Unidad de Investigación en Emergencia y Desastre (UIED)

Grupo de Investigación en Epidemiología Medioambiental y Salud Pública

19 de marzo de 2024
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Unidad de Investigación en Emergencia y Desastre. Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud. 7ª Planta
Campus del Cristo
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Unidad de Investigación en Emergencia y Desastre (UIED)

Desastres activos

Peru: Dengue Outbreak - Feb 2024

Affected country: Peru
Glide: EP-2024-000023-PER

The accumulation of water from the rains and the high temperatures creates a breeding ground for diseases like dengue fever. In fact, the rise of dengue among the population led the Ministry of Health to declare a Health Emergency on 28 February in 20 regions (Supreme Decree Nº004-2024-SA). As of February 24th, the number of cases reached 34,042, more than two times the number of cases in 2023 (+131.7%). The regions with the most cases are La Libertad (6,148), Piura (5,275), Ica (4,645), Ancash (3,766) and Lima (2,899). Children and adolescents infected with dengue are more than 10,000, representing 29.6% of the infected population and 13.6% of the deaths by dengue (6 out of 44). (UNICEF, 8 Mar 2024)

Pakistan: Floods - Feb 2024

Affected country: Pakistan
Glide: FL-2024-000020-PAK

On 27 February, torrential downpours were recorded in Gwadar, submerging several areas, including Gwadar city and Sarabandan. Gwadar district has declared a state of emergency while rescue operations are underway. The Meteorological Department recorded rain across various locations in Balochistan, with Gwadar receiving the highest amount at 58 mm. So far, no casualty has been reported. Continued rain was seen in northern Balochistan and coastal areas until 28 February, which was followed by strong winds and rains, triggering province-wide heavy rains until 2 March. (ECHO, 29 Feb 2024)

Persistent heavy rains since 27 February in northern Balochistan continue to cause damage and casualties. The National Disaster Management Authority reported, 250 houses damaged, three children died, and 21 individuals injured. The emergency continues at the southwestern coast of Balochistan including Gawadar, Jewani, and Ormara. Government authorities, army, and paramilitary are engaged in rescue, relief and dewatering of urban flood water from houses. The Balochistan government closed schools until 7 March. Assessments are underway to determine the extent of the damage. [...] Sindh also declares emergency in Karachi division and is observing the situation. (ECHO, 1 Mar 2024)

Heavy rainfall and strong winds have been affecting north-western Pakistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province and south-western Pakistan, Baluchistan Province over the last 48 hours, causing floods, landslides and several severe weather-related incidents that have resulted in casualties and damage. Provincial Disaster Management Authorities from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province reported 35 death, 43 injured, 46 houses fully damaged, 346 houses partially damaged, and 15 other infrastructures partially damaged including 2 schools. Provincial Disaster Management Authorities from Balochistan reported 5 deaths, 82 fully damaged houses and 155 partially damaged houses. In addition, the media also reported 50 injured people, around 700 damaged houses and several blocked roads across both Provinces. Some reports from Gwadar districts add 21 persons injured, 5 missing and 300 displaced. In Gilgit Baltistan, heavy rains and snowfall started on the evening of 1 March triggered landslides blocking Karakoram Highway blocking at multiple locations. Rescue operations are underway by the Army and civil armed forces. (ECHO, 5 Mar 2024)

The humanitarian impact is still increasing in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, north-western Pakistan following heavy rainfall, and heavy snow. According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authorities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (PDMA), the number of fatalities reached 40 people while 62 others have been injured, 80 houses have been destroyed, 554 damaged as well as two schools. (ECHO, 6 Mar 2024)

Peru: Floods - Feb 2024

Affected country: Peru
Glide: FL-2024-000022-PER

On February 26th, a National State of Emergency Declaration was issued for 60 days, declaring a Level 4 Emergency due to the impact of heavy rains and flooding in 20 regions. As of March 1st, the National Institute of Civil Defense (INDECI) reported 100,551 people affected by the emergencies and 32 dead (including 9 children). More than 42,000 homes, 68 schools and 129 health centers have been affected, are inhabitable or destroyed. (UNICEF, 8 Mar 2024)

Bolivia: Floods and Landslides - Feb 2024

Affected country: Bolivia (Plurinational State of)
Glide: FL-2024-000021-BOL

Heavy rainfall in western Bolivia has resulted in devastating landslides, causing casualties and widespread damage. On 19 February, the National Service of Meteorology and Hydrology (SENAMHI) issued a red alert for three municipalities in La Paz and an orange alert for 279 municipalities across nine departments due to persistent rain and the risk of flooding. (OCHA, 23 Feb 2024)

On 28 February, the municipality of Cobija, in northwestern Bolivia, declared a state of emergency due to intense rainfall, causing the overflowing of the Acre River. The flooding left 14 communes underwater, forcing 570 families to seek refuge in six shelters. The ongoing rainy season, exacerbated by the El Niño phenomenon, has claimed 40 lives and affected over 15,000 families, nationwide. The National Meteorological Service has issued an orange weather alert for rains and thunderstorms in La Paz, Cochabamba, Santa Cruz, Beni and Pando. (OCHA, 01 Mar 2024)

On 4 March 2024, the Bolivia Ministry of Defense published updated information on the severe rains affecting the country. Nine departments are under an orange alert, and the department of Pando has declared a departmental disaster. A red alert is in effect for three municipalities in the department of Pando and 21 municipalities in the department of La Paz. A municipal disaster has been declared for 18 municipalities and a municipal emergency has been declared in ten municipalities in the country. In total, 26,729 families have been affected, 43 deaths were reported, 483 homes were affected, and 842 homes destroyed, the majority of which were in the department of La Paz. In addition, 5,542 people were evacuated, the majority of which were in Pando. (PAHO, 04 Mar 2024)

On 11 March 2024, the Bolivia Ministry of Defense announced the launch of an emergency plan for the municipality of La Paz in response to heavy rains. The government will deploy machinery and technical personnel to support the affected areas for a duration of 60 days. Media is reporting that the La Paz municipal government has declared an emergency due to the heavy rains. (PAHO, 11 Mar 2024)

Comoros: Cholera Outbreak - Feb 2024

Affected country: Comoros
Glide: EP-2024-000014-COM

Following confirmed tests, the Comoros Ministry of Health declared a cholera epidemic on Friday, February 2, 2024, at 8 p.m. local time. A Cholera Treatment Center (CTC) has been activated in Samba to treat cholera cases (hospital on the outskirts of Moroni). This has been confirmed by the Dar Es Alam Laboratory and reaffirmed by the Comoros Ministry of Health. The spread of cholera is progressing steadily. The first locally transmitted cases appeared on Monday, February 5, 2024. As of February 11, a total of 33 cases were confirmed (13 being treated in the CTC, and two deaths registered from Grande Comores). (IFRC, 20 Feb 2024)

Ecuador: Floods - Feb 2024

Affected country: Ecuador
Glide: FL-2024-000015-ECU

Heavy rainfall has been affecting northern and western Ecuador, in particular Esmeraldas, Manabí and Los Rios Provinces since 30 January, causing floods that have resulted in population displacement and damage. According to the WHO/PAHO, the Ecuadorian Government and media, as of 2 February, more than 3,100 people have been affected across Esmeraldas, Manabí and Los Rios Provinces. In addition, more than 800 damaged houses and over 200 assisted people by national authorities were reported in the Esmeraldas Province. (ECHO, 2 Feb 2024)

Since 29 January, heavy rainfall is affecting most of Ecuador, causing floods and landslides, population displacement and damage. According to the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), as of 4 March, 429 people have been sheltered across 12 shelters. As of 6 March, the Secretariat of Risk Management of Ecuador (SGR) reported 128,738 impacted people, at least 28,448 affected houses, of which 84 have been completely destroyed. The number of fatalities and injured people has not increased and still remains at six and seven respectively. (ECHO, 7 Mar 2024)

Colombia: Drought and Wild Fires - Jan 2024

Affected country: Colombia
Glide: DR-2024-000013-COL

On 27 January 2024, by Decree No. 037, the Government of Colombia declared a National Disaster Situation for a period of 12 months, due to the impact of the "El Niño" phenomenon, which is a climate variability phenomenon that occurs every two to seven years due to the warming of the Pacific Ocean ... The National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD, by its initials in Spanish), through Circular 065 of 18 December 2023, sent to the territories and other members of the National Disaster Risk Management System the guidelines for the preparation and readiness for the events under the influence of the "El Niño" phenomenon 2023-2024, where it is indicated that excess and deficit of precipitation may occur depending on the territory, generating water shortages for aqueducts, mass movements, water shortages for crops, floods, water shortages for animals, gales, forest fires, torrential floods, frosts, river erosion, among others. (IFRC, 10 Feb 2024)

Chile: Wild Fires - Jan 2024

Affected country: Chile
Glide: WF-2024-000010-CHL

Wildfires have been burning across parts of central Chile, particularly in the regions of Valparaíso, O’Higgins and Maule resulting in casualties and damage. According to the Chilean National Disaster Prevention and Response Service (SENAPRED), at least 112 people have died following the wildfires. The worst-hit area is Complejo las Tablas- Reserva Lago Peñuelas where at least 8,500 ha have burnt. In addition, media report 200 missing people in and around Viña del Mar City (Valparaíso). The Copernicus Emergency Management Service (EMSR715) was activated in rapid mapping mode on 4 February to provide the damage assessment and one map has been published so far. For the next 48 hours, according to the JRC Global Wildfire Information System (GWIS), the fire danger forecast is from moderate to extreme over central and north-western Chile. (ECHO, 5 Feb 2024)

The humanitarian impact is increasing following the wildfires that have been affecting central and southern Chile. More than 29,000 ha have burnt since 4 February, of which 12,000 ha in the area of Viña del Mar City and 2,000 ha in Quilpué City. According to the United Nations, as of 5 February, 122 people died while 200 others are still missing. Over 40,000 people have been affected, of whom 31,000 in Viña del Mar City, Valparaíso Province and 7,000 in Quilpué City, Marga Marga Province. The Copernicus Emergency Management Service (EMSR715) was activated in rapid mapping mode on 4 February to provide the damage assessment, and four maps have been published so far. Preliminary assessments highlight humanitarian needs in shelter, water and sanitation, livelihoods and multi-purpose cash. For the next 48 hours, according to the JRC Global Wildfire Information System (GWIS), the fire danger forecast is from moderate to extreme over central Chile and from moderate to very high over northern Chile. (ECHO, 6 Feb 2024)

Lebanon: Cold Wave - Jan 2024

Affected country: Lebanon
Glide: CW-2024-000007-LBN

Lebanon and the eastern basin of the Mediterranean Sea are currently affected by a low depression accompanied by polar winds, leading to a noticeable drop in temperatures and unstable weather conditions since the start of the winter. From 24 to 29 January 2024, the Met Services released a statement about the escalation of the depression, accompanied by a mass cold wave forming Storm Daniella which led to snowfall with peak impact on 26 January 2024. The storm also caused heavy rainfalls across the country with severe winds and snowfall. There was a heavy decline in the temperature, reaching subzero degrees in mountainous areas and 3 degrees in Bekaa. This storm impacted several governorates in Lebanon specifically mountainous areas in Bekaa, Mount Lebanon, North and South regions. The cold wave has impacted the affected communities in varying degrees. (IFRC, 2 Feb 2024)

Marshall Islands: Storm Surge - Jan 2024

Affected country: Marshall Islands
Glide: SS-2024-000006-MHL

On the night of 22 January 2024, a significant water and wave-related event occurred due to a potent winter storm system in the far northern Pacific. This event primarily impacted the Marshall Islands, particularly the Roi Namur Islet in the northern sector of Kwajalein Atoll, which is part of the US Military base. Notably, this incident involved weather-driven waves and inundation, distinct from a tsunami.

The powerful winds associated with the storm system generated a substantial swell that affected Roi-Namur and other areas such as Arno Atoll and the runway in Ailinglapalap. There are suspicions that additional islands and atolls (namely: Jaluit, Arno, Namu, Alinglaplap, Wotje, Jabot, Namdrik, Kili, Kwajalein) may have been affected, although ground reports are limited and experiencing delays due to communication and infrastructure challenges.

Collectively, a total of 19,532 people live on those islands. In the neighboring Federated State of Micronesia (FSM), islands also encountered inundation, leading to evacuations from coastal areas in Kosrae. According to information from NOAA, this event appears to be more severe than the flood in December 2008 that affected RMI and is comparable to the December 2021 King Tide inundation event across the FSM. (IFRC, 31 Jan 2024)

Philippines: Floods and Landslides - Jan 2024

Affected country: Philippines
Glide: LS-2024-000003-PHL

Heavy rainfall continues to affect Mindanao Island, southern Philippines, triggering landslides, causing floods, and leading to casualties and damage. According to media, at least seven people died and ten others are still missing following a landslide that occurred in Davao de Oro Province, Davao Region, south-eastern Mindanao. In addition, the ASEAN Disaster Information Network reports more than 10,000 evacuated people in 37 evacuation centres and 218,400 affected people in the Davao Region. In Caraga Region, 26,750 individuals were displaced and sheltered in 40 evacuation centres and 51,800 people were affected following floods and landslides. (ECHO, 19 Jan 2024)

The amount of casualties and damage is still increasing following the effects of the Shear Line that caused widespread landslides and floods in Mindanao Island since 15 January. According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, 18 people died and eight were injured in Davao Region. In addition, more than 975,000 people have been affected, of whom 908,654 in Caraga and 66,652 in Davao and more than 500 are still evacuated. (ECHO, 31 Jan 2024)

Heavy rainfall has been affecting the eastern Mindanao Island, southern Philippines since 29 January, causing floods and triggering landslides that have resulted in population evacuation and damage. ADINet reports, as of 2 February, more than 2,500 evacuated people in 23 evacuation centres and a total of nearly 3,100 affected people across Davao de Oro and Davao Oriental Provinces, Davao Region. In addition, the same source reports over 9,500 evacuated people in 37 evacuation centres, a total of approximately 35,000 affected people, three damaged houses, and one damaged bridge throughout the Caraga Region. (ECHO, 2 Feb 2024)

From 28 January to 02 February, the Northeast Monsoon and the trough of the Low Pressure Area brought continued heavy rains that resulted in landslides and massive flooding in Davao and Caraga region. As of 06 February, NDRRMC reported for validation 18 dead and 11 missing persons. Almost 1.1 million persons were affected while 354,000 are currently displaced. These are the same areas that were affected by heavy rains due to shearline in early January 2024. (OCHA, 6 Feb 2024)

Following the landslide that occurred on 6 February in Maco Municipality in Davao de Oro Province, Mindanao Island, southern Philippines, the number of casualties is increasing. According to media reports, at least seven people died, 48 are still missing and 31 have been injured due to a landslide that hit three passenger buses. More than 750 families have been evacuated to evacuation centers and 62 houses have been damaged. (ECHO, 8 Feb 2024)

Two earthquakes of 5.8 M (5.9 M according to national authorities) and 5.4 M in northern Mindanao Island on 10 February halted search and rescue activities of people buried by a landslide that hit the mountain village of Masara in Davao de Oro Province (Davao Region, bordering the Caraga Region) on 6 February and resulted in 54 fatalities and 63 still missing people. (ECHO, 12 Feb 2024)

The humanitarian impact is increasing following the landslide which occurred in the village of Masara in Davao de Oro Province (Davao Region, northern Mindanao, southern Philippines) on 6 February and the severe weather and flood events that hit several parts of Mindanao since early February. According to media, the death toll due to the landslide in Masara has climbed to 68, while 51 people are still missing. In addition, more than 321,000 people have been displaced and almost 1,4 million others affected across five regions of Mindanao Island. Humanitarian partners and national authorities are providing assistance for those affected. (ECHO, 13 Feb 2024)

As of 14 February, 419,135 families or 1, 402,648 people were affected by flooding across Mindanao, affecting five regions, 13 provinces in 69 cities/municipalities and 832 barangays. Of these, 318,984 people are displaced; over 23,000 are in 95 ECs while around 85% are outside evacuation centers, taking temporary shelter with family and friends or staying in makeshift shelters. Several infrastructures and houses were damaged; around 1,603 houses were damaged of which 666 were totally damaged; 289 road sections and 26 bridges were affected, making many areas inaccessible. (OCHA, 17 Feb 2024)

As of 19 February, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) disclosed that the combined effects of the Northeast monsoon and the Trough of Low-Pressure Area (LPA) had affected 471,819 families, totalling over 1.5 million individuals across five regions, 13 provinces, and 881 barangays in Mindanao. Over 210,000 people remain displaced, most outside evacuation centres, while the remainder are accommodated in 68. Specifically, in Mawab and Maco towns in Davao De Oro, approximately 4,900 individuals are residing in evacuation centres following the Masara landslide incident, resulting in 93 reported fatalities and eight missing individuals. The NDRRMC documented a total of 49 landslide incidents as of 13 February. Additionally, 25,010 hectares of crops were damaged, affecting 19,071 farmers. (OCHA, 19 Feb 2024)

Zambia: Drought - Jan 2024

Affected country: Zambia
Glide: DR-2024-000018-ZMB

The dry spell has from mid-January this year affected most of the central and southern half of the country, which has received less than normal rainfall leaving 1 million hectares of maize destroyed, almost half of the country’s maize cultivation. It is also projected that the drought will lead to a power deficit or 430 Megawatts and affect ground and surface water levels, with severe consequences for sectors beyond agriculture since +80 per cent of Zambia electricity generation comes from hydropower. (UNICEF, 4 Mar 2024)

South Africa: Floods - Jan 2024

Affected country: South Africa
Glide: FL-2024-000008-ZAF

On the 7th of January 2024 to date, storm surge resulted in flooding affected KwaZulu Natal and Free State province. Around 1,226 households, (6,418 people) were affected in Free State and KwaZulu Natal. Severe damages were also reported ... According to the reports by Government, 41 fatalities, which included 21 were from Ladysmith in Kwazulu Natal and the others in the Free State province. Four people are still missing in KwaZulu Natal province. The heavy storms have affected different districts in KwaZulu Natal, especially uThukela (Ladysmith), uMzinyathi, Amajuba district Municipality where fatalities were reported due to drowning, displacement and other people still reported missing. (IFRC, 28 Jan 2024)

DR Congo: Floods - Jan 2024

Affected country: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Glide: FL-2024-000009-COD

In the last few days, heavy rainfall has affected parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), particularly the eastern and southern areas, causing floods and triggering landslides that resulted in casualties and damage. According to media, as of 28 December, 60 fatalities have been reported, of whom 22 were in Kasai-Central Province, 20 in Bukavu City (South Kivu Province) and 20 in Burhinyi Village, 50 km from Bukavu City. Moreover, 16 people are still missing and more than 1,400 houses have been damaged. Floods are also reported in the northern part of the country. Over 100 households would have lost their homes in Mbandaka (Province of Équateur) according to media reports. (ECHO, 3 Jan 2024)

Heavy rainfall has been affecting the north-eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) over the last months, causing floods and flash floods due to the rising of the Congo River water level that has resulted in casualties and damage. According to media, as of 12 January, at least 300 people died and nearly 300,000 households have been affected by floods, the capital Kinshasa is one of the most affected areas. In addition, tens of thousands of houses have been destroyed. (ECHO, 12 Jan 2024)

Mongolia: Dzud - Dec 2023

Affected country: Mongolia
Glide: CW-2023-000262-MNG

Mongolia is currently facing a severe Dzud. This slow-onset disaster is unique to Mongolia and results from summer droughts followed by heavy snowfalls and extreme cold, leading to insufficient grazing pastures and hence underfed animals resulting in increased livestock mortality. As of 30th December 2023, over 90% of the country has been affected by extreme Dzud conditions, with 160 soums across 20 provinces being identified as high-risk areas. Over 258,000 people, including 100,000 children (51,000 girls and 49,000 boys) are affected due to roads blocked by snow, preventing children from accessing vital health, nutrition, education and protective services. Herder families, who are most directly impacted by the Dzud, often have to leave their children in the care of relatives or at boarding schools, increasing protection risks and causing psychological stress. (UNICEF, 25 Jan 2024)

As a result of the Dzud, the number of livestock losses increased from 49,000 in November 2023 to 284,242 by 26 January 2024. The Otor Movement is a nomadic practice of domestic herders migrating to seek pasture: From early November 2023, 18,859 herder families (67,892 people) have been on the Otor Movement. As of January 2024, 7,570 families moved to the state-protected area (the Mongolian government is using its last pasture resort, where settlement is prohibited because there are endangered plants and animals under State protection), 2,322 families moved to other provinces, 4,303 families moved within their province, 2,907 moved to the border, 1,047 moved to the provincial border (in and out between 2 provinces), and only 710 families moved in soum borders. While the Otor movement is beneficial for livestock, it requires tremendous efforts from herder families to frequently relocate, forcing them to live in roughly built shelters and being isolated from basic services. The intensity of the dzud is impacting those on the Otor Movement more than in previous years, and the number of people on the Otor Movement is higher than in previous years. (IFRC, 2 Feb 2024)

The current white and iron dzud in Mongolia has resulted in a critical situation, with 90% of the country facing high risk. The herding communities are struggling with inadequate feed and skyrocketing feed prices, leading to heightened vulnerabilities. The increasing severity of weather conditions further exacerbates the crisis, underscoring the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and sustainable solutions to support Mongolia's rural communities and traditional livelihoods. (UN RC Mongolia, 6 Feb 2024)

According to the national Emergency Operations Center (EOC), there are 13,573 households currently residing in snow blocked areas, as of 18 February 2024. Between November 2023 to February 2024, severe blizzards and harsh weather conditions affected over 90% of the country. Over 150,500 people, including 62,500 children (31,500 girls and 31,000 boys) are affected by the extreme weather conditions. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) search and rescue teams have responded to more than 89 alert calls for missing people, rescuing over 1,430 people trapped by heavy snow. According to EOC, 9 casualties due to snowstorms, including 1 child, have been reported. The number of livestock perished reached 667,841 as of 19 February 2024, which is significantly higher compared to past years’ data. However, the peak of livestock mortality is yet to come and expected to occur from late February to April 2024. (UNICEF, 21 Feb 2024)

As of 22 February, media report one fatality and more than 1.5 million livestock losses across the country. Essential aids have been provided since 19 February. (ECHO, 23 Feb 2024)

[...] The livestock mortality rate reportedly reached 4.8 per cent by 29 February, representing some 3.1 million heads of livestock – nearly a million more livestock deaths than a week ago and nearly 6.5 times as many livestock deaths as this time last year. Livestock deaths are expected to continue to rise in the coming weeks, potentially exceeding the national-level 6 per cent disaster threshold. At the province (aimag) level, the most severe impacts this season have been recorded in the eastern regions, with four aimags already exceeding the threshold – Sukhbaatar (24.4 per cent), Dornogovi (14.7 per cent), Govisumber (11.2 per cent), and Hentii (9.6 per cent). With around 190,000 herder households grappling with insufficient feed, soaring prices and heightened vulnerabilities, the worsening weather conditions are exacerbating a crisis, highlighting the urgent need for support and sustainable interventions to bolster rural communities and traditional livelihoods in Mongolia. (OCHA, 5 Mar 2024)

[...] According to the Dzud Map produced by NAMEM on 26 February 2024, 76 per cent of the country is currently affected by white and ice/Iron Dzud types. Several additional key factors have contributed to the escalation of the Dzud to an exceptional level this winter: numerous blizzards since November 2023, extensive snow coverage across the country, and fluctuating temperatures with periods of intense cold/freezing, followed by warm phases/snow melting, and then refreezing, leaving no grazing options for livestock (sheep, cows, horses, and camels). Consequently, hay and fodder stocks had to be utilised a few months earlier than in usual winters. The Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), established by the government of Mongolia last December, has reported a rapid increase in livestock mortality from the second half of February 2024, with the latest official figures as of 14 March 2024 indicating over 4,7 million dead animals (compared to 612,000 dead animals on 21 February). This represents 7 per cent of the national livestock (up from 0.94 per cent on 21 February). While the numbers are increasing fast, this situation is already twice as critical as last year's Dzud, and the government estimates that this year will be far more severe than the worst Dzud recorded in 2010. On 14 February 2024, the Government of Mongolia passed a resolution declaring a heightened readiness level until 15 May due to the severe Dzud affecting the country nationwide (priority support and involvement in crisis management, at all governmental levels). According to EOC figures, as of the end of February, 185,937 herder households, constituting 75 per cent of all herder households, have been directly or indirectly affected by the Dzud’s impacts. About 100,000 herder families are considered the most vulnerable households. As of 7 March 2024, 1,344 herders have lost their entire livestock, and 18,859 herder families are currently on the Otor movement (a nomadic winter coping mechanism used in past years by herder communities in Mongolia to provide livestock access to pasture). (IFRC, 15 Mar 2024)

Congo: Floods - Dec 2023

Affected country: Congo
Glide: FL-2023-000259-COG

The Republic of Congo is facing severe floods since the past weeks. On 29th December, the Government conveyed an emergency meeting with country partners following the unprecedented increase of the Congo River and its main tributaries. The impact of the floods is significant, with around 189,000 people reported affected on 7th to 320,891 as of 29th December from a statement provided by the Government, with people directly impacted by the floods, subject to displacement and severe losses as a result of this catastrophe. The worst-affected departments are Likouala, Sangha, Cuvette, Plateaux, Niari, Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire (heavy rains), with 361 villages and 36 neighborhoods submerged due to the exceptional flooding of the Congo River and its tributaries over the past sixty years.

The impact of the rains to date on the population already far exceeds the number of people affected over the OND period during floods in 2021 (164,679 people - evaluation with the Government) and 2022 (222,000 people). Heavy rains being expected until March, the situation is worrying and the Government called partners for support. The Congolese Red Cross (CRC) as a main partner is mobilized to scale-up the support already engaged in coordination with the Government.

According to experts, the rainfall is twice as heavy as the usual average. The deadly floods and heavy rains continue. According to the same source, the floods caused 17 deaths in the departments of Likouala, Plateaux, Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire. 6 people were reported missing in the Likouala and Cuvette departments. In all, more than 2,292 hectares of farmland were flooded. (IFRC, 16 Jan 2024)

Lesotho: Severe Local Storm - Dec 2023

Affected country: Lesotho
Glide: ST-2023-000261-LSO

From the 22nd - 28th December 2023, most parts of the country received heavy rainfall coupled with strong winds which caused severe damages affecting 190 households (968pp). The impacts of the shocks (heavy rains and storms) were mostly felt by communities mostly in Maseru and Quthing district and lower impact was reported Berea, Mokhotlong, Thaba Tseka. The storm severely damaged businesses and transport networks which hindered full access to essential services such as markets, health services and churches and the situation is expected to worsen in the coming months (January to March) as more rains have been projected by the Lesotho Meteorological Services. The affected families are displaced as their houses were blown away by storms and food stock are also destroyed by rains, as well as some small businesses in the districts. The families opted to seek for shelter with their neighbors and relatives as a temporary solution. (IFRC, 21 Jan 2024)

Argentina: Severe Local Storm - Dec 2023

Affected country: Argentina
Glide: ST-2023-000256-ARG

On 16 December in the city of Bahía Blanca, south of the Province of Buenos Aires, gusts of over 140 kms per hour not only affected access to services such as electricity and water, but also had an impact on urban infrastructure and homes. As a result, the Club Bahiense del Norte building collapsed and 13 people lost their lives, including a 4-year-old girl, and more than 20 were injured. The damage to the infrastructure of homes has been considerable, mainly in neighborhoods far from the central area of the city, with roofs blown off, falling masonry and walls, among others. Hundreds of electric power poles and old trees have fallen as a result of the intense winds, making it difficult to restore electric power and therefore delaying access to water in many communities, as well as delaying early recovery tasks, generating difficulties in accessing the most exposed communities. On 18 December the Governor of the Province of Buenos Aires decreed a State of Emergency for 30 days for the entire territory of the Province, which was made official in the Official Gazette.(IFRC, 30 Dec 2023)

Philippines: Earthquake - Dec 2023

Affected country: Philippines
Glide: EQ-2023-000245-PHL

The magnitude 7.4 earthquake that occurred off the coast of Hinatuan in Surigao del Sur on Saturday, 2 December, 10:37 p.m. local time was caused by movements in the Philippine trench, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS). The quake, initially reported by PHIVOLCS with 7.5 magnitude, was changed to 6.9, eventually to 7.4, raised a tsunami alert, which was lifted on Sunday morning, 3 December local time. Since the earthquake, PHIVOLCS recorded over 660 aftershocks, ranging from magnitudes 1.4 to 6.5; which are expected to continue over the coming days. The tsunami alert caused an immediate evacuation to higher grounds of over 26,000 people living in coastal areas of the provinces of Surigao del Sur and Davao Oriental. Most have returned home after the tsunami alert was lifted by PHIVOLCS. (OCHA, 3 Dec 2023)

The ASEAN Disaster Information Network (ADINet) and the Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center (DSWD DROMIC) report, as of 3 December, one fatality, two injured people and more than 236,798 affected people across 156 districts. In addition, at least 84 houses have been fully damaged, 436 partially damaged and one road have been affected. (ECHO, 4 Dec 2023)

The number of impacted people is increasing following the 7.6 M earthquake of 2 December that struck Hinatuan Municipality in Surigao Del Sur Province, Caraga Region, Mindanao, southern Philippines. Over the past 24 hours, dozens of aftershocks up to 5.7 M have been recorded in the area by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS). According to the Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center (DSWD DROMIC) and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), one person died, and 12 were injured in Davao Region. Moreover, almost 1,800 people have been displaced, approximately 400,000 affected, and 2,279 houses damaged across Caraga and Davao Regions. (ECHO, 5 Dec 2023)

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), as of 5 December, three people died and 48 others have been injured after the 7.6 M earthquake of 2 December that hit Hinatuan Municipality in Surigao Del Sur Province (Caraga Region, Mindanao, southern Philippines). In addition, more than 528,000 people have been affected, 51 are still displaced in one evacuation centre, and almost 1,900 are still pre-emptively evacuated across Caraga and Davao Regions. NDRRMC reports more than 3,000 aftershocks of magnitude between 1.4 M and 6.6 M across the affected area. National authorities are providing help for those affected, distributing family food packs (FFPs) to some 6,127 families from Hinatuan Municipality. (ECHO, 6 Dec 2023)

Angola: Floods - Nov 2023

Affected country: Angola
Glide: FL-2023-000249-AGO

Five days of cumulative heavy rains were witnessed in Angola which brought significant floods on 30th November. According to the Angolan Civil Protection and Fire service (SPCB) preliminary data, estimates 30 deaths, 5,292 affected households (26,460 people). Besides, 10,895 households have seen their crops under water. In total, 15 of the 18 provinces are affected, with the most critical being Luanda, Huambo, Bie, Malanje and Cuanza Norte. The Government continues with assessments at country level. (IFRC, 15 Dec 2023)

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