Relief News Updates
ReliefWeb - Disasters
ReliefWeb - Disasters
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)
Rwanda: Floods - Apr 2024
Sat, 20 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000
In Rwanda, heavy rains and floods killed 14 people in Nyanza District, injured 27 in Burera District and damaged roads, bridges and 123 houses since 28 April and as of 2 May. Several hectares of rice and banana plantation in Ruhango District have been damaged, according to local authorities. Heavy rainfall, ranging between 40-50 mm, with thunderstorms is predicted to affect 17 districts across Northern, Western and Southern provinces between 30 April and 4 May, according to the Rwanda Meteorology Agency. Burera, Nyanza, Gakenke, and Ngororero districts received the highest amount of rainfall ranging from 84 to 105.2 mm between 30 April and 2 May. Impact such as severe widespread flooding to rivers, swamps and low-lying areas, landslides and damage to infrastructure are likely. (OCHA, 3 May 2024)
Kyrgyzstan: Floods and Landslides - Apr 2024
Sat, 20 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000
Since 20 April, heavy rainfall has been affecting the regions of Osh, Jalal-Abad and Talas (southern and eastern Kyrgyzstan) triggering several landslides, causing floods and resulting in casualties and damage. According to media, one person died on 20 April due to a landslide, while hundreds have been evacuated following floods in the Osh Region. Other mudslides occurred in the Jalal-Abad Region and resulted in 300 evacuated families. In addition, several roads have been closed due to both events. (ECHO, 24 Apr 2024)
Due to heavy rains, five provinces, namely Osh, Jalal-Abad, Naryn, Batken, and Talas, were affected by severe floods, affecting 103,901 people and resulting in one casualty. Of the five provinces, the Ministry of Emergency Situations declared a state of emergency in three: Osh, Jalal-Abad, and Talas. The disaster destroyed and blocked main roads leading to and from the villages, damaged residential and non-residential buildings, and caused electricity cuts as a result of destroyed polling stations and power lines. The floods have also resulted in drinking water cuts in cities, affecting the water distribution fence. As some cemeteries and animal burials are under the risk of floods, the likelihood of disease outbreaks increased. It is important to highlight that Kyrgyzstan has been responding to a measles situation. As of 15 April 2024, according to the Republican Center of Immunoprophylaxis more than 8,000 cases of measles have been registered since the beginning of the year, leading to two fatalities. (IFRC, 6 May 2024)
Heavy rainfall has been affecting Kyrgyzstan since 5 May, causing landslides, mudslides, floods and flash floods that have resulted in casualties and damage. Eight displaced families and nearly 100 affected families were reported across the Bazar-Korgon district (Jalal-Abad region) due to mudslides. (ECHO, 8 May 2024)
Somalia: Floods - Apr 2024
Fri, 19 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000
The Gu (April to June) rains are intensifying with flash floods reported since 19 April. Four people, three boys in Somaliland and a six-year-old girl in Hirshabelle State have been reportedly killed; about 100 shelters for displaced people destroyed and at least 134 families (804 people) affected or displaced across Somalia. (OCHA, 22 Apr 2024)
Heavy rains have led to localized floodings which have affected an estimated 124,155 people across Somalia as of 28 April, with more than 5,130 displaced and seven children killed, according to partners in the field. The children included three in Somaliland and four in Hirshabelle State. The worst affected are Jubaland, Hirshabelle and South West states. On 27 April, flash floods inundated roads connecting Dhobley and Afmadow districts and its environs in Jubaland State, temporarily making the roads impassable thereby affecting an estimated 60,000 people in the two districts. The local airstrips in Dhobley and Afmadow are flooded. Moderate rains have also been reported in Middle Juba and Gedo region, notably in Doolow, Luuq, and Bualle. (OCHA, 28 Apr 2024)
Yemen: Floods - Apr 2024
Tue, 16 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000
Rain started on 16th April 2024 and continued, which caused flooding during the week of 20th April 2024. Hadramawt Governorate experienced significant repercussions due to intense rainfall and ensuing floods. Particularly, the IDP camps situated within the Governorate were severely affected. The Executive Unit for IDPs, operating through emergency operations rooms established in the impacted governorates due, has confirmed that 1,335 IDP households residing in the Maryamah, Madouda, Hosh Al-Adros, and Northern Gharran camps (located in Sayun, Mukalla, and Al Abr Districts) have encountered adverse consequences. These households have faced complete or partial damage of their shelters, NFIs, and food supplies. Urgent intervention is imperative to provide emergency shelters, NFI kits, and food kits to these 1,335 IDP households. (IFRC, 7 May 2024)
Indonesia: Ruang Volcano - Apr 2024
Tue, 16 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000
Ruang volcano, located on Ruang Island (part of Sangihe Islands, North Sulawesi Province), increased its volcanic activity on 16-17 April with explosions and emission of volcanic ash and lava. The worst hit areas are Pumpente Village and Pathology Village in Tagulandang District (Sitaro Islands Regency, North Sulawesi Province). According to the National Agency for Disaster Countermeasure (BNPB), 828 people have been displaced, of whom 45 are in one evacuation centre and 783 are in the homes of relatives. National and local authorities are providing assistance for those affected and established an Emergency Response Status for 14 days starting from April 16. The level of the volcano has been raised from II to III, people cannot enter in the area radius of 4 km from the centre of the active crater. (ECHO, 17 Apr 2024)
Between 16 and 17 April three main explosive events occurred and the ash column reached up to 3 km above the summit of the crater. According to the National Agency for Disaster Countermeasure (BNPB), 828 people (506 residents of Laingpatehi Village and 322 residents of Pumpente Village in Sitaro Regency) remain displaced. Local authorities are coordinating the emergency response and providing assistance in the form of 123 mats, 123 blankets and 400 masks to the community. The Multiplatform Application for Geohazard Mitigation and Assessment (MAGMA) has raised the alert level to IV (the maximum level). People who live in the Tagulandang Island area (located 1 km north-east of Ruang Island) and are within a radius of 6 km, especially those living close to the coast, should be immediately evacuated to a safe place. This is due to the potential incandescent rock ejection, pyroclastic flow, and tsunami waves that can be triggered by the collapse of the volcano. (ECHO, 18 Apr 2024)
As of 22 April 2024 at 0800 HRS UTC+7, Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG) lowered the alert level back to Level III. Approximately 6,000 people have been displaced to Bahoi and Balehumara villages. Additionally, 679 individuals are displaced in Tugulandang Selatan, while 83 families face displacement in Tugulandang. Tugulandang Utara has also seen 6,000 persons displaced. BNPB reported that 135 houses have been affected and 363 houses, two churches, and one school have been damaged. The Regent of Sitaro declared an emergency response status for 14 days from 16 to 29 April 2024. (AHA Centre, 22 Apr 2024)
Ruang volcano erupted again on 30 April and the ash column reached 2 km above the crater. The volcanic debris following the eruption reached several parts of Tagulandang Island (located 1 km north-east of Ruang Island), including the Emergency Response Post established in Apengsala Village. The alert level of the volcano remains at VI (the maximum level). (ECHO, 30 Apr 2024)
On 3 March 2024, the President of Indonesia chaired a meeting to accelerate response and recovery efforts, leading to the permanent relocation of 301 households from Ruang Island. The local government has extended the emergency response phase until 13 May 2024, providing relief items such as clean water, food, masks, shelter material, and baby kits, with support from organizations including Baznas, Muhammadiyah, and Dompet Dhuafa. (OCHA, 7 May 2024)
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Measles Outbreak - Apr 2024
Tue, 09 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000
The outbreak of measles in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) began at the beginning of 2024. Initially, in January and February 2024, the highest number of cases were recorded in Bijeljina, Banja Luka, and the Tuzla Canton, specifically in the cities of Tuzla and Živinice. Subsequently, the number increased in the Sarajevo Canton, especially in mid March, where it is still on the rise. According to official data from the Institute of Public Health of the Federation of BiH, in the last three months, from January to April 2024, a total of 1,749 cases of measles have been reported.
Following the epidemiological situation in BiH through daily, weekly, and monthly reports from the Institute of Public Health, it was noted that in the last week of March 2024, the number of confirmed measles cases suddenly increased fourfold, especially in Sarajevo. According to the national health authorities, less than 60 per cent of the population in BiH is vaccinated against measles and rubella. (IFRC, 22 Apr 2024)
Kenya: Floods - Apr 2024
Tue, 09 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000
The last week of March marked the start of the long rains season (March to May) characterised by isolated heavy storms that caused heavy rainfall and flash floods in several parts of the country. At least 13 people have died, nearly 3,000 households displaced, over 339 livestock killed, and unknown acres of croplands lost due to flooding in the country, according to initial reports. Areas of particular concern include Marsabit, Turkana, Tana River, Garissa, Kirinyaga, Muranga, Kiambu, Meru, Kisumu, Nairobi and Kitui counties. Humanitarian partners are moving emergency shelter and non-food items to regions at risk of flooding while working with authorities to assess the needs alongside scaling up response to affected communities. Authorities have issued advisories on the continuation of heavy rainfall in most parts of the country from 9 – 15 April. (OCHA, 11 Apr 2024)
The number of people impacted by the March-May long rains continue to rise, with an estimated 103,485 people (20, 697 households) affected including 40,265 people (8,053 households) displaced; 32 deaths, and 15 injured across the country as of 18 April, according to the Kenya Red Cross Society. The heavy rains causing floods have also resulted in loss of livelihoods, including livestock, cropland, and destruction of small businesses. Damage to schools, water sources, and major roads have also been reported. (OCHA, 19 Apr 2024)
Heavy rains and flash floods have left more than 103 people dead, 29 injured, 21 people missing, 150,365 people (30,073 families) displaced and nearly 191,000 affected across the country as of 28 April, according to the National Disaster Operations Centre (NDOC). A dam burst in the morning of 29 April in the southern town of Mai Mahiu in Nakuru County, reportedly killing dozens of people and affecting scores of others as Kenya experiences El Nino-induced above-average rains. Search and rescue operations by the authorities are ongoing. As of 24 April, over 4,824 livestock have been lost, 27,717 acres of croplands damaged, 264 small businesses and 24 schools affected. (OCHA, 29 Apr 2024)
Heavy rainfall continues to affect most of Kenya since the beginning of March (the long rainy season lasts from March to May), causing rivers overflow (particularly the Tana and the Mara rivers), floods, flash floods and triggering landslides that have resulted in additional casualties and severe damage. The Kenya Red Cross reports, as of 1 May, 166 fatalities, 132 missing people, 23,511 displaced households (approximately 117,555 individuals) and 43,888 affected households (approximately 219,440 individuals). On 29 April, the Old Kijabe dam, located in the Mai Mahiu area of the Great Rift Valley region, burst amid torrential rainfall. At least 50 casualties have been recorded but the death toll might increase. Rescue efforts are still ongoing. (ECHO, 2 May 2024)
Heavy rainfall is currently affecting 38 of the 47 counties in Kenya (i.e 80% of the country), causing floods, triggering landslides and resulting in an increasing number of casualties and damage. Tropical Cyclone HIDAYA is expected to bring further heavy rainfall to the coastal areas of Kenya. Humanitarian partners are closely monitoring the situation and they sit ready to respond. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), as of 3 May, at least 210 people have died, 164 have been injured and 72 are still missing. In addition, more than 205,000 people have been affected and 194,305 displaced. At least 52 people died because of the mudslide that occurred in Mai Mahiu on 29 April. Search and rescue operations are still ongoing in Nakuru, Nairobi, Kirinyaga, Homa Bay and Tana River. According to the Ministry of Health, the heavy rainfall and consequent floods have also led to a fourth cholera outbreak. (ECHO, 6 May 2024)
Tanzania: Floods - Apr 2024
Sun, 07 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000
Heavy rainfall continues to affect most of Tanzania (in particular Dodoma and Dar es Salaam city areas) since early April, causing floods, flash floods and triggering landslides that have resulted in casualties and widespread damage. Media report, as of 26 April, 155 fatalities, 236 injured people, more than 200,000 affected people and approximately 10,000 damaged and destroyed buildings (included many schools) across the country. In addition, several roads and bridges have been damaged. Over the next 24 hours, more heavy rainfall with locally very heavy rainfall is still forecasted over most of the country. (ECHO, 26 Apr 2024)
Heavy rains on 7 April caused severe flooding in Rufiji and Kibiti districts in the Pwani Region, in the east, affecting villages near the Rufiji River and its tributaries. Preliminary assessment information indicates that in Rufiji, 25 villages were affected, while in Kibiti, 10 villages were affected, resulting in loss of lives, injuries, and damage to infrastructure, settlements, schools, farmlands, and crops. Nearly 125,670 people were affected, as of 29 April, according to initial reports. Preliminary findings indicate that 10 schools have been closed (7 schools in Rufiji and 3 in Kibiti) affecting over 1,900 school children. (OCHA, 3 May 2024)
Zimbabwe: Drought - Apr 2024
Wed, 03 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000
Following the severe impacts of the El Nino induced drought which affected more than 80% of the country resulting in significantly below-normal harvest, the country declared the 2023-2024 agriculture season a state of national disaster at the beginning of April 2024. The government appealed to humanitarian partners for resource mobilization to alleviate the possible impacts of the drought. (WFP, 19 Apr 2024)
An estimated population of 6 million are expected to be food insecure in Zimbabwe during 2024-2025 lean season. The current El Niño induced drought is expected to impact the food and nutrition security situation, reducing food access and diversity, and thereby the overall quality of people’s diets. Poor rainfall led to partial or complete crop failure in most parts of the country –40 percent poor and 60 percent written off (i.e. completely lost). The drought will only further worsen water shortages in Zimbabwe, exposing 2.6 million people to water insecurity. The current El Niño event threatens nearly 1.8 million learners across Zimbabwe's 72 education districts, with the most severe impacts to be felt by more than 1.24 million students, in 30 most drought-affected districts. (OCHA, 5 May 2024)
Viet Nam: Drought - Apr 2024
Mon, 01 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000
In April 2024, several provinces declared emergency situations of clean water shortage due to severe drought and saltwater intrusion in the Mekong River Delta. The situation is evolving and an increasing number of provinces, families, women, and children are expected to be affected in the coming weeks. Four provinces have declared a state of emergency till date.
[...] 73,900 households across various provinces are currently facing a shortage of domestic water supply. Residential areas suffer from water shortages due to reduced underground water sources, which are unable to provide adequate supplies. Areas affected include the lower Can Duoc and Can Giuoc areas of Long An province, as well as the U Minh and Tran Van Thoi districts of Ca Mau province. Additionally, surface water sources at some centralized water supply systems such as in Ben Tre and Tien Giang provinces, have become salinated, with salinity levels exceeding the allowable threshold. Moreover, there are insufficient freshwater sources due to drought, particularly in water supply projects located in Long Cang and Long Dinh communes, Can Duoc district, Long An. Furthermore, there are many households scattered in areas affected by saltwater intrusion that have not yet connected to the centralized water supply projects. These households also lack sufficient freshwater storage to use during periods of water shortage and saltwater intrusion. The affected provinces include Long An, Tien Giang, Ca Mau, Ben Tre, Soc Trang, Bac Lieu and Kien Giang. (UNICEF, 27 Apr 2024)
Kazakhstan: Floods - Mar 2024
Fri, 29 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000
More than 13,000 people have been evacuated and more than 1,500 private houses have been flooded. There are 6,461 people in temporary accommodation centres, including 2,570 children. 53 settlements remain without transport communication. The floods are not yet past their peak and are expected to intensify and occur in several more regions. […] (IFRC, 1 Apr 2024)
Severe flooding, mainly due to rapid snow melting caused by warm temperature, continues to affect south-western Russia and the neighbouring north-western Kazakhstan since early April, resulting in casualties and widespread damage. The flooding also worsened after a dam broke on 5 April in the area of Orsk City (south-eastern Orenburg region) and by river embankement failures, particularly of the Volga, Ural, Tobol and Ishim rivers. [...] In Kazakhstan, national authorities and IFRC report two fatalities, approximately 86,000 affected people and around 3,400 flooded houses across several regions. The most affected area is the Atyrau region. (ECHO, 10 Apr 2024)
State authorities declared local state of emergency in 30 locations of 10 regions. More than 86,000 people have been evacuated and more than 3,700 private houses remain flooded. Over 8,400 people, including 4,000 children, have been placed in temporary accommodation centres, such as schools and social adaptation centres. Fifty-nine settlements remain without transport and communication. The floods have killed 5,711 heads of livestock, 1,013 of which have already been buried. More than 60,000 heads have been relocated so far. 17,000 people, 1,895 vehicles, 772 water-pumping means, and 68 swimming means, eight aircrafts of the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MoES), Ministry of Internal Affairs (MoIA), Ministry of Defence (MoD), local executive bodies, and organisations are involved in rescue operations. The state has also mobilised the army, police, and the national guard to support in evacuations, water pumping, and establishing water protection constructions. (IFRC, 11 Apr 2024)
Severe floods and flash floods continue to affect south-western Russia and the neighbouring north-western Kazakhstan since 3 April, resulting in more evacuated people and severe damage. In Kazakhstan, the Ministry of Emergency Situations reports, as of 15 April, nearly 111,200 evacuated people (of which over 6,800 in a number of evacuation centres), approximately 5,500 flooded houses, around 180 flooded roads and nine collapsed bridges across Akmola, Aktobe, Kostanay, Atyrau and North Kazakhstan Regions. (ECHO, 15 Apr 2024)
As at 17 April, the flooding continued, with water still not receding in the flood-affected regions. Work to protect riverbanks and discharge water also continued (Caravan 22/04/2024). The flooding is a result of rapid snow melting and river flooding (Radio Azattyk 01/04/2024). As at 19 April, floods had evacuated or displaced approximately 118,200 people, almost 44,300 of whom were children, and inundated around 6,000 homes. By 22 April, around 24,500 people had returned to their homes, while 8,850 remained in shelters. As at 18 April, the flooding had killed seven people (Caravan 22/04/2024). (ACAPS, 23 Apr 2024)
Tropical Cyclone Gamane - Mar 2024
Wed, 27 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000
Tropical Cyclone (TC) Gamane made a landfall in Ampisikinana Commune, Sava Region and has brought heavy rains and floods, leaving 6 people dead, one missing, more than 2,560 displaced and more than 600 homes flooded or damaged in Sava, Analanjirofo and Diana regions, in the north and north-east, on 27 March, according to the National Office for Risk and Disaster Management (BNGRC) and Météo Madagascar. (OCHA, 28 Mar 2024)
Very heavy rainfall, associated to the passage of the tropical cyclone GAMANE, affected north-eastern and central-eastern Madagascar on 26-29 March, causing several severe weather related incidents that have resulted in casualties and widespread damage. The most affected regions are Analanjirofo (the most affected), Atsinanana, Diana and Sava. The National Office for Risk and Disaster Management (BNGRC) reports, as of 1 April, 18 fatalities, four people still missing, 3 injured people, more than 24,000 displaced people (of which a number of these in 87 shelters) and a total of nearly 88,200 affected people across the four aforementioned affected Regions. In addition, BNGRC also reports over 19,500 damaged houses and 135 damaged schools. (ECHO, 3 Apr 2024)
The Government declared a national emergency situation, on 3 April, following the passage of the Tropical Cyclone (TS) Gamane, that hit the north and northeast of Madagascar on 27 March. It reportedly killed 18 people, injured three and left four people missing. About 535,000 people living in the 33 flooded communes have been affected including about 22,000 displaced, most of whom were sheltered in temporary sites. Humanitarian partners aim to reach 165,000 people out 220,000 in need with urgent humanitarian assistance. More than 18,830 houses have been flooded and more than 780 have been damaged or destroyed. About 22 health centres have been damaged and 165 classrooms have been affected, resulting in about 24,121 children having no access to schools. (OCHA, 4 Apr 2024)
Uruguay: Floods - Mar 2024
Tue, 26 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000
Between March 16 and 22, Uruguay experienced a series of adverse weather events that generated serious situations in different regions of the country with consequences such as floods, falling trees, road closures, displacement of people who evacuated their homes. More than 100,000 individuals are estimated to have been impacted by the floods, with over 6,000 people displaced from their homes across various departments nationwide, primarily in Florida, San José, and Canelones. Evacuations have occurred in shelters and with friends and family, leading to an undercount due to unregistered self-evacuations. (IFRC, 4 Apr 2024)
Cuba: Floods - Mar 2024
Sat, 23 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000
On 23 March Cuba experienced intense rains and local thunderstorms that have swept through the entire western and central regions of the country before advancing towards the Eastern Region later that afternoon. The provinces most severely impacted thus far are Artemisa, Mayabeque, Matanzas, and Havana. Havana, in particular, has witnessed significant incidents of severe flooding, caused by the overflowing of the Luyano River. The torrential downpours have inflicted damage across various sectors, including infrastructure, with partial and total roof collapses, disruptions to the power grid affecting over 270,000 individuals, agricultural losses, and livelihood setbacks. As of 25 March, the UN Country Team in Cuba has reported the evacuation of nearly 1,000 individuals in the capital, primarily due to multiple landslides. (IFRC, 6 Apr 2024)
Afghanistan: Cold Wave - Mar 2024
Thu, 21 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000
On 3 March 2024, the Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS) under the auspices of the Vice President convened an Emergency Task Force Meeting in response to the heavy snowfall and extreme cold temperatures that affected several high-altitude provinces of Afghanistan during the first week of March. The event resulted in casualties, heavy losses of livestock, blocked roads, and disruption to economic activities among other challenges. According to public authorities, news agencies, and the ARCS, at least 35 human lives have been lost, dozens of people injured, and thousands of livestock perished, depriving affected households of their livelihoods due to the heavy snowfall and cold temperatures. The provinces most affected include Badakhshan, Badghis, Balkh, Farah, Faryab, Ghor, Herat, Jawzjan, Kunduz, Nuristan, Sar-e-Pul, Uruzgan, and Zabul. The March 2024 event is almost reminiscent of the cold wave of January 2023 in terms of scale, but the impacts are considered more severe. According to ECHO, temperatures plummeted to as low as -33 degrees in provinces like Ghor, and over 70,000 cattle perished across several provinces and also causing 70 deaths.Prior to the cold wave in early March, on 19 February 2024, a landslide triggered by heavy snowfall claimed 25 lives, destroyed at least 20 homes, and displaced 350 households in the province of Nuristan. (IFRC, 21 Mar 2024)
Subsequent and more detailed assessments confirmed the true scale of the impact wrought by the event, with the National Disaster Organization reporting that as many as 325,205 people were affected across at least 18 provinces, and thousands of livestock perished, significantly affecting households and livelihoods. The provinces most affected include Badakhshan, Badghis, Balkh, Farah, Faryab, Ghor, Herat, Jawzjan, Kunduz, Nuristan, Nangarhar, Sar-e-Pul, Uruzgan, and Zabul. (IFRC, 25 Apr 2024)
Afghanistan: Floods - Mar 2024
Wed, 20 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000
Heavy rainfall across Afghanistan on 29 and 30 March has destroyed more than 1,500 acres of agricultural land and resulted in severe damage to over 540 homes, as well as other critical infrastructure across seven provinces, including six bridges and 450 km of road.
Based on initial reports and assessments, the provinces where most damage has been reported are Faryab province in the Northern region, Nangarhar province in the Eastern region, and Daikundi province in the Central Highlands region.
This is the third time that the Northern region has experienced flooding in less than a month, with seven people killed and 384 families affected in heavy rains that occurred on 21 and 26-27 March. As of 30 March, there have been no reports of displacement due to the floods. (OCHA, 30 Mar 2024)
[...] The health facility in the Kamgal area suffered damage due to a landslide, impacting local access to essential health services. In Kunar, the primary route between Wama and Parun was temporarily obstructed on March 30 by rockslides, disrupting transportation and relief access. Similarly, in Nuristan, the Neshagram village road to Waygal district has been blocked due to landslides, severing the connection of approximately 1,000 to 2,000 families with essential services and the district center. (IMC, 3 Apr 2024)
Between 10 and 16 April 2024, Afghanistan experienced heavy rains and flash floods across the central, central highlands, northern, northeastern, southern and western regions. Preliminary reports indicate that almost 1,590 families have been affected, with 35 people killed and another 47 people injured, while 46 families have been displaced. The most severely affected provinces that had fatalities were Badghis (4), Farah (2), Hilmand (5), Kabul (3), Kandahar (4), Laghman (2), Nangahar (1), Parwan (2) and Uruzgan (12). Additionally, more than 930 houses have been destroyed (198) or damaged (738), along with around 63,700 acres of agricultural land and at least 470 livestock reportedly killed.A new wave of rains is expected in the central, south, southeast and southwest regions of the country over the next week, with up to 30 mm of rainfall daily. These volumes are of concern because water reserves are filled to capacity, thus flooding is to be anticipated. (OCHA, 18 Apr 2024)
The humanitarian impact continues to rise following heavy rainfall and floods that have been affecting several provinces of Afghanistan, particularly Badghis, Uruzgan, Farah, Paktia, Zabul, Helmand, Kunar, Kabul, Badakhshan, Ghor, Kandahar, Takhar, Parwan, Herat, Ghazni, Laghman, Nimroz, and Sar-e-Pol. As of 23 April, media report at least 90 fatalities, and dozens of injured people. In addition, more than 2,000 houses have been damaged, and thousands of livestock have died across the country. (ECHO, 24 Apr 2024)
Iraq: Floods - Mar 2024
Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000
Flash floods caused by heavy rainfall swept through Iraq’s Dohuk governorate on Tuesday 19 March. As per the Civil Defense Directorate spokesperson, heavy rains caused water inundation across the city, leading to transportation disruptions, and raising concerns about potential floodings, as forecasted by the regional meteorology department. In addition, the mudslides rush down to the roads and Duhok city suffers severe floods. This is caused by the receiving of 80 mm rainwater on Thursday in many districts across the KRI, and more rains are forecasted in the country. Current torrential rains and flooding also caused damage to pavements and road infrastructure. According to the authorities, 16 villages are affected by the floods and have been cut off from the main city due to the blockage of roads. Government authorities are responding and evacuating residents in areas prone to landslides and flash floodings. Heavy floods have also been reported in Erbil city.
The provinces of Diyala, Wassit and Maysan, due to their proximity to neighbouring Iran, also witnessed flooding in the past. The current rain spell resulted in small scale losses due to the flow of floods in the outskirts of Diyala governorate, Baldrouz and Al-Muqdadiyah provinces, where two families are affected. In Maysan, the torrential rains continue and floods flow in the outskirts of the province in rural areas. [...] Based on the initial assessment as reported by the Iraqi Red Crescent Society, an estimated number of 921 households were affected in Dohuk and Erbil governorates. (IFRC, 03 Apr 2024)
Heavy rainfall affected eastern Iraq, in particular the Diyala and the Maysan governorates, on 1-2 May, causing floods and flash floods that have resulted in casualties and damage. As of 5 May, according to Iraqi Red Crescent (IFRC), at least 600 people have been affected by floods, of whom 516 people in Kishkool and Al-Salam regions in Diyala governorate, and 84 people in Maysan governorate. Over the next 48 hours, more rainfall is forecasted over the north-eastern part of Iraq. (ECHO, 6 May 2024)
Tropical Storm Filipo: Mar 2024
Tue, 12 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000
The National Institute for Disaster Management (INGD) report that 48,116 people (8,533 households) were affected in the provinces of Gaza, Inhambane, Maputo and Sofala. Two deaths and 25 people injured have been reported. According to the information available, the most affected area is Maputo city with 25,455 people affected (2 percent of total population). Damage to infrastructure includes 8,000 houses partially/completely damaged, 146 schools (22,442 students) affected along with 51 health centres, 56 electric poles, and 19 roads affected. The highest humanitarian needs are in education, shelter/NFIs, water purification and hygiene kits. Infrastructure reconstruction/rehabilitation needs have also been identified. (OCHA, 15 Mar 2024)
On 12 March, the Tropical Storm Filipo hit Gaza, Inhambane, Maputo and Sofala provinces, affecting 57,178 people (11,551 households) and two casualties and injuring 85. Damage to infrastructure includes 1,674 houses partially damaged and 456 totally destroyed, 287 schools impacting 59,629 students, along with 75 health centres, 126 electric poles, and 256 km of road affected. Additionally, about 30,857 ha of crops were affected. (OCHA, 4 Apr 2024)
Argentina: Floods - Mar 2024
Sun, 03 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000
In the early hours of 3 March the Capital Department of the Province of Corrientes experienced a deluge of intense and prolonged rainfall, totaling over 300 mm within a span of less than 12 hours. This event set a historical record for the city and resulted in significant impacts in the City of Corrientes, including flooded streets and numerous homes submerged. The flooding affected a vast majority of the community, both in urban and suburban areas. Many households experienced water ingress ranging from 20 cm to 2 meters, even in the urban core. Although approximately 90% of the affected areas have been drained, initial recovery efforts are focused on cleaning, disinfection, and recovering lost belongings, a process expected to take several days in some instances. Particularly vulnerable areas such as the neighborhoods of Ciudades Correntinas, Quintana, Río Paraná, Anahí, La Olla, Ponce, Jardín, San Ignacio, Santa Rita Sur, Esperanza, and Molina Punta continue to face challenges due to geographical location, pre-existing drainage issues, and high levels of vulnerability. In the initial hours of the event, the local emergency response system encountered difficulties reaching affected areas due to the severity of the storm. However, rescue efforts intensified throughout the day, mobilizing more than 2,500 individuals, including municipal personnel, Civil Defense teams, federal forces, civil society organizations, and with support from the Argentine Red Cross. It is estimated that approximately 5,000 people have evacuated voluntarily, with 996 individuals relocated to temporary shelters. Although the number of evacuees has gradually decreased, some individuals still remain in official temporary shelters as of March 7. Meanwhile, many families have begun returning to their homes or seeking accommodation with relatives and neighbors. (IFRC, 18 Mar 2024)
