Relief News Updates
ReliefWeb - Disasters
ReliefWeb - Disasters
Tropical Cyclone Fytia - Jan 2026
Sat, 28 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000
Tropical Cyclone Fytia developed over the Mozambique Channel on 28 January and intensified as it tracked eastwards toward Madagascar. The cyclone made landfall on 31 January in some of the country’s most remote areas, which are rarely affected by humanitarian crises. As it approached and crossed the western coast, forecasts indicated heavy rainfall, strong winds and rough seas across large parts of central and northern Madagascar. Meteorological authorities warned of a high risk of flooding, wind damage and storm surge in low-lying coastal areas, particularly along the west coast. By late 31 January, information on casualties, displacement and damage remained limited, as the cyclone was still impacting affected areas and access constraints were expected in the immediate aftermath. Initial reports from partners indicate that an estimated 5,000 people have been displaced. The total number of affected people has yet to be established in Mitsinjo and Soalala districts in Melaky Region, which are currently believed to be unreachable. Preliminary reports indicate damage to at least 22 schools, including eight that are reportedly totally destroyed, potentially leaving 1,100 students out of school in the coming days. In addition, eight schools are currently being used as temporary accommodation sites in Mahajanga I, Marovoay, Ambohidratrimo and Antananarivo Antsimondrano (OCHA, 31 Jan 2026)
Tropical Cyclone Gezani - Feb 2026
Tue, 10 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000
Intense Tropical Cyclone Gezani intensified on 9 February and is forecast to make landfall in Madagascar in the evening of 10 February near the city of Toamasina. Coastal and low-lying areas are at highest risk, with secondary impacts anticipated in parts of central and southern Mozambique by 13 February. This comes as Madagascar is still reeling from Tropical Cyclone Fytia, which made landfall on 31 January and resulted in at least 12 deaths, the displacement of more than 31,000 people, and over 200,000 people affected, mainly in the north-west of the country.
The UN Central Emergency Fund (CERF) allocated US$3 million to six UN agencies in Madagascar in pre-arranged finance for anticipatory action to help partners support more than 93,000 vulnerable people among the most exposed to and at high risk of being severely impacted by the cyclone. (OCHA, 10 Feb 2026)
Cameroon: Fires - Feb 2026
Sat, 07 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000
On 7 February 2026, a series of large-scale fires affected multiple internally displaced persons (IDP) camps in Kolofata, Mayo-Sava Department, Far North Region, Cameroon. The fires occurred in quick succession between 10:00 and 11:45 a.m., initially impacting the Ndaba (Bergerie), Kordo Bergerie, and Camp Lélédé sites, before spreading to Camp Lélédé Tribune, located more than two kilometres away. The rapid and uncontrollable spread of the fires was exacerbated by strong winds, the highly flammable nature of shelter materials (millet stalks and wooden poles), and the absence of fireghting capacity within the camps. As a result, the affected sites were almost entirely destroyed. The incident resulted in one confirmed fatality (an eight-year-old child), several injuries, and left thousands of already highly vulnerable displaced persons without shelter, food, or essential household items, significantly aggravating their humanitarian needs. (IFRC, 23 Feb 2026)
Colombia: Floods - Jan 2026
Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000
Since 26 January, relentless heavy rainfall in western Colombia has triggered severe flooding as the Sinú River overflowed, particularly devastating the Córdoba department, while also affecting neighbouring regions of Sucre, Cauca, La Guajira, Chocó, and Antioquia. As of 11 February, authorities report 44 fatalities, with 12 000 homes damaged and 4 000 destroyed. Across multiple departments, an estimated 72,000 families have been affected, facing destroyed homes and ruined crops. The National Unit for Disaster Management (UNGRD) has deployed 70 Tons of Humanitarian Aid and EU humanitarian partners are assessing needs and mobilising resources from ongoing projects to provide assistance. The Copernicus Emergency Management Service (EMSR865) was activated in the morning of 11 February. (ECHO, 11 Feb 2026)
South Africa: Floods - Jan 2026
Fri, 16 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000
On 17 January 2026, the Government of South Africa declared a national state of disaster in response to severe flooding in Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, marking the escalation of a rapidly deteriorating situation that exceeded provincial response capacities. [...] 3911 households have been affected (19,555 people) in the three provinces, i.e. Limpopo (1954 HHs), Mpumalanga (1557 HHs) and KwaZulu-Natal provinces (400 HHs). 39 deaths have been reported (i.e. 20 deaths in Mpumalanga), 18 fatalities in Limpopo and (KwaZulu-Natal), and 5 missing people reported while 150 injuries have been reported. 206 Houses have been completely destroyed. [...] Beyond immediate physical damage, the floods have had significant impact on infrastructure and services. Overall, the floods have caused severe humanitarian and infrastructure impacts, with estimated damage exceeding R4 billion, affecting housing, transport, health, education, agriculture, and livelihoods. The events also disrupted schooling, damaged clinics and hospitals, restricted access to essential services, and undermined livelihoods. (IFRC, 2 Feb 2026)
North Macedonia: Floods - Jan 2026
Thu, 08 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000
The floods signicantly disrupted lives, well-being, livelihoods and infrastructure, with households reporting loss of food stocks, damage to essential household goods, contamination of water sources and increased health risks linked to damp living conditions and poor sanitation. Damage to roads and drainage systems further constrained access to services and delayed recovery, particularly for households unable to self-recover without external support. (IFRC, 23 Feb 2026)
Zambia: Floods - Jan 2026
Thu, 08 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000
Very heavy rainfall affected north-eastern Zambia (in particular the Eastern province) over the period from the end of December 2025 to early January 2026, causing floods that have resulted in population displacement and severe damage.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) reports, as of 9 January, around 2 260 displaced people and more than 370 destroyed houses across the Lundazi district (the worst affected) and the Lumezi district, both in the Eastern province.
Over the next 96 hours, more heavy rainfall, with locally very heavy rainfall, is still forecast over most of the country, including the whole Eastern province. (ECHO, 09 Jan 2026)
Malawi: Floods - Jan 2026
Mon, 05 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000
Persistent heavy rains triggered widespread flooding across several districts, particularly lakeshore areas such as Nkhotakota, which has been the most severely affected. Nkhotakota District experienced two waves of devastating floods, first in December 2025 with rainfall exceeding 285 mm in a single day and again on 20 January 2026 with continued flood warnings that materialised into impacts. The second wave compounded the destruction, striking communities that had not yet recovered from the earlier disaster. In total, 10,912 households (49,104 people) were affected in Nkhotakota District alone. Floods displaced 2,132 households (10,912 people) into 14 camps where thousands are still hosted, caused 12 deaths, 39 injuries, and 2 missing persons, with significant damage to homes, infrastructure, schools, health facilities, crops, and livelihoods, creating urgent humanitarian needs. (IFRC, 13 Feb 2026)
Ecuador: Floods - Jan 2026
Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000
On 27 February, authorities declared a 90-day regional state of emergency across five coastal provinces - Guayas, Esmeraldas, Los Ríos, El Oro and Santa Elena - as heavy rains have continued to intensify. As of 26 February, authorities now report more than 1,079 adverse rain-related incidents across 24 provinces, affecting more than 19,335 people and displacing a further 1,314. In the hardest hit areas, flooding and landslides have damaged schools, roads and bridges, affected crops and livestock and are disrupting access to essential services, deepening vulnerabilities and humanitarian needs. (OCHA, 27 Feb 2026)
The rainy season, which started on 1 January, has been affecting several parts of Ecuador, triggering 441 landslides, causing about 400 flood events, and resulting in casualties and damage. According to the national authorities, as of 1 March at least three people have died (one each in Chimborazo, Azuay and Cotopaxi provinces) while 14 others were injured and more than 21 000 people were affected across 24 provinces. The hardest‑hit province is Guayas, with over 10 000 people affected, followed by Esmeraldas (3 102) and El Oro (more than 2 300). In total, more than 5 400 houses have been impacted, of which 57 were destroyed. Authorities are monitoring the situation daily and have declared a regional emergency for the provinces of Guayas, Esmeraldas, El Oro, Los Ríos, Manabí, Santa Elena, Loja and Chimborazo. (ECHO, 2 Mar 2026)
Zimbabwe: Floods - Jan 2026
Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000
Since the start of the year, heavy rains have triggered severe floods across Zimbabwe, with Manicaland Province, which borders Mozambique, being the most affected. The floods caused fatalities and destruction. As of 24 January, media reports indicate 83 fatalities, the destruction of more than 1,300 homes, and widespread damage to roads, bridges and schools, many of which have been cut off. Additional rain with isolated heavy showers is expected on 26 January across the country except the southern region, while on 27 January precipitation is forecast only for the western and northern parts of Zimbabwe. (ECHO, 26 Jan 2026)
Zimbabwe continued to experience intense and persistent rainfall, leading to widespread impacts across all tenprovinces. As of 25 January, more than 100 people had died and nearly 32,350 people had been affected, with334 houses, 15 health facilities, and 236 schools damaged. Several flood-related incidents have been reported,including drowning, people being marooned in flooded rivers, mine collapses, landslides, and lightning strikes.Critical infrastructure, including roads and bridges, schools, health facilities, houses, farm dams, and irrigationschemes, has also been damaged. (UNOCHA, 27 Jan 2026)
Widespread rains lead to high flood risk, but improved harvest prospects, According to the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) 104 dams were 100 percent full, with the government warning of flooding in downstream and other flood-prone areas. Average dam levels are expected to rise further, given the forecast average rainfall for the rest of the season, including a chance of cyclones. (FEWSNET, 02 Feb 2026)
As of 24 January 2026, at least 109 people have been confirmed dead due to rainfall-related incidents, including drowning, people being swept away by floodwaters, and lightning strikes, while at least 61 people have sustained injuries. Nationwide, an estimated 8,295 households (41,475 people) have been affected, with many families displaced and in urgent need of shelter and basic assistance. Several communities remain isolated due to damaged infrastructure, with multiple marooning incidents reported as floodwaters cut off access routes. (IFRC, 13 Feb 2026)
Madagascar: Mpox Outbreak - Dec 2025
Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000
Madagascar is experiencing its first documented Mpox epidemic (clade 1b), which began in epidemiological week 51 of 2025 (end December 2025) and continues as an active outbreak. As of the latest situation report dated 12 January 2026, the country has recorded 228 total cases (24 confirmed by laboratory testing and 204 suspected cases) with zero deaths reported among both confirmed andsuspected cases, indicating a case fatality rate of 0% to date. The outbreak originated and remains heavily concentrated in Boeny region, especically Mahajanga I district, which accounts for 150 of the 228 cases (66% of national burden) with 17 of the 24 laboratory-confirmed cases. Geographic expansion has occurred progressively since the initial detection, with cases now reported across 16 of Madagascar's 23regions, including the capital region Analamanga (16 cases, 2 conrmed), Vakinankaratra (19 cases, 4 confirmed), Betsiboka (6 cases, 1 confirmed), Diana (7 cases), and Haute Matsiatra (10 cases). The epidemic shows evidence of sustained community transmission with a laboratory positivity rate of 34.8% (24 positive results from 69 completed tests out of 106 specimens collected), and a peak occurred on 31December 2025 with 23 cases reported in a single day. The outbreak timeline shows rapid escalation from 34 cases on 5 January 2026 to 92 cases on 8 January 2026, and subsequently to 228 cases by 12 January 2026, representing a seven-fold increase within one week. On 12 January 2026 alone, 21 new suspected cases were notied (8 in Mahajanga I, 5 in Antananarivo Renivohitra, 4 in Fianarantsoa, 2 in Atsimondrano, 1 each in Ambalavao and Soalala) with 19 specimens collected for testing, demonstrating ongoing active transmission and geographic spread toward high-population urban centers including the capital Antananarivo. The epidemic has triggered activation of Madagascar's National Emergency Operations Center (COUSP) on 9 January 2026, deployment of treatment and isolation centers across aected regions, establishment of contact tracing systems, and implementation of enhanced surveillance including a green line (910) that has received 273 calls with 9 suspected cases identied through this community reportingmechanism, demonstrating both the severity of the outbreak. (IFRC, 28 Jan 2026)
Syria: Severe Weather - Dec 2025
Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000
Syria remains highly prone to natural hazards and has increasingly experienced climate-related disasters that compound the vulnerabilities of a population already enduring protracted conflict. During 2025, the country recorded one of its hottest summers on record, followed by harsh winter conditions across most regions. Heavy rainfall and snow persisted throughout January 2026, culminating in widespread flooding that severely affected populations in lowland areas across multiple governorates.
Historically, communities in northwestern Syria have faced recurrent seasonal flooding due to geographic vulnerability, deteriorating infrastructure, and the concentration of displacement sites in flood-prone zones. Years of crisis have systematically eroded community resilience, leaving populations with limited capacity to absorb additional shocks. Many affected families have endured repeated displacement and significant asset depletion, heightening their exposure to climate-induced hazards.
During the first spell of rainfall, flooding affected more than 10,000 people and caused varying levels of damage to shelters, household assets, and livelihoods. Over 650 families saw their shelters completely destroyed, while more than 1,300 families experienced partial damage. Floodwaters impacted 30 homes in Sheikh Hassan in rural Lattakia and 47 homes in Idlib Governorate. In Idlib, 22 camps were affected. At Ain Al-Bayda Hospital in Khirbet Al-Joz, western Idlib, flooding led to the evacuation of patients, healthcare workers, and incubators after the facility was submerged.
Three fatalities were reported, including two children swept away by torrents and one Syrian Arab Red Crescent volunteer who lost his life during emergency response operations. Several injuries also occurred in the course of response activities. Access to healthcare was severely disrupted, as damaged roads and waterlogged areas impeded mobility and restricted access to medical facilities. Parts of Ain Al-Bayda Hospital were inundated, necessitating the evacuation of patients, newborns, and medical staff.
The most severely affected populations are internally displaced persons (IDPs) residing in informal camps and settlements, particularly those located in low-lying areas susceptible to water accumulation. These sites frequently lack adequate drainage systems, durable shelter materials, and flood protection infrastructure, rendering them highly vulnerable to seasonal hazards. Floodwaters inundated camps and residential structures, prompting evacuations and resulting in widespread loss of household belongings, bedding, food supplies, and winterization materials during a period of critically low temperatures. (IFRC, 18 Feb 2026)
Mozambique: Floods - Dec 2025
Sat, 27 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000
The National Directorate for Water Resources Management (DNGRH) reports elevated hydrological pressure in key river basins. Water levels in the Buzi and Pungue basins remain above alert thresholds, while the Licungo basin shows oscillating levels with an upward trend [Sofala COE, 26 December 2025]. Authorities warn of moderate flooding of agricultural land, riverine settlements and transport infrastructure. Local media report that more than 10,000 hectares of agricultural land have already been affected in parts of Buzi district, Sofala province, riverine settlements and transport infrastructure. (OCHA, 29 Dec 2025)
Between 24 December and 7 January, heavy rains and floods affected 75,325 people (14,310 families) across Nampula, Niassa, Manica, Sofala, Tete and Zambézia, with 21 deaths reported. Currently, 5,727 people are sheltered in temporary accommodation centres, mainly in Zambézia, with smaller numbers in Niassa and Manica. From 8 January 2025, heavy to very heavy rainfall forecast in southern Mozambique is expected to significantly raise river basin levels and increase surface runoff over the next 72 hours. Hydrological authorities warn of a heightened risk of flooding affecting agricultural land, riverside communities, and road infrastructure, particularly in several river basins across Inhambane Province, with possible impacts also extending to Gaza Province. (OCHA, 9 Jan 2026)
According to the National Emergency Operations Centre (CENOE), these conditions are expected to further aggravate the flood situation in several river basins, including the Licungo River Basin, increasing the risk of inundation, damage to housing and critical infrastructure, disruption of basic services, and loss of livelihoods. People living in flood-prone zones remain especially vulnerable, notably children, women, the elderly, and personswith disabilities. (IFRC, 9 Jan 2026)
Nearly 600,000 people have been affected, primarily in Gaza Province, displacing thousands and severing the main transport link between Maputo and the rest of the country. The disaster has devastated livelihoods, resulting in the loss of 27,000 livestock and destroying vast areas of farmland. Authorities are now urgently calling for air support for search and rescue operations and engineering specialists to restore critical infrastructure and supply chains. OCHA, 23 Jan 2026)
Chile: Wild Fires - Dec 2025
Thu, 18 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000
Since 1 January, several wildfires have been affecting central Chile, resulting in fatalities and destruction. The most affected regions are La Araucanía, Biobío, Maule, Metropolitana and Ñuble. From 1 to 19 January, the National Forestry Corporation (CONAF), counts 793 fires that have already burnt more than 49 922 hectares. As of 19 January, 25 fires are actively being fought, 35 have been brought under control, eight remain under observation, and three have been extinguished. As of 19 January, media report at least 18 fatalities, 19 injuries, and more than 50 000 people evacuated in the Ñuble and Biobío regions. About 250 houses have been destroyed. On 18 January, the government of Chile declared a state of catastrophe for Ñuble and Biobío. (ECHO, 19 Jan 2026)
Since 1 January, a series of wildfires have been raging across central Chile, causing an escalating death toll and widespread destruction. The most affected regions are La Araucanía, Biobío, Maule, Metropolitana, and Ñuble. Between 1 and 21 January, the National Forestry Corporation (CONAF) recorded 17 active fires, and the total area burned surpassed 61 000 hectares. As of 20 January, national authorities reported at least 20 fatalities, more than 7 000 people affected, and 590 homes destroyed. According to the JRC Global Wildfire Information System (GWIS), fire-danger levels are forecast to range from high to very extreme across the Biobío, Ñuble, La Araucanía, Maule, and Metropolitana regions. On 20 January, the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) was activated at the request of the Chilean authorities. The request concerns the deployment of a Fire Assistance Support Team (FAST), including aerial coordinators, analysts, and planning professionals, to strengthen coordination and strategic planning capacities. On 21 January, the Copernicus EMS was activated in rapid mapping mode (EMSR859). (ECHO, 21 Jan 2025)
Gabon: Windstorms - Dec 2025
Mon, 15 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000
Torrential rains accompanied by violent winds battered Libreville, the capital of the Estuaire province and of Gabon, during the night of 15 to 16 December 2025, causing significant damage in the 5th and 6th districts. This severe weather affected numerous families as well as public and private infrastructure, notably including the destruction of a school, several businesses, utility poles, and the maternity ward of the Estuaire Regional Hospital. It is estimated that approximately 3,000 people have been affected, representing nearly 600 households. As of 16 December, rapid assessments by the Red Cross reveal that more than 300 homes were partially destroyed or swept away by the violent winds. (IFRC, 31 Dec 2025)
Iran: Floods - Dec 2025
Mon, 15 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000
Since December 15, heavy rains, flash floods, and river overflow killed eight people including one Iranian Red Crescent Rescuer, in southern provinces of Fars, Hormozgan and Khuzestan Provinces. According to Iran Red Crescent Society (IRCS), 25 provinces are affected by adverse weather conditions, and relief operations have so far been carried out in 18 locations reaching 42,112 people across the provinces of East Azerbaijan, Isfahan, Zanjan, Fars, Kerman, and Yazd. Hormozgan Province received severe rainfall i.e., 260% more than the previous years, with three consecutive waves causing torrential rains, lightning, strong gusts, street flooding, and overflowing seasonal rivers. 139 villages in Kerman province were affected by floods across 16 counties. (ECHO, 22 Dec 2025)
Tragically, 7 fatalities have been confirmed in the provinces of Fars, Khuzestan, and Hormozgan. To date, the floods have affected 335 operational locations, with 193 branches of the Iranian Red Crescent Society actively involved in the response. In total, 42,112 people have benefited from emergencyand humanitarian services provided during the ongoing operation. The event has resulted in 16 injured people transferred to medicalfacilities and 3 individuals treated on an outpatient basis. Additionally, four technical rescue cases have been recorded in the provinces ofFars and Hormozgan. The widespread geographical coverage and continued impact of the floods have generated extensive humanitarianneeds, particularly related to shelter, evacuation, basic relief assistance, and safety of affected populations. (IFRC, 29 Dec 2025)
occupied Palestinian territory: Floods - Nov 2025
Mon, 15 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000
Heavy rain on 14 November caused severe flooding across Gaza, especially in Gaza city and northern Gaza, and affected more than 13,000 families. The rain also further damaged drainage systems, destroyed thousands of tents, and disrupted humanitarian activities. (OCHA, 17 Nov 2025)
Following more rains and subsequent flooding in Gaza on 25 November, the Site Management Cluster carried out rapid assessments in Designated Emergency Shelters (DESs) across the Gaza Strip. The assessments revealed that 32 DESs were affected: one in North Gaza, four in Gaza city, seven in Deir al Balah, and 20 in Khan Younis. In total, more than 3,000 people were affected: 25 in northern Gaza, 205 in Gaza city, 1,333 in Deir al Balah, and 1,438 in Khan Younis. (OCHA, 28 Nov 2025)
The SMC (Site Management Cluster) estimated that the weather events affected more than 740,000 people across 715 displacement sites, including 384 located in high flood-risk areas. Of the affected sites, 130 were in northern Gaza, 264 in Deir Al Balah, 308 in Khan Younis, and 13 in Rafah. (IOM, NORCAP, NRC, Shelter Cluster, 12 Dec 2025)
On 16 December, Site Management Cluster (SMC) partners reported 132 flood-related incidents, with 91 in Khan Younis, 30 in Deir al Balah, six in Gaza city, and five North Gaza governorate. Flooding had caused widespread destruction of shelters, leaving thousands exposed to harsh winter conditions and at risk of further displacement. Of particular concern were 22 sites that sheltered more than 4,000 people from 821 families, where flooding was so severe that the families no longer had shelter. (OCHA, 17 Dec 2025)
Rainstorms since 26 December triggered flash flooding and affected people living in low-lying areas, coastal zones, and those who had sheltered in substandard structures and tents. Seawater had once again inundated tents housing displaced families, including in the Al Mawasi area of Khan Younis, and rendered many shelters uninhabitable. (OCHA, 31 Dec 2025)
Heavy rains and flooding rendered thousands of tents uninhabitable and placed nearly 800,000 people, almost 40 percent of the population, in flood-prone sites at heightened risk. The UN Population Fund reported that winter conditions were intensifying hardship, with families sheltering in flooded tents, newborns facing heightened risk of hypothermia, and pregnant women lacking safe spaces to rest or give birth, and called for an urgent scale-up of assistance to protect health and support women and girls. According to the MoH in Gaza, between 1 December 2025 and 14 January 2026, seven children died of hypothermia, including four since the beginning of 2026. As rainwater had mixed with sewage, on 8 January 2026, Save the Children highlighted the especially severe impact flooding had on children, leaving them exposed to water-borne diseases, such as hepatitis, diarrhoea and gastroenteritis. (OCHA, 14 Jan 2026)
[...] heavy rain, strong winds and flooding continued to affect civilians across the Gaza Strip, particularly displaced families living in makeshift shelters and flood-prone areas. According to the Site Management Cluster (SMC), 106 displacement sites reported storm-related impact, with 86 per cent of all incidents recorded after 13 January. A total of 4,136 households (approximately 19,230 people) were affected, with 34 injuries and seven fatalities reported, and at least 287 people newly displaced. Field reports confirmed extensive structural damage, including 3,455 tents and makeshift shelters destroyed or severely damaged, as well as 253 water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities rendered non-functional. (OCHA, 19 Jan 2026)
Since 23 February, heavy rainfall accompanied by cold temperatures had caused severe flooding in the Gaza Strip, Palestine, which resulted in displacement and exacerbated an already dire humanitarian situation. Reports indicated that several families were rescued after their tents were submerged in the al-Mawasi camp, west of Khan Younis in southern Gaza, and forced them to relocate yet again. Flooding had also affected areas in western Gaza City, including the al-Rimal, Nuseirat, and Zaytoun neighborhoods, as well as the port area. (ECHO, 25 Feb 2026)
Morocco: Floods - Dec 2025
Sun, 14 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000
On 14 December 2025, intense and short-duration rainfall affected Safi Province, on the Atlantic coast of Morocco, resulting in sudden urban flooding and flash floods. Heavy precipitation over a limited timeframe (a few hours) caused rapid surface runoff, overwhelming existing drainage systems and leading to the inundation of low-lying and densely populated neighborhoods. The flooding was scored 0.5 on the GDACS scale.
The flooding had a significant humanitarian impact, with reported fatalities (52) and injuries (est. 20 – 50), as well as a considerable number of people affected (est. 700 households composed of approx. 2,800 individuals) through damage to buildings (homes and ground-floor shops), loss of essential household items, and temporary displacement. Several households experienced partial or complete flooding of their dwellings (est. 300), compromising living conditions and immediate safety. As a precautionary measure, schools were temporarily closed (est. 3 days) in affected areas. (IFRC, 31 Dec 2025)
Bolivia: Floods - Dec 2025
Fri, 12 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000
Heavy rainfall has been affecting eastern Bolivia - particularly the Santa Cruz department - since 12 December, causing severe floods, rivers to overflow and triggering landslides that have resulted in casualties and widespread damage. Media report, as of 16 December, 20 fatalities, ten missing persons, 281 evacuated, 385 assisted people and approximately 2,100 affected families across the eastern Santa Cruz department, where the most affected are El Torno, La Guardia and Cotoca municipalities. (ECHO, 16 Dec 2025)
[...] By 19 December 2025, official sources confirmed 20 fatalities, 20 missing persons, and 3,000 affected families, with over 500 people evacuated. The Departmental Health Service (SEDES) reported 567 medical consultations, mainly for hypothermia and trauma. The Government activated a crisis cabinet, declared emergencies at municipal and departmental levels, and deployed SAR-FAB and rescue brigades. The SENAMHI Red Alert (15–17 December) was downgraded to Orange Alert, which remains active until 22 December. SEARPI identified 198 critical points, concentrated in the Río Grande and Piraí basins, signaling widespread risk. (IFRC, 31 Dec 2025)
Iraq: Floods - Dec 2025
Tue, 09 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000
Between 9 and 12 December 2025, northern Iraq was hit by intense and prolonged rainfall that triggered severe flash floods across the governorates of Sulaymaniyah, Kirkuk, Erbil, and Ninawa. The most significant impact occurred in Sulaymaniyah, particularly in Chamchamal, Raparin, Shorash, and Takiya, where extreme rainfall reaching 173.5 mm within four hours led to sudden, destructive flooding. Water entered hundreds of homes, schools, and public buildings, causing extensive material damage and disrupting essential services. As of 12 December 2025, a total of 16,230 people have been affected: 13,614 in Sulaymaniyah, 2,400 in Kirkuk, 180 in Ninawa, and 36 in Erbil. The floods have resulted in 6 confirmed fatalities, including children, and 19 injuries, with several individuals initially reported missing. Rapid rises in water levels overwhelmed drainage systems, swept away vehicles, and forced residents in low-lying neighborhoods to evacuate to safer areas. Critical infrastructure has suffered severe damage. Multiple bridges collapsed in Kirkuk and Garmiyan, while major roads connecting Sulaymaniyah–Chamchamal and Kirkuk–Chamchamal were temporarily cut off. Floodwaters also damaged power networks, causing electricity and internet outages across several districts. (IFRC, 20 Dec 2025)
