ACT Alert: Conflict induced displacement in Cambodia

Border hostilities between Cambodia and Thailand escalated on 24 July 2025, with exchanges of artillery and airstrikes across multiple locations. A Malaysia-brokered ceasefire took effect on 28 July 2025. ASEAN observers were agreed in early August 2025 to help monitor the truce. However, incidents (including landmine injuries and sporadic tensions) have continued to disrupt returns and services.

In the initial days of the conflict approximately 153,910 individuals were displaced, primarily women, children, and the elderly. While a ceasefire agreement reached on 28 July has halted active hostilities, the situation remains fragile, with many families still residing in 134 government-supported displacement sites or hosted by relatives. according to the latest reports around 34000 people are still displaced and most of them are at the evaluation centers established by Government.  Concerns over unexploded ordnance, damaged housing, and limited access to services continue to deter large-scale returns. In parallel, 755,729 Cambodian nationals have returned from Thailand, including 328,808 women and 10,793 children, placing additional pressure on overstretched services.

According to UNICEF situation report issued on 8th August the key gaps include limited access to clean water, inadequate sanitation, insufficient temporary learning spaces, overstretched health services, poor nutrition, and heightened protection risks for vulnerable groups.

ACT Alert – Conflict induced displacement in Cambodia

ACT Alert – Gilgit Baltistan Floods – Pakistan

More than 300,000 people have been affected by a flash flood and glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) in Parts of Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan. Ghizer and Gilgit districts are among the severely impacted districts, by the recent disasters. Across the two districts, 22 deaths, 17 injuries, and damage to 662 houses have been reported. The main sources of livelihood—agriculture, horticulture, and tourism—have suffered greatly, as floods destroyed large tracts of agricultural land, while damaged irrigation channels continue to affect even those areas that were not directly hit by GLOFs and floods. According to official estimates, approximately 70% of the population in these districts has been affected by the recent incidents.

In August, Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan faced a series of severe disasters. On August 11, seven volunteers lost their lives and six were injured while restoring an irrigation channel in Danyore’s  Manogah Nallah, damaged by late July’s flash floods. The following day, August 12, massive flooding in Gulmit Gojal, Hunza, destroyed irrigation channels, link roads, a women-owned restaurant (Bozlanj), a government tourist facilitation centre, and a section of the Karakoram Highway, while over 40 locals working on water channel restoration narrowly escaped.

According to GB-PEOC’s 18 August report, the disaster caused 45 deaths, 42 injuries, destruction or damage to 993 houses, the loss of 67 livestock, and the destruction of 87 bridges and 40 water channels in 30 villages in GB.

Flooding in GB has damaged irrigation systems, farmland, roads, and bridges, leaving some communities without power or clean water. Many affected people remain scattered or with host families, and detailed disaggregated data is unavailable.

On 16 August, a flash flood and glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) in District Ghizer caused extensive damage, including the death of a girl from lightning, destruction of homes, a school, a hospital, shops, livestock, and farmland. Roads and bridges were washed away, leaving thousands of locals and tourists stranded, while power, mobile, and internet connectivity were also disrupted.

ACT Alliance member Community World Services Asia (CWSA) is planning to extend its relief support with the support from the Rapid Response Fund RRF to the flood affected areas of Gilgit Baltistan state in Pakistan.

 

ACT Alert- Glacial Lake Outburst and flash Floods Pakistan

Syria Hostilities

The deterioration in security situation in Southern Syria that has started in recent weeks, particularly in the governorates of As-Sweida and Daraa, has led to mass displacement, road closures, disruption of essential services, and left thousands of families in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.  The total number of IDP movements recorded as of 22nd of July is 145,600 individuals, and according to the IDP Taskforce, co-led by UNHCR and OCHA, an estimated 94,300 people have been displaced within As-Sweida governorate, 49,827 have fled to Daraa governorate, with most of them settling in Daraa and Izraa districts, and 950 have relocated to Rural Damascus governorate.

As of the 20th July, the humanitarian situation in As-Sweida Governorate remains dire, with power outages, unstable internet and mobile connectivity, and a severe shortage of water and medical services posing persistent challenges, in addition to the closure of local markets, compounded by widespread shop damage and looting, has significantly restricted access to essential goods, including food. Furthermore, the National Hospital in Sweida is operating beyond capacity, lacking sufficient medical staff and supplies, and is without access to water, electricity, or fuel for generators. Patients are overflowing into hospital hallways, while the morgue is over capacity, holding hundreds of deceased individuals, including women, children, and the elderly.

St. Ephrem Patriarchal Development Committee (EPDC) will access the Rapid Response Fund to aid affected people in Daraa governorate.

Alert Syria hostilities

Nigeria Floods

On May 29, 2025, Mokwa in Niger State, Nigeria, experienced one of the most catastrophic flash floods in the nation’s recent history. Triggered by intense overnight rainfall, the flood rapidly overwhelmed local infrastructure. The situation worsened when a nearby dam collapsed, amplifying the flood waters and devastation across the region.

The human impact was severe: 159 people were confirmed dead, 98 reported missing, and at least 11 hospitalized with various injuries. Approximately 3,018 residents were displaced, many seeking shelter with relatives, friends, or in host communities due to limited emergency housing. Infrastructure damage was extensive. The collapse of the Mokwa bridge and two others 2 severely hindered access and emergency response.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) had, prior to the incident, issued multiple early warnings regarding likely flooding in flood-prone regions like Niger State. In collaboration with NiMet and NIHSA, NEMA’s early warning systems involved: Disseminating seasonal climate predictions and realtime flood alerts via radio, television, social media, and town criers.

The living conditions for flood survivors in Mokwa, Niger State remain inadequate. Issues such as insufficient shelter, limited access to clean water and sanitation facilities, and inadequate healthcare services further compound the challenges faced by these displaced individuals.

 

ACT Alert Mokowa Nigeria Flooding

 

Somalia Flash Floods

Flash Floods exacerbated by climate change have caused severe flooding in Somalia. The floods started in April and went on to late May 2025. Climate Change experts have noted a trend of increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather in the region.

The flash floods have caused the death of 17 people and affected over 84,000 persons according to Relief Web, and destroyed nearly 200 latrines and several water sources have been submerged.

ACT Somalia Forum members intend to submit an appeal to respond to the effects of the Flash Floods.

Somalia Flash Flooding

Pakistan Heatwave

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), temperatures are expected to rise significantly in most parts of the country. A heatwave alert has been issued on April 15, warning that from Sunday until April 18, daytime temperatures in South Punjab may remain 6 to 8°C above normal. The PMD also predicted a 4 to 6°C temperature increase in many parts of the country. The intense heat may also trigger dust storms and gusty winds in some areas. Similar conditions are expected in Sindh and Baluchistan, where temperatures may rise by 6 to 8°C above average. In parts of Sindh, the mercury could climb as high as 46 to 48°C. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has advised citizens to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities during this period to prevent heat-related illnesses.

According to the NDMA’s advisory, much of the country is likely to experience elevated temperatures and dry conditions throughout the period. The forecast is particularly concerning for Baluchistan and Sindh, where temperatures are expected to remain significantly above normal.

This is considered a small to medium-scale emergency. The heatwave conditions, characterized by extreme temperatures exceeding 46°C, are affecting large parts of Pakistan, particularly Punjab and Sindh provinces. The impact on human and animal populations is significant, necessitating proactive measures.

The geographical areas affected include most parts of Pakistan, with a focus on Punjab, Balouchistan and Sindh provinces. According to PDMA and PMD, specific districts in Sindh, such as Mohinjodaro, Dadu, Larkana, Umerkot, Shaheed Benezirabad, Jacobabada and Khairpur, are particularly impacted during the heatwave spell. This extreme heat has been attributed to a high-pressure system in the upper atmosphere, leading to daytime temperatures 6–8°C above normal in Sindh.

ACT Alert (Pakistan Heatwave Emergency) 2025

Democratic Republic of Congo – Floods in Kinshasa

In DRC (Kinshasa), between 4th and 11th April 2025, unusual heavy rainfall that started during the last week of March continued into early April. The Congo River waters overflowed, reaching their highest level in six decades, causing one of its tributaries, the Ndjili River, to burst its banks.

The torrential heavy rains and landslides caused severe widespread destruction in Kinshasa, the capital city of the Democratic Republic of Congo, affecting about half of the capital city’s population of about 18 million people (13 out of 26 districts).

ACT Alliance Forum member in DRC, The Church of Christ in Congo plans to respond to the immediate needs of affected communities in Kinshasa.

ACT Alert Severe Flooding Kinshasa

 

Malawi Karonga Flash Floods

Three people have died, and at least 1,000 households displaced after five days of heavy rains (25th to 30th March 2025) caused flash floods in Karonga district Malawi as four rivers and other small streams burst their banks.

According to a recent needs assessment, by the Evangelical Lutheran Development Service (ELDS) and other actors, persons affected by the flash floods, are currently displaced from their homes due to continuous heavy rains (Nation Online). The affected displaced in three local camps, others are living in schools while some are hosted by families.

Houses and farmland have been damaged/destroyed, and more information will be gathered as some of the affected areas have not been accessible due to the flood waters. There is fear that the continued heavy rains may increase the flooding incidents.

The affected have lost homes and crops that were at maturing age, and this may result in poor access to food as many do not have alternative sources of income/food due to poverty and the floods may leave them more vulnerable to future shocks.

Flash Floods Alert Malawi

Myanmar Earthquake

On Friday, March 28, 2025, a 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit Myanmar, followed by strong aftershocks measuring 6.4-magnitude. This marks the strongest earthquake experienced in Myanmar.

The earthquake was felt as far as China and Thailand, where assessments of potentially damaged buildings are being conducted. In Bangkok, an apartment tower collapsed, trapping over 100 construction workers below. Rescue efforts in Bangkok continued through the night.

According to UN and government reports in Myanmar the current official death count is at least 1600 people have been killed, and many injured. The US Geological Survey estimated that the death toll could top 10,000. Efforts have been hampered by the shortages of heavy machinery. From the figures Mandalay state is one of the worst affected state in Myanmar with a population of around 1.2 million people. According to media and government sources, almost all the  state has been badly affected.

The earthquake caused extensive damage across multiple sectors. Healthcare facilities are overwhelmed, with hospitals in the affected regions suffering structural damage and struggling to accommodate the growing number of casualties.

According to Christian Aid and its local implementing partner UMMGAA, Emergency medical assistance is urgently required as healthcare facilities are stretched beyond capacity. Displacement is a major concern, particularly in Mandalay and surrounding townships, where emergency shelters are critically needed. Food and water shortages are severe, particularly in Sagaing and Magway, necessitating immediate humanitarian aid. Vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and pregnant women, require prioritized assistance. Additionally, the mental health toll on affected populations is severe, with a pressing need for psychosocial support services to help communities cope with trauma.

ACT Alliance members are already on the ground and initiated emergency response to support the affected population.

 

ACT Alliance Alert – Myanmar Earthquake response

 

Argentina: Floods

On March 7, 2025, the town of Bahía Blanca, located in the southern part of Buenos Aires Province, Argentina, experienced a severe hydrometeorological event that led to widespread flooding. Within a few hours, approximately 350 millimeters of rainfall accumulated, submerging over 70% of the area, according to the municipal mayor. Bahía Blanca’s geographical vulnerability is exacerbated by its location in the lower basin of the Napostá stream. The heavy rainfall, combined with the overflow of both the Napostá stream and the Maldonado canal, resulted in extensive flooding. The situation is further compounded by the fact that in January 2024, the city had already been affected by a severe storm with strong winds and heavy rainfall, leaving many residents still recovering from its consequences. The disaster has also severely impacted the agricultural and livestock sectors, with nearly 2 million hectares under water and significant financial losses for rural producers.

The municipal mayor of Bahía Blanca estimates that approximately 70% of the population—about 234,154 people—has been affected by the flood. Official sources report that around 90,000 homes have been directly impacted, and in the town of General Cerri, some residents remain stranded on rooftops. As of now, approximately 1,500 people have been evacuated, with 1,296 currently housed in evacuation centers. To date, 16 fatalities and 94 missing persons have been reported.

Several areas of the city remain without electricity or internet access, particularly in General Cerri and Ing. White. The flood has also severely damaged transportation infrastructure. Of the eight bridges along the Napostá stream, six have been destroyed. Given that Bahía Blanca is home to a petrochemical complex, the risk of chemical exposure has increased, and the situation is currently being evaluated by the Government of the Province of Buenos Aires.

As Argentina enters the autumn season, temperatures are expected to drop, with the likelihood of additional rainfall in the coming winter months. This raises concerns about an increase in respiratory illnesses. Furthermore, the large volumes of stagnant water have heightened the risk of a dengue outbreak. The ongoing economic crisis in Argentina has exacerbated social tensions at the local level, increasing concerns about the mental health of the affected population and the potential for social unrest. The disruption to economic activities and livelihoods is expected to place additional strain on families.

The ACT Argentina Forum will provide emergency response, with CREAS serving as the operational and coordination lead. The response will be implemented in Bahía Blanca over three months, focusing on Protection (gender-based violence prevention), Food Security, and WASH, in collaboration with local churches affiliated with FAIE and other ecumenical and local partners.

ACT_Alert_Argentina_Floods