuatu - VUT191
The humanitarian crisis in Iraq remains one of the largest and most volatile in the world, with a complex reality, rapidly changing vulnerabilities, and serious economic problems. However, despite the defeat of ISIS over a year ago, there is still great need for help in order to break the cycle that led to the current events. The Iraqi security situation became extremely acute with the conquest of part of the country by ISIS. The conflict altered the balance of power and split the country into those areas held by ISIS, the autonomous Kurdish areas and those controlled by the federal government. The recapture of Mosul marked the beginning of the end of the war, but Iraq remains divided. The military successes of the Iraqi army do not preclude the emergence of tensions in other areas with religious or ethnic minority groups controlling certain regions. Beyond the conflict itself, Iraq is going through a period of acute political instability, which increased after the parliamentary elections in 2018, and the struggle to form a government after the elections. The livelihood and economic opportunities of the Ninewa region have essentially been destroyed or at the very least significantly crippled. The displacement is a result of the offensive to retake Mosul and the efforts to push ISIS out of Hawijah. 1,548,108 individuals (as of 31 August 2018) have been able to return home as the liberation in the province has progressed. ISIS’s seizure of territory in Nineveh Province, Iraq’s most ethnically and religiously diverse area, resulted in some of the worst atrocities attributed to the terrorist group, including significant inter-ethnic violence. The ongoing ethnic and religious tension, violence and crimes made almost all non-Arab or non-Muslim families reluctant to return, and those who did return are at risk of facing segregation and isolation. The price paid by the people of Mosul is incredibly high with loss of lives, infrastructure, assets, physical psychological abuse and loss of livelihood. People lost their homes and stayed in temporary camps for years. Displacements coupled with challenges in ensuring physical protection have made the life difficult. In addition, affected people also lost their means of earning and livelihood. Prior to the conflict, the economic status of the people was low which got aggravated during the conflict. As reported by many agencies including UN, livelihood opportunities remain very limited with concern over inter-ethnic conflicts and protection issues. According to study conducted by Welfhungerlife in 2017 the Poverty rates in Northern Iraq have doubled after years of continual conflict and economic stagnation. Unemployment has tripled in many communities. Many government employees have experienced pay cuts or delays in their payments. A 40% decline in agricultural production has forced hundreds of thousands of people to migrate to urban areas for jobs and support. Appeals_Iraq_Support to IDPs, Refugees, Returnees and Host Communities-IRQ191
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
During the night of Thursday the 15th November 2018, the state of Tamil Nadu in India, was affected by the Gaja Cyclone. Severe cyclonic storm "Gaja" crossed between Pondicherry and Nagapattinam with wind gusts up to 120 kilometres speed per hour. Nagapattinam, Cuddalore, Tiruvarur, Tanjavur, Pudukottai and Karaikal Districts are the most affected by this cyclone. As of 19th November 2018, at least 45 people[1] are feared dead and many people have also incurred injuries. Many trees have been uprooted. Significant number of Coconut and Banana Plantations have been destroyed. Thatched houses and tied houses have been damaged. Furthermore, as some of the affected areas are still not accessible, the clear number of houses damaged is yet to come. Many boats have been damaged in the coastal area of Vedaranyam of Nagapattinam Taluk. Around 80,000 families have been evacuated and are staying in 351 camps. In most of the places, they are still in the shelter. Moreover, around 20,000 electric poles have been damaged and this has caused electricity failure in many districts and fallen trees have blocked the roads, affecting the daily life of people in the area. Also, the essential services are affected due of the electricity cut and the poor road accessibility. It is also reported that some of the essential needs are not available in Temporary Shelters. The ACT India Forum members namely Church’s Auxiliary for Social Action (CASA), United Evangelical Lutheran Churches in India (UELCI), and United Evangelical Lutheran Churches in India LWSIT) are closely assessing the situation. Tamil Evangelical Lutheran Church and the Arcot Lutheran Church members of UELCI areas are spread across the affected areas and are involved in helping the government with evacuation work; around 3,000 families are accommodated in their churches and food has been provided. In some of the affected areas where CASA's projects are operational, the forum is actively taking part in the supporting the government in evacuation and assessment. LWSIT is assessing the situation The ACT India forum is planning on submitting Rapid Response Funding (RRF) proposal to provide lifesaving packages and humanitarian assistance to ensure that the cyclone affected persons’ basic needs are met with regards to clothing, non-cooked food items and temporary shelter materials. ACT Alliance is ready to respond, providing clothing and non-cooked food items in the coming days. Furthermore, ACT Alliance will engage in advocacy on the national and international level to ensure that the voices of those affected by the cyclone are amplified. Alerts: Cyclone Gaja in India [1] European Commission's Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations
| During the night of Friday on 22nd September 2017, the province of Penama in Vanuatu, was elevated to an Alert Level 4 ‘Moderate eruption state’ due to elevated activity of Manaro volcano on the island of Ambae. On Thursday 28th September 2017, a State of Emergency was declared for the entire island and a full, compulsory evacuation of 11,000 residents of Ambae island to the nearby islands of Espiritu Santo, Pentecost and Maewo was ordered. The volcano subsided somewhat and residents that chose to return were sent back by 30th October 2017. On 7th December 2017, the Alert Level was downgraded to 2 ‘Major Unrest’, however, on 18th March 2018, the volcano erupted again and the Alert Level was increased from 2 to 3 ‘Minor Eruption State’ due to emissions of gases, ash and volcanic bombs. In particular, the impact from the continuous outpouring of ash and gas emissions created hazards including acid rain, flash flooding and landslides; it polluted and destroyed water sources, damaged traditional housing, crops and trees, and impacted human health through direct exposure to acid rain and inhalation of fine ash particles. Wind shifts resulted in almost the entire island being affected, with zones previously marked as ‘safe’ now experiencing hazards, and a significant proportion of the population on Ambae relocated to evacuation centres. With contaminated water sources, damaged crops and reduced food supplies in local stores, the population became reliant on food and water distributions from the Government. On 13th April 2018, the Government declared a State of Emergency and a mandatory, permanent relocation of the Ambae population to adjacent islands. By September 2018, Ambae had been completely evacuated and were the inhabitants were being hosted in temporary dwellings in and around host communities. The evacuation from Ambae to Espirito Santo, Pentecost and Maewo will impact approximately 13% of Vanuatu’s total population. The ACT Forum is planning on submitting a funding proposal to provide adaptive food security, GBV, peacebuilding and CS training, and assistance to ensure that the volcanic eruption affected persons’ basic needs are met with regards to Food Security, Gender and Protection, Child Safeguarding. ACT Alliance is ready to respond, providing G&P, peacebuilding and adaptive agricultural training and garden kits (seeds + tools) to over 540 affected households in the coming months. Furthermore, ACT Alliance will engage in advocacy on the national and international level to ensure that the voices of those affected by the volcanic eruption are amplified. Alerts: Volcanic Eruption in Vanuatu |
Since December 2016, the two English speaking regions of Cameroon (South West and North West Regions) have been experiencing an alarming and growing situation of unrest and uncertainty. Following decades of marginalization, a strike by lawyers and teachers in October 2016 has degenerated into a severe socio-economic, political, and humanitarian crisis, disrupting education and leading to a drastic downturn in the economy in Anglophone Cameroon, resulting in increased poverty and insecurity. Due to the fighting between separatist groups and the Cameroonian army, the region is seeing unprecedented levels of mass displacement. According to UN OCHA (August 2018), there are at least 245,000 IDPs in the South West Region, equally as many in the North West Region, and at least 21'000 refugees in Nigeria, with many living with family in the francophone part of the country. As a result of fighting, villages are burnt down and destroyed, education facilities and farms as well, putting the next harvest at stake. A famine of critical dimension is foreseeable, and many communities have lost all possibility of earning a living. Mission 21, a new member of ACT Alliance, has set up an Ecumenical Relief and Rehabilitation Programme in Cameroon. Mission 21 is working together with its main partners, the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon (PCC) as well as the Cameroon Baptist Convention (CBC) on food and non-food items distribution and income generating projects for IDPs within the most affected areas of the two Anglophone regions. The program is coordinating closely with UN-OCHA and the ICRC and other stakeholders involved in the response. Alert_Cameroon
In the morning of Monday the 15 October 2018, the region of Kasai in the Democratic Republic of Congo, was faced with a fast-developing humanitarian situation following the expulsion of more than 257,872 Congolese from Angola between 1st and 15th October 2018. In a media briefing in Geneva, the UNHCR indicated that Congolese people are returning to a fragile Kasai Region that is still suffering from the impact of the 2016/17 conflict. According to local media reports, Congolese nationals were given up to 15th October 2018 to leave Angola. The returnees entered DRC through many entry points, the main one being Kamako in Kasai Province and Luambo in Kasai Central Province. According to UNOCHA, the expulsion of Congolese from Angola follows the decision of the Angola government to ban artisanal mining which many Congolese were involved in as a source of livelihood while in Angola. Unfortunately, people are returning with and to nothing, with many currently housed in churches, schools, makeshift shelters or with host communities in the region of Kasai. The people are returning to a region that has had waves of communal violence, a region that remains fragile where many are still facing many unmet needs. The dire situation is further compounded for returnees who are already vulnerable; women and girls who are living in the open are at risk of gender-based violence. Pregnant and lactating women are at risk of lack of food, children (especially those under 5) are at risk of malnutrition. The ACT DRC Forum will establish an open line of communication with crisis affected persons and communities to ensure a humanitarian response based on participation, inclusion and feedback. ACT DRC Forum members namely Lutheran World Federation (LWF), Christian AID (CA), BOAD, Salvation Army, Eglise Evangelique Lutherienne du Congo (EELC) and Church of Christ in Congo (CCC).will jointly apply for a Kasai Revised Appeal. In collaboration with relevant stakeholders, ACT DRC forum has identified a gap in Nutrition, WASH, Safe Shelter, food, NFI’s, livelihoods, food security, Protection, Community Based Psycho social Support and education and has resolved that if funded, it will have the capacity to properly bridge the identified gap. Alert_ Kasai DRC
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
