Millions of people in countries across the globe are experiencing devastating disasters that have taken their homes, their livelihoods, and tragically for some, their loved ones. This International Services Activity Update provides a brief snapshot of significant international disasters that the American Red Cross is currently monitoring or responding to.
Afghanistan ─ Powerful Earthquake
A powerful earthquake struck southeastern Afghanistan on August 31, causing widespread destruction across Kunar, Nangarhar and Laghman provinces
Rescue operations are underway, but first responders are facing severe challenges due to the rugged and mountainous terrain, blocked roads and infrastructure damage caused by landslides and aftershocks. The humanitarian needs are growing rapidly with entire communities destroyed and the threat of further landslides due to heavy rains.
Tragically, more than 1,900 fatalities have been confirmed with an additional 3,600 people injured. As of September 16, thousands have been displaced with more than 6,300 homes destroyed and more than 2,100 damaged. Hospitals and health centers, some reporting damage, are overwhelmed, struggling to cope with the influx of casualties. Military helicopters have conducted evacuation flights, transporting hundreds of the injured and deceased to health facilities. However, resources remain critically insufficient.
The Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS) mobilized immediately to support the affected communities. ARCS emergency teams are focused on conducting rapid needs assessments, providing life-saving health services and delivery of medical supplies.
The American Red Cross continues to coordinate with the global Red Cross Red Crescent network as relief efforts continue.
Cape Verde ─ Devastating Flooding
The Republic of Cape Verde, an island country of West Africa in the Atlantic Ocean, was hit by devastating flooding in August when torrential rain from Tropical Storm Erin turned streets into raging torrents, triggered landslides and destroyed vital infrastructure.
Countless homes were destroyed or severely damaged, and the livelihoods of hundreds of families were wiped out. At least nine people lost their lives, and thousands were forced to seek refuge with relatives, neighbors, or in temporary shelters after losing everything.
The flooding destroyed homes, bridges and critical infrastructure, with roads washed out, making it impossible to get into some communities. Thousands of families have lost their homes, assets and access to basic services.
Critical main hospitals sustained significant damage. Water and sanitation systems were also disrupted, creating acute shortages of safe drinking water. To meet the need for safe water, a daily ferry transports approximately 40,000 gallons of potable water from Santo Antão.
The Red Cross of Cape Verde (Cruz Vermelha de Cabo Verde or CVCV) immediately mobilized volunteers who are distributing pre-positioned relief supplies, including food parcels, hygiene kits and essential household items such as clothing, kitchen sets, blankets, buckets and mats.
The American Red Cross is monitoring the response in coordination with its global Red Cross network partners to assist as requested.
More than 900 people have died in widespread flooding across Pakistan, brought on by monsoon rains. The flooding has displaced almost 3 million people, many of them facing acute shortages of safe water, food, shelter and health services.
The flooding began in June and continues today with further flooding and landslide risks in several provinces.
While the severe flooding has been widespread across the country, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is among the hardest-hit provinces, accounting for more than half of all fatalities and significant damage to homes, health facilities, schools and roads, leaving communities isolated.
The floods have also caused an increase in disease outbreaks in the affected areas. Cases of skin infections and malaria have been reported, while a dengue outbreak has been declared in two affected districts.
The Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) has activated across the country in coordination with authorities. More than 200 volunteers have deployed, focused on completing rapid needs assessments, supporting relocations and evacuations, and the delivery of essential supplies. To date, more than 61,500 liters of safe drinking water, 22,000 cooked meals and over 1,100 dry rations, 2,000 hygiene kits and 1,500 dignity kits have been distributed. PRCS has also provided medical care for nearly 400 individuals.
The American Red Cross continues to coordinate with the global Red Cross Red Crescent network on the overall response strategy.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
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