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.

HURRICANE MELISSA:
Almost four months after Hurricane Melissa made landfall in multiple Caribbean countries, the situation remains severe in Cuba and Jamaica.

In Jamaica, it’s estimated that more than 90,000 families, or 279,000 people, are still unable to return home and are staying in emergency shelters. Electricity and water are still being restored. The country is now dealing with a leptospirosis outbreak, which has already resulted in additional deaths as the impacts of the storm linger. The Jamaica Red Cross (JRC) has distributed non-food items to more than 15,000 people along with nearly 3,000 food packages. JRC is also providing mental health and psychosocial support, along with cash grants.

In Cuba, about 450,000 people lack access to safe water and critical services such as electricity. Communications remain disrupted. More than 2,600 people are still displaced. An estimated 215,000 homes were affected, with damages impacting an estimated 645,000 people. The country is also dealing with outbreaks of arboviral, dengue and chikungunya. The Cuban Red Cross (CRC) is providing psychosocial support, assisting in protection centers, delivering emergency supplies and supporting the setup of essential facilities like field hospitals and warehouses. CRC also continues to distribute relief supplies and support people trying to reconnect with loved ones.

In total, the American Red Cross has deployed 20 disaster response specialists to the Hurricane Melissa operation to support cash grants, planning and reporting, communications, and operational coordination, and is also leading an Emergency Response Unit, which is supporting the Jamaica Red Cross in delivering relief supplies and cash grants.

The American Red Cross is also contributing $5 million to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC) Emergency Appeal for Jamaica to assist the Jamaica Red Cross with providing cash grants, and an additional $2 million to the IFRC Emergency Appeal for Cuba to assist the Cuban Red Cross with providing shelter and health supplies to people impacted by the storm. 

FLOODING:
Heavy rains have led to devastating flooding in Pakistan, Colombia and Mozambique.

In Pakistan, intense rainfall has caused widespread flooding and landslides. Over 1,000 people lost their lives, and an additional 1,000 people were injured. In total, more than 6 million people were affected by the flooding, and about 150,000 remain displaced. Communities face acute shortages of safe water, food, shelter and health services, while damaged roads and bridges hamper relief access. The Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) is assisting with evacuations, organizing a free medical camp and is currently providing food and safe drinking water to impacted households. PRCS has also distributed essential supplies, provided medical services, and conducted a monsoon safety campaign. The American Red Cross has contributed more than $283,000 to the IFRC Emergency Appeal for Pakistan to assist the Pakistan Red Crescent Society with providing cash grants. 

Northern Colombia has faced widespread flooding since late January. Homes have been destroyed, roads washed away and access to public services – such as drinking water – have been limited. In Montería, people have had to evacuate, and shelters have been opened at educational institutions across the affected areas. Hospitals and health centers have closed, making access to health services difficult. The Colombian Red Cross (Cruz Roja Colombiana), in coordination with government authorities, is leading the relief efforts, focusing on damage assessments and the distribution of assistance to affected families. More than four tons of humanitarian aid such as mattresses, clothing, food parcels and hygiene kits have been distributed. The American Red Cross is mobilizing resources to support the Colombian Red Cross’ efforts to deliver food and hygiene assistance to families affected by floods.

Intense rain has led to a large-scale flood emergency impacting Mozambique since December 2025. It’s cyclone season and additional storms are expected to worsen the situation. Preliminary damage assessments estimate losses at $220 million with more than 652,000 people affected nationwide. To date, more than 140,000 households have been impacted by flooding, with an estimated 4,000 homes either partially or completely destroyed. Additionally, over 400,000 people have been displaced. Shelters are overcrowded, leading to an increased concern over protection and health risks. There is a serious threat of waterborne diseases – such as cholera – and the risk of food insecurity as more than 700,000 acres of cropland have been damaged. Additionally, roads and bridges are damaged or rendered impassable, limiting humanitarian access and increasing the urgency for rapid, coordinated assistance. The Mozambique Red Cross Society has been supporting evacuations, first aid, shelters, hygiene promotion and community engagement. To support the efforts of the Mozambique Red Cross Society, the American Red Cross has contributed $300,000 to the IFRC Emergency Appeal to support those affected by the floods.

BANGLADESH – DHAKA FIRE
On November 25, 2025, a large-scale fire erupted in Bangladesh’s Bthe Korail Slum, one of Dhaka’s most densely populated settlements. The fast-moving fire forced thousands of residents to flee with little more than the clothes they were wearing. Approximately 1,500 shanties were destroyed, resulting in widespread displacement of families who lost their homes and possessions within minutes. Families remain displaced, with many sleeping outdoors or clustering in makeshift shelters. The Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) supported evacuations, search and rescues, first aid, psychosocial support and general support to the fire services. BRDCS also set up tents to provide temporary shelter. In coordination with the IFRC, BRDCS has distributed 400 blankets, 400 jerrycans, 200 tarpaulins, 200 mosquito nets and tents for immediate accommodation. The American Red Cross has contributed more than $49,000 to support the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society’s response to the Dhaka Fire to meet the emergency needs of the affected communities.

LANDSLIDE
A major landslide occurred in Indonesia on November 13, 2025. Residents were buried and hundreds of homes were damaged. According to reports, more than 570 households were affected by the landslides, and some 1,900 individuals were displaced. Tragically, the landslides led to more than 20 fatalities, with some individuals still missing. In addition to numerous health concerns, several hamlets are still inaccessible due to blocked roads and the ongoing instability of slopes. The Indonesian Red Cross (Palang Merah Indonesia or PMI) supported search and rescue, evacuations, basic health services, food assistance; water, sanitation and hygiene support, logistics management and relief distribution. Plans include the delivery of more than 60,000 liters of safe water and distribution of emergency relief supplies, including 200 blankets, 100 baby kits, 100 hygiene kits, 50 tarpaulins and 50 kitchen units. The American Red Cross has contributed more than $16,000 to support the response.