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

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

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

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

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

The winter season in Afghanistan typically spans from mid-December to mid-March, with the cold spell peaking in January-February. The temperatures plummeting to as low as -25°C in mountainous areas such as the central highlands, many families are bracing for yet another brutal winter without sufficient winterization support. its economic and health impacts extend well beyond, reaching into March. Limited income-generating opportunities, accumulated debts, and winter-related illnesses continue to strain vulnerable households.

According to the national Shelter Cluster, over 900,000 individuals in high-priority areas are at risk of not receiving essential heating assistance and winter non-food items (NFIs). Vulnerable groups, including women, girls, young children under five, and the elderly, are at heightened risk of pneumonia, starvation, and other health complications.

Among the most at-risk communities are over 18,000 families whose shelters were damaged or destroyed by flash floods and heavy rains in 2024, leaving them without proper insulation or protection against the cold. Additionally, more than 679,500 returnees from Pakistan since September 2023 are living in inadequate and undignified shelter conditions, with only 15% receiving critical support for rent, repairs, or transitional housing due to severe funding constraints.

ACT Alliance member Community World Services Asia (CWSA)is planning to initiate an emergency response to support the most vulnerable people through the RRF mechanism.

ACT-Alert-Afghanistan winter Emergency

Since January 16, 2025, violence in the Catatumbo region has escalated due to clashes over territorial control between two Non-State Armed Groups (NSAGs). As a result, at least 80 people have died, including five signatories of the final peace agreement. However, the actual number of victims is likely higher due to difficulties in recovering and identifying bodies in conflict-affected areas. Reports also indicate multiple cases of personal injury and forced disappearances. Additionally, broader armed operations, including military deployments and hostilities by the ELN (one of the NSAGs), have further exacerbated the crisis, severely impacting vulnerable populations such as the Barí Indigenous people, social leaders, children, and rural communities.

The humanitarian impact has been devastating, with forced displacement reaching 53,416 people as of February 2, compared to 5,422 cases recorded throughout 2024. Those displaced have sought refuge in municipalities such as Cúcuta (24,435), Tibú (13,373), and Ocaña (10,285). Many have been accommodated in shelters, temporary lodgings, and collection centers set up by local authorities. Meanwhile, 31,358 people remain confined in areas such as Tibú (17,373) and Teorama (9,000), with a high likelihood of further displacement in the coming weeks. Additionally, 4,443 refugees and migrants have been significantly impacted.

In response to the escalating crisis in the Catatumbo region, the Metropolitan Area of Cúcuta, and the municipalities of Río de Oro and González in the department of Cesar, the Presidency of Colombia issued Decree No. 0062 on January 24, 2025, declaring a state of internal commotion. Additionally, on January 23, 2025, the Governor’s Office of Norte de Santander issued Decree No. 000071, declaring a state of public calamity due to large-scale forced displacement. Several local governments, including those of Norte de Santander, Cúcuta, and Hacarí, have also issued emergency decrees to address the urgent humanitarian needs arising from the crisis.

IELCO and its partners will activate the Rapid Response Fund (RRF) to provide protection services to 2,500 displaced individuals over five months. The response will include emergency case management (MPC), the distribution of protection and hygiene kits, food assistance, GBV care, life-saving information on safe routes, psychosocial support, and safe spaces for children. The emergency response will be implemented in collaboration with Iglesia Central in Cúcuta, which operates one of the main distribution centers, and the Presbyterian Church of Colombia in Ocaña, along with other local partners, ensuring coordinated assistance and avoiding duplication of efforts.

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