Last Week's Disaster: Week 28/2024

Hurricanes, Floods, and Humanitarian Crises

A Closer Look at Week 28 Disasters:

From the Caribbean's devastating hurricanes to Sudan's escalating conflicts, the past week has seen a series of significant disasters and humanitarian emergencies. Here are the main events of last week and the responses they triggered.

Gaza’s Humanitarian Situation Worsens After Nine Months of War

After nine months of relentless conflict in Gaza, the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate. An estimated 90% of the population has been displaced, with many people experiencing multiple displacements. The constant shelling and violence have forced these individuals to flee repeatedly, exacerbating their already dire living conditions. Read more about the situation in Gaza. (1)

South Sudan Braces for Worst Floods in 60 Years, Faces Imminent Famine

South Sudan is on the verge of a catastrophic famine as it prepares for the worst flooding the country has seen in six decades. Save the Children is urgently finalizing its flood anticipatory and response plan to protect the most vulnerable populations. The plan focuses on prepping communities and prioritizing high-risk locations to mitigate the impact of the impending disaster. Here are more details about the expected crisis. (2)

UN and Partners Launch $9 Million Response to Hurricane Beryl in Grenada and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

In the wake of Hurricane Beryl, the United Nations and its partners have initiated a $9 million response plan to aid the affected populations in Grenada, Saint Vincent, and the Grenadines. The hurricane, which struck with unprecedented force, caused extensive damage to homes, infrastructure, and agriculture. Immediate priorities include providing shelter, food, and healthcare to those most severely impacted by the storm. OCHA has more detailed report about the response to the hurricane. (3)

Climate Change and Conflict: A Deadly Combination

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) highlights the devastating intersection of climate change and conflict. Countries already suffering from conflict are disproportionately affected by climate change, which exacerbates displacement, disrupts food production, cuts off essential supplies, amplifies diseases, and weakens healthcare systems. This cruel combination poses a severe threat to the world's most vulnerable populations. read the full report from here. (4)

Between Sudan and Chad, Humanitarian Crisis continue

The humanitarian crisis in Eastern Sudan is worsening as escalating conflicts and dwindling resources put refugees at significant risk. Human Rights Watch (HRW) has raised alarms over these dire conditions, urging international organizations to consider all possible support measures, including cash and transport, to ensure the safety and well-being of displaced individuals. (5)

In neighboring Chad, the situation is equally critical. In response to Chad's February 2024 declaration of a food and nutrition emergency, the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) has allocated $15 million to address the crisis. This funding is crucial for supporting interventions aimed at combating severe malnutrition and food insecurity, which have been exacerbated by ongoing conflicts and economic instability. (6)

Meanwhile, in Sudan, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has been forced to suspend its operations in Khartoum’s Turkish hospital after a year marked by violent incidents and harassment of staff. The deterioration in security has significantly impacted healthcare delivery, leaving many without vital medical services. (7)

Additionally, the conflict in Sudan has forced more than 136,000 civilians to flee Sennar State. The violence has intensified civilian suffering and led to widespread violations of international humanitarian law. Many of the displaced are experiencing secondary or tertiary displacement, compounding their protection risks and increasing their vulnerability in an already dire situation. (8)

References

1. OCHA. (2024). After nine months of war in Gaza, humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate.

2. Save the Children. (2024). South Sudan on the brink of famine as it braces for worst floods in 60 years.

3. OCHA. (2024). UN, partners launch $9 million response to help people hit by Hurricane Beryl in Grenada, Saint Vincent and Grenadines.

4. ICRC. (2024). Climate change and conflict are a cruel combination that stalks the world’s most vulnerable.

5. HRW. (2024). Refugees in Eastern Sudan at Risk.

6. OCHA. (2024). CERF grants $15 million to Chad for underfunded emergencies.

7. MSF. (2024). MSF suspends delivery of vital care in Khartoum’s Turkish hospital after more than a year of violent incidents.

8. OCHA. (2024). More than 136,000 civilians flee Sennar State, Sudan, as conflict spreads.

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