Relief News Updates
ReliefWeb - Disasters
ReliefWeb - Disasters
Bangladesh: Floods and Landslides - Jun 2024
Tue, 18 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000
On 18 and 19 June, heavy monsoon rainfall impacted the refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, southeastern Bangladesh causing flash floods and 773 landslides incidents, resulting in casualties and damage. According to humanitarian partners, as of 19 June, 10 people died, including at least seven Rohingya refugees, almost 8,000 people have been affected across 33 camps in Cox’s Bazar and also around 1,200 shelters. Rising water and mudslides have damaged learning centers, health facilities, mosques, latrines, water points and bathing cubicles. Flooding from heavy rains has also affected 1.6 million people in other parts of the country. Nearly 30,000 people moved to shelter centres while many families were seen wandering in northeastern Bangladesh. Only in Sylhet district, almost 75 percent of areas, including 23 wards of the city and 1,548 villages in 13 Upazilas, have been flooded, directly affecting over 825,000 people. In Sunamganj district, flooding affected 560,000 people. (ECHO, 20 Jun 2024)
Continuous heavy rainfall inside the country over the past three days and onrushing water from upstream have flooded the northeast Haor region of Bangladesh. Sylhet and Sunamganj districts have experienced 242 mm and 223 mm of rainfall respectively already exceeded monthly average.Almost 75% of Sylhet district is now flooded, with more than half of the crops and paddy fields in the region submerged under water, likely to have lasting impacts on people’s food security. According to humanitarian partners, as of 19 June, 15 people died due to landslides. (ECHO, 21 Jun 2024)
El Salvador: Floods and Landslides - Jun 2024
Sat, 15 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000
Heavy rainfall has been affecting El Salvador since 15 June, causing floods, landslides and severe weather-related incidents, that have resulted in casualties and damage. According to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and media reports, as of 17 June, at least 14 fatalities have been reported, including five in Tacuba district in Ahuachapán Department (western El Salvador) due to a landslide, two due to a severe weather-related incident, and four due to flooding. At least 744 people have been displaced in 30 active shelters, another 100 shelters are pre-equipped and available, and 26 homes have been destroyed. A national state of emergency was declared on 16 June. On 19-20 June, more very heavy rainfall is forecasted for the whole country. (ECHO, 19 Jun 2024)
Honduras: Dengue Outbreak - May 2024
Fri, 31 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000
This year, due to the escalating number of reported cases, the Secretariat of Health (SESAL) issued an epidemiological alert in February. By March, the incidence of cases had escalated to epidemic proportions. Despite extending the scope of the alert in May, the number of dengue cases and associated fatalities continued to rise. Consequently, a national emergency was declared on 31 May. According to data from the Epidemiological Alert issued by WHO on 24 May 2024, in Honduras, up to EW 19 of 2024, of the 20,563 dengue cases reported, 1,248 (6.0%) were laboratory-confirmed, and 266 (1.29%) were classified as severe dengue, as well as 27 deaths, with 11 of these fatalities directly attributed to the disease. The cases reported up to EW 19 of 2024 represent an increase of 445% compared to the same period of 2023, and 193% compared to the average of the last 5 years. In the same period, a total of 10 deaths were reported, corresponding to a case fatality rate of 0.049%. (IFRC, 14 Jun 2024)
Colombia: Puracé Volcano - May 2024
Tue, 28 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000
According to the Colombian Geological Service (SGC), the alert level of the Puracé Volcano changed from Yellow Level (I) to Orange Level (II) on May 3, 2024, which represents a probable eruption in a matter of days or weeks, prompting local authorities to take preparedness, mitigation, and communication actions. The alert status to ORANGE indicates that the monitored parameters show considerable variations or fluctuations (they may increase or decrease) and raise the probability of one or more major eruptions (those of great scope and height that can significantly affect the livesof people and animals, the ecosystem and infrastructure, bridges, buildings, roads, etc.). The territories identified under the zone of influence of the Puracé volcano in the department of Cauca are: Puracé, Popayán, Sotará Paisbamba, Timbío, Rosas, El Tambo, La Sierra, Patía, Bolívar, Sucre, La Vega, Totoró; and in the department of Huila they are: San Agustín, Isnos, Saladoblanco and La Argentina. Thus, according to the Colombian Geological Service and Cauca branch, around 40,000 people live under the influence of the volcano and could be affected. (IFRC, 28 May 2024)
Armenia: Floods - May 2024
Sun, 26 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000
A severe flash flood struck the Lori and Tavush regions in Armenia on 26 May 2024, following heavy rain the previous day. Between Alaverdi and Chochkan, the flooding affected at least 15 villages, including Alaverdi, Akhtala, Bagratashen, Bendik, Deghdsavan, Haghtanak, Karkop, Mets Ayrum, Pokr Ayrum, Sanahin, Shamlug, and Shnogh. The flooding resulted in significant damage to infrastructure, homes, livestock, and businesses. Based on the latest national population census of Armenia, the combined population of these villages exceeds 30,000 people. (IFRC, 13 Jun 2024)
Tropical Cyclone Remal - May 2024
Sun, 26 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000
A deep depression over the Bay of Bengal intensified into Cyclonic storm “Remal” and it is expected to make landfall near West Bengal and Bangladesh coasts around midnight between 26 and 27 May. Wind speed ranging 90-120 kmph (with a maximum up to 135) and a surge height ranging 3-4 m are expected in the coastal areas of Satkhira, Khulna, Bagerhat, Pirojpur, Hatia, Bhola, Patuakhali, Barisal, Noakhali, Lakshmipur, Feni, Cumilla, Chittagong and Cox's Bazar. There is a particular alert for Rohingya camps and hill districts for heavy rainfall and subsequent landslide risks. The overall potential exposed population is 1.9 million, who may be displaced during the cyclone, with almost 0.5 million houses estimated to be possibly damaged or destroyed. (ECHO, 26 May 2024)
A tropical storm named REMAL formed over the northern Bay of Bengal on 25 May. It made landfall over the border area between India, West Bengal state and Bangladesh, Khulna division on 26 May around 18.00 UTC. Tidal surges as high as 12 feet, heavy rainfall, and wind speeds of up to 120 km/h have led to inundation of many southwestern coastal areas of Bangladesh. In Bangladesh, over 800,000 people have been evacuated to safer areas in 16 coastal districts ahead of the cyclone in 9,000 shelters. Tens of thousands of volunteers had been mobilized by the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (MoDMR) to quicken the evacuation efforts and relief has already been transported to remote areas. 10,599 houses are so far reported fully destroyed, while 18,605 are reported partially destroyed, and 9 people are reported dead. Millions are without power. Over the next 48 hours, very heavy rainfall and strong winds are expected over West Bengal and most of Bangladesh. (ECHO, 27 May 2024)
As of 28 May, ten casualties are reported across southern Bangladesh and six more in the West Bengal state (India). Around 800,000 are displaced across Bangladesh and 150,000 in India. Approximately 3.75 million of affected people in both countries. Around 115,000 houses were reported damaged in India and 35,000 destroyed in Bangladesh, fostering high risk of protracted displacement. (ECHO, 28 May 2024)
Media report, as of 29 May, a total of 54 fatalities, of which 44 in India and 10 across Bangladesh. In India, 27 fatalities and seven missing people were reported across the Mizoram state, seven fatalities in West Bengal, four fatalities and 18 injured people in Assam, four fatalities in Nagaland and two fatalities and four injured people in Meghalaya. More than 37,000 damaged houses were reported across the affected states. In Bangladesh, around 807,000 people have been evacuated in nearly 9,500 shelters and around 70,285 houses have been completely destroyed, 107,176 of which partially damaged. (ECHO, 29 May 2024)
The humanitarian impact is increasing after the passage of tropical storm REMAL which made landfall near the Bangladesh-India border and crossed north-eastern India on 26-28 May. According to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), as of 29 May, in Bangladesh 16 people died, 807,023 people have been evacuated to 9,424 evacuation centres and almost 3.5 million people have been affected. In addition, 40,246 houses were completely damaged, and 131,678 others were partially damaged. The rain and high tides damaged some embankments and flooded coastal areas in the Sundarbans. Rain brought by the cyclone, flooded roads also in the capital Dhaka. In India, media report at least 37 fatalities, most of them in Mizoram State, dozens missing people, and hundreds of evacuated. The worst affected states are Mizoram, West Bengal, Assam, and Meghalaya. (ECHO, 30 May 2024)
Tropical storm REMAL struck northeastern India and Bangladesh from May 26-28, causing severe flooding and landslides. In India's northeast, 39 people were reported dead, with the highest fatalities in Mizoram. Dozens remain missing, over 500 were injured, and significant displacement has occurred, with nearly 21,000 affected and 175 homes damaged across Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Tripura. In Manipur, the storm impacted around 188,143 people and damaged over 24,000 houses. West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district saw 1.9 million people affected, thousands of homes damaged, and over 150,000 people evacuated to relief camps. Further assessments are pending. In Bangladesh, the cyclone's aftermath left 16 dead and affected 3.75 million people, according to Save the Children. Approximately 150,000 homes were hit, affecting 639,000 people, including many children. (ECHO, 31 May 2024)
In India, 10 days after the cyclone Remal made a landfall, there has been random episodes of unseasonal rainfall in the affected area. As per media reports 07 people have lost their lives and nearly 100 people have been injured as a consequence of the cyclone. People continue to live in damaged and uninhabitable conditions with unusable toilet facility conditions. Some local donor agencies have supported with tarpaulin sheets which is providing temporary relief. There were more than 1,400 relief camps functional during the cyclone, now they have been closed and people have returned to their homes, many of which have been partially or completely destroyed. As per government reports from the district of South 24 Parganas, 23 blocks, 249 Gram Panchayats (village level government administration), 1,905,032 people are affected. Government has distributed 70,914 tarpaulins and 153,353 fresh cooked meals to the impacted people. (UNICEF, 7 Jun 2024)
Botswana: Drought - May 2024
Fri, 24 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000
On May 24, 2024, the Rural Development Secretariat under the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development issued a report urging support due to the devastating impact of drought on food security drivers, nutrition, water supplies, and food production. The report highlighted a signicant decline in crop yields, with a drop from 206,572 tons harvested in 2021/22 to 125,184 tons in 2022/23. Cereal production in 2022/23 reached only 67,530 tons, which is equivalent to just 23% of the national requirement. The 2022/23 cropping season experienced low and highly erratic rainfall, along with extended dry periods, severely impacting food and agricultural production, disrupting urban water supplies, and damaging the rural economy and socio-cultural structures. As a result, the nation is experiencing signicant chronic food insecurity, with over 10% of the population facing food and nutrition problems.The country has experienced dry spells and rainfall decits in recent years, leading the government to declare a drought emergency in July 2023. This marks the third consecutive year of severe drought, affecting arable agricultural land in a context where 70% of the rural population depends on agriculture for their livelihoods, primarily through rain-fed farming. Since then, 163,000 people have been categorized as food insecure. The SADC Synthesis Report on The State of Food and Nutrition Security and Vulnerability in Southern Africa indicated that 37,000 individuals in Botswana are experiencing food insecurity in 2024.The El Niño drought effect in Southern Africa has further exacerbated the already critical drought situation. According to the Southern Africa Seasonal Monitor report, Botswana is currently experiencing El Niño conditions, leading to severe rain deficits and challenging harvest conditions across most of the region, with dry spells expected to persist. (IFRC, 12 June 2024)
Mozambique: Drought - May 2024
Thu, 23 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000
As vast parts of southern Africa grapple with an unprecedented mid-season dry spell, the food security situation in Mozambique continues to deteriorate. The compounded effects of El Niño, above-average temperatures, extreme weather events such as Tropical Storm Filipo, excessive floods, coupled with the lasting impact of past shocks such as Tropical Cyclone Freddy, are exacerbating the situation. The 2023-2024 El Niño has been one of the strongest on record, bringing below-average rainfall between October 2023 and February 2024 in southern and central Mozambique, and average to above-average rainfall to the northern part of the country. This disruption continues to impact agriculture and rural livelihoods. Between November 2023 and February 2024, typically the rainy season in Mozambique, the southern and central regions of the country experienced persistent dryness and unusually high temperatures, and many areas received less than half of their typical rainfall. These events in turn led to deteriorating vegetation conditions and crop wilting in parts of the central provinces. (IFRC, 27 May 2024)
Around 20 million people reside in areas that have now been hit by drought, 2.7 million of whom were already struggling with food insecurity (IPC3+) before the onset of El Niño. DG ECHO contributed EUR 200,000 to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Emergency Appeal, aiming to support the Mozambique Red Cross in its response to the drought and food insecurity in the country. (ECHO, 30 May 2024)
In view of the unfolding disasters regionally, SADC Council directed the SADC Secretariat to develop a regional appeal to facilitate coordinated response to the various disaster affecting the region. (SADC, 5 June 2024)
Papua New Guinea: Landslide - May 2024
Thu, 23 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000
A huge landslide occurred in the Enga province, central-northern Papua New Guinea on 23 May, resulting in casualties and widespread damage. According to DG ECHO partners, the total number of casualties remains unverified. Local media reports, as of 24 May, more than 100 fatalities across six villages (where the worst affected is the Kaokalam village) in the Porgera-Paiela district, Enga province due to the landslide occurred on very early morning, local time, of 24 May. Over the next 96 hours, more heavy rainfall with locally very heavy rainfall is forecast over the whole Papua New Guinea. (ECHO, 24 May 2024)
Landslides triggered by heavy rains struck the Tulpar community in Yambali village, Lagaip-Porgera District, Enga Province, Papua New Guinea on 24 May 2024. The area remains extremely dangerous due to ongoing land movement. Access is difficult due to a blocked highway and ongoing instability. As of 26 May 2024, authorities report the death toll has risen to five. Many are missing, and estimates suggest a possible additional 670 fatalities. The authorities of the affected area have declared a State of Emergency and requested national assistance. (ECHO, 26 May 2024)
According to media, as of 27 May, at least 2,000 people are still buried under the debris and more than 7,900 people have been forced to leave the villages near the landslide. In addition, 18 buildings have been destroyed, more than 634 have been potentially damaged, and the main highway has been blocked. (ECHO, 28 May 2024)
As per DMT report #6 on 28 May, the preliminary estimate of the total affected population is approximately 7,850 individuals or 1,430 households. Further preliminary estimates suggest approximately, 42 per cent are children under 16 years of age. It is believed over 150 structures have been destroyed in the landslide. (OCHA, 29 May 2024)
The landslide buried one school, and 10 other nearby schools (eight elementary and two primary) were also affected. Health services have been restored in two primary health facilities. The two Care Centers established in Wabag and Mulatika will be developed to host increased displaced populations. Damage to a major road is impeding fuel and food supplies from Wabag to landslide-affected areas. The security situation in the disaster area remains volatile due to competition for resources, pre-existing inter-communal tensions and pervasive gender-based violence; the first serious security incident was reported on 13 June. (UNICEF, 14 Jun 2024)
Angola: Drought - May 2024
Wed, 22 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000
In Southern Africa, the impact of El Niño began in November 2023 and has continued into the first quarter of 2024, with high temperatures and below average rainfall reported. A record mid-season dry spell has affected vast parts of the region including, Angola, Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe ... The evolving drought crisis in Southern Africa is expected to continue to worsen already dire food insecurity levels, further driving malnutrition and spreading diseases like cholera. Reports indicate that the impact of these dry conditions in Southern Africa is likely to be long-lasting, with FEWS NET projections indicating the possibility of elevated needs for foodassistance during the lean season in early 2025. (IFRC, 14 Jun 2024)
Namibia: Drought - May 2024
Wed, 22 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000
On 22 May, the Government of Namibia declared the State of Emergency following the worst drought that the country has experienced in 100 years. According to media reports, every one in five Namibians is considered food insecure. Against the backdrop of scarce rains, over 331,000 households have already registered for the government-funded drought relief programme to assist the affected communities. This programme amounts to EUR 40 million but it currently has a funding gap of EUR 25 million. At the extraordinary summit held on 20 May by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to discuss the El Niño-induced drought and floods affecting member states, the Namibian President called for assistance from SADC countries and the International Community at large to bridge the above-mentioned funding gap. (ECHO, 29 May 2024)
Belize: Wild Fires - May 2024
Thu, 16 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000
On May 16, the Toledo District Emergency Operations Centre was activated, and an emergency meeting was held with representatives of the Fire Department, the Forest Department, the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing, the Ministry of Transport, Belize Defense Force, Ya’axché Conservation Trust and Toledo Institute for Development and Environment (TIDE). The Ministry of Blue Economy and Disaster Risk Management informed that the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) had been responding to reports of wildfires affecting the village of San Pedro Columbia and adjacent communities in the Toledo District. Initial assessments were conducted, and a plan of action was created to provide immediate humanitarian support to affected families. NEMO maintained contact with the chairpersons and alcaldes of San Pedro Columbia, Crique Jute, Mafredi, and San Antonio. Aerial reconnaissance was conducted on May 17th to confirm the extent of the fire, determine the initial damage assessment, and assist in plans to contain the fire. Based on this initial assessment and as a result of the wildfires affecting the community of San Pedro Columbia and adjacent communities in the Toledo District, the Ministry of Blue Economy and Disaster Risk Management and the NEMO informed that a proclamation declaring a state of public emergency for the district was signed by the Governor General on May 19. On May 20, the Government of Belize halted classes in localities of the country that had been affected by forest fires and suffered heavy environmental pollution due to this cause. The Ministry of Education declared the measure for all schools in the Toledo district and considered the action necessary due to the poor air quality in that area. Several local media reports document the extent of damage the fires have caused within the Toledo District. According to two media outlets, around one hundred farmers have lost their entire farms. The fires that swept through several communities in the Toledo District have left significant losses in their wake. The fires became a threat to the communities as they threatened farms in several Maya villages, starting in San Pedro, Columbia. The Belize Defense Force’s Cadenas Outpost near Graham Creek had also been consumed by the fires. Deputy Commander of the Belize Defense Force, Colonel Anthony Velasquez said the soldiers had to abandon the post. These media reports are supported by the ongoing needs assessment being conducted by the national authorities, which states that “the main effects in the Toledo District were loss of livelihoods and crops, temporary displacement, inconvenience, and respiratory health issues. There are no reports of injury, loss of life, or missing person(s).” (IFRC, 7 Jun 2024)
Guatemala: Dengue Outbreak - May 2024
Mon, 13 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000
Dengue continues to be the arbovirus with the highest number of reported cases in the Americas region, with outbreaks occurring on a cyclical basis every 3 to 5 years. During the year 2024 between epidemiological weeks (SE, for its acronym in Spanish) 1 and 16 of 2024, a total of 6,769,140 suspected cases of dengue were reported (cumulative incidence of 717 cases per 100,000 population). This ígure represents an increase of 206% compared with the same period in 2023 and 387% compared with the average for the last 5 years (1).
On 16 February 2024, in view of the exponential increase in dengue cases observed in the írst weeks of the year in several countries of the Region of the Americas, PAHO made an urgent appeal to Member States. The organization emphasized the need to intensify vector control measures and to maintain active surveillance, ensuring early diagnosis and timely treatment of cases (2).
On 7 March 2024, the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance (MSPAS, for its acronym in Spanish) of Guatemala, through the Directorate of Epidemiology and Risk Management, issued an epidemiological alert for dengue (3). This alert was established to reinforce dengue control and prevention plans, based on data accumulated up to epidemiological week 7, which ended on 17 February. As of that date, a total of 6,760 cases of dengue fever had been recorded this year, of which 31 were severe cases resulting in 3 deaths. The decision to issue this alert was motivated by the beginning of the high dengue transmission season in the country. As part of this measure, speciíc epidemiological surveillance actions were reinforced, including standardized protocols for the detection, notiícation, and registration of cases in hospitals and health areas. IFRC
Sri Lanka: Floods and Landslides - May 2024
Fri, 10 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000
Heavy rainfall, strong winds, thunderstorms and lightning continued to affect most of Sri Lanka since 10 May. The affected provinces are: Sabaragamuwa, Northern, Western, Southern, North Western, Central, North Central, Uva and Eastern. The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) reports, as of 23 May, four fatalities, ten injured people, nearly 1,000 damaged houses and a total of approximately 34,000 affected people across 18 districts throughout the aforementioned nine affected provinces. (ECHO, 23 May 2024)
Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms have been affecting almost 24 districts of Sri Lanka since 15 May, resulting in casualties and damage. The National Disaster Relief Services Centre (NDRSC) report, as of 29 May, ten fatalities, of whom four in Puttalam, two in Galle, two in Ratnapura, one in Batulla and one in Nuwara Eliya districts in western and southern Sri Lanka. Three people are still missing, 26 have been injured, and a total of 66,787 people have been affected by severe weather. In addition, 37 houses have been destroyed and 5,556 have been partially damaged. (ECHO, 30 May 2024)
Sri Lanka faces severe floods following heavy rains since Sunday, 2 June. Over 159,000 people are affected cross 13 districts. Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Matara, Ratnapura, Kegalle, and Galle are the worst hit areas. The floods have caused at least 17 deaths and five people to be missing. Over 23,700 people are displaced in 119 shelters. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with boats deployed to Gampaha. The government is coordinating relief efforts. Flood alerts are in place for Colombo and other areas. (ECHO, 4 Jun 2024)
Heavy rainfall, strong winds, thunderstorms and lightning, due to the onset of the Southwest Monsoon, continued to affect most of Sri Lanka since 1 June. The affected provinces are: Sabaragamuwa, Northen, Western, Southern, North Western and Central. Media report, as of 5 June, 26 fatalities and 41 injured people across the affected area. The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) also reports, as of 4 June, one person still missing, more than 8,200 evacuated people in 123 shelters, nearly 3,400 damaged houses and a total of approximately 161,300 affected people across 13 district throughout the aforementioned six affected provinces. (ECHO, 5 Jun 2024)
According to the National Disaster Relief Services Centre (NDRSC), as of 6 June, 30 people died - seven in Ratanapura, six in Matara, and six others in Dalle District - three are still missing and 44 have been injured. Moreover, 281,144 people have been affected and more than 10,000 houses have been damaged. (ECHO, 6 Jun 2024)
Heavy rain and strong winds brought by the south-west monsoon are still impacting most parts of Sri Lanka, causing floods, landslides and severe weather-related incidents that resulted in an increasing number of casualties and damage. The National Disaster Relief Service Centre (NDRRSC) recorded, as of 6 June, 33 fatalities, seven of which in Ratnapura district, another seven in Galle district, and six in Matara district. Moreover, three people are still missing, 47 others have been injured, almost 5,000 have been evacuated in 98 evacuation centres and more than 200,000 have been affected across 23 districts across the country. (ECHO, 11 Jun 2024)
The humanitarian impact is still increasing in Sri Lanka following heavy rain and strong winds brought by the south-west monsoon since mid-May. This severe weather event is causing floods, landslides and severe weather-related incidents that resulted in casualties and damage. According to the National Disaster Relief Service Centre (NDRRSC), as of 11 June, 37 people died in ten Districts, most of them in Ratapura, Galle and Matara. Moreover, three people are still missing, 48 others have been injured, more than 8,000 have been evacuated in 122 evacuation centres and more than 235,854 have been affected across 23 districts. Furthermore, more than 16,000 houses have been damaged. (ECHO, 12 Jun 2024)
Grenada: Drought - May 2024
Fri, 10 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000
On May 10, 2024, [...] The Government of Grenada officially declared a water crisis due to an acute shortage of water resources. Effective from May 12, 2024, stringent water usage restrictions were enforced across the island. These measures aim to curb wasteful practices and encourage responsible water management during this critical period. The declaration and ensuing water restrictions was prompted by a combination of prolonged drought conditions, insufficient rainfall, and aging water infrastructure. Collectively, this led to critically low water levels in reservoirs. The government implemented several emergency measures to manage the crisis and mitigate its impacts on the population. The 2024 water crisis in Grenada is noted as the most severe in 14 years. This crisis is marked by unprecedented low water levels, significant water rationing, and stringent restrictions on water usage for non-essential activities. The declaration highlighted the extreme nature of the drought and the urgent need for conservation and improved water management strategies to ensure the availability of safe drinking water for the island's residents. (IFRC, 24 May 2024)
Ethiopia: Floods - May 2024
Wed, 08 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000
Weeks of heavy rainfall and flooding in the East Africa region have triggered widespread displacement, with hundreds of thousands displaced across Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, Ethiopia and Tanzania. So far 637,000 people have been affected, including 234,000 displaced as of 3 May 2024, according to the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, but the numbers keep rising. (IOM, 8 May 2024)
Heavy rainfall since early May has caused severe flooding, affecting 9 villages of the Gujis, in southern Oromia; flooding has also been reported in some areas of Sidama, Central Ethiopia and South Ethiopia. In West Guji alone, 120,481 people have been affected, with 102,128 people displaced and five deaths. (ECHO, 16 May 2024)
Heavy rains in April and early May caused flooding in several districts across the country, particularly in Afar, Amhara, Central Ethiopia, Oromia, Sidama, Somali, South Ethiopia, and Tigray regions, according to the Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Commission (EDRMC). More than 590,000 people are reportedly affected and some 95,000 displaced, based on preliminary reports. (OCHA, 24 May 2024), (IFRC, 30 May 2024)
Angola: Polio Outbreak - May 2024
Fri, 03 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000
In the week of May 3rd, 2024, Angolan health authorities announced that polio had been detected in Chitato Municipality, Lunda Norte province, which borders the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). A person infected with 'circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2' (cVDPV2) was confirmed. Although a polio outbreak had already been declared by the government on February 27th, 2024, due to environmental samples found in the provinces of Luanda and Huambo, the case on May 3rd was the first human case reported. The Government of Angola has classified the current outbreak as a Grade 2 emergency (i.e., moderate level – aligned with WHO classification) due to the high risk of virus spread, exacerbated by poor water and sanitation infrastructure and hard-to-reach populations. Additionally, there is an increased risk of cross-border transmission along the DRC-Angola border, with genetic sequencing indicating a link to a polio virus reported in the DRC's Cassai Oriental province, classified as cVDPV2 (Circulating Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus Type 2). (IFRC, 24 May 2024)
Uganda: Floods - May 2024
Wed, 01 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000
Since the end of April, heavy rainfall has been affecting several parts of Uganda, causing floods and leading to casualties and damage. According to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), as many as 49 people died, 28 are still missing, and 296 others have been injured. In addition, almost 18,500 people have been displaced and 39,185 affected across more than 15 districts of the country. For the next 48 hours, moderate rain is expected across the northern, central and southern parts of Uganda. With DG ECHO support, IFRC, through the Uganda Red Cross Society, is providing assistance with distribution of Non-Food Items (NFIs), de-silting kits to de-silt water channels and construct partly destroyed shelters, deployment of Red Cross volunteers, and is engaged in the search and rescue response along with district authorities. (ECHO, 15 May 2024)
Lesotho: Drought - Apr 2024
Mon, 29 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000
According to the weather update for quarter 1 of 2024 issued by the Lesotho Meteorological Services, the persistent heatwaves and exceptionally high temperatures experienced between January and March 2024 have led to widespread dryness of crops across most fields. The continuous crop failures over the past seasons is exacerbated. The past two quarters have seen the same crop failure leading automatically to the high food prices. There are 41% of rural families spending more than half of their income on food while most of the families leave with low income. In two consecutive agricultural seasons (2021/2022 and 2022/2023), Lesotho experienced harsh climatic induced shocks such as hailstorms, pests and heavy rainfall/waterlogging in most parts of the country. On the other hands, the heavy rainfalls in late December 2023 and early 2024 led to waterlogged fields which resulted in crop failure. The inflation resulting from this crop failures or production failures have a direct incidence to the families already struggling with low income and other factors that make them more vulnerable to food insecurity. Approximately, 325,000 individuals are experiencing the ramifications of the ongoing food insecurity based on IPC information, stemming from the enduring drought that has gripped the nation for years and increased the food insecurity situation. This figure represents approximately 22% of the population. Eight districts on the ten in Lesotho are under Integrated Food Security Phase Classification 3 (IPC3), signifying a crisis state. Berea, Maseru, Mafeteng, Mohale’s Hoek, Quthing, Thaba Tseka, and Leribe areas. In these districts, access to adequate food and nutrition is severely compromised, necessitating urgent intervention and support measures to alleviate the hardship faced by affected communities. (IFRC, 17 May 2024)
Bangladesh: Heat Wave - Apr 2024
Sun, 21 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000
Based on the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) data source dated 21 April 2024, severe to very severe, heatwave was sweeping some districts of the country where mild-moderate heatwave was sweeping over most of the districts of the country. BDRCS forecast monitoring report indicates maximum temperatures exceeding to 38 degree Celsius, with the heat index surpassing 38 for two or more consecutive days. On 24 April 2024, severe heatwave (>=40 degree Celsius) was observed in the district of Rajshahi, Pabna, Khulna, Bagerhat, Jeshore and Patuakhali. On 26 April 2024, Bangladesh set all-time heatwave record as the Meteorological Office recorded 24 days of heatwave during the month of April breaching previous 23 days of heatwave in 2019. According to BMD dated on 27 April 2024, severe to very severe heatwave (>=40 degree Celsius) has been observed in the district of Rajshahi, Pabna, Chuadanga, Natore, Chapai Nawabganj, Kushtia, Jhenaidah, Jashore, Meherpur and Bogura. Moderate heat wave (>38- 39.9 degree Celsius) is sweeping over the district of Bagerhat, Satkhira, Barguna, Barishal, Patuakhali, Jhalokathi, Bhola, Pirojpur, Sherpur, Mymensingh, Sirajganj, Tangail, Jamalpur, Thakurgaon, Joypurhat, Panchagarh, Lalmonirhat, Faridpur, Madaripur, Magura, Manikganj, Rajbari, Gazipur, Gopalganj, Nilphamari, Rangpur, Naogaon, Gaibandha and it may spread. According to the observed heatwave, most impacted divisions are Rajshahi, Khulna, Rangpur, Dhaka and Barisal ... According to Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) as of 30 April, a total of 10 people died of suspected heat stroke in different parts of Bangladesh. As the heatwave has been sweeping over the country, the government of Bangladesh declared closing of schools and colleges for one week up to 27 April and forced 33 million children out of schools in Bangladesh. According to daily Newspaper Prothom Alo, around 70 percentage of total Bangladesh population are impacted due to heatwave particularly people living in Khulna, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Dhaka and Barisal division for several days, causing significant hardship, particularly the people who are working outside in sun. (IFRC, 4 May 2024)
Over the past two weeks, a heatwave has affected several parts of Bangladesh, impacting millions of people. Media report at least 15 fatalities due to heat-aggravated conditions, with most of the deaths recorded in the Magura district (south-western Bangladesh). Following this meteorological event, the authorities closed schools, colleges, madrasas and technical education institutions across the country. According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), mild heat waves will continue on 7 May over the districts of Gopalgonj, Jashore and Chuadanga (southern Bangladesh) and it could abate in the next few days. (ECHO, 7 May 2024)
