In close cooperation with partner organizations, AWO International takes important disaster risk reduction measures in preparation for extreme natural events. Goal is to minimize the negative consequences of these events, strengthen the resilience of the affected people and reduce their vulnerability.
Disaster risk reduction in the Philippines
The geographical location of the Philippines makes the country vulnerable to natural disasters such as earthquakes, typhoons, volcanic eruptions and floods. In addition, climate change increases the frequency and intensity of natural disasters. Proactive preparedness allows people to better prepare for these climate-related risks and minimises the impact on the country's life and infrastructure. In cooperation with the local partner organisation CONCERN, we promote disaster risk reduction in the Philippines.
more informationPhilippine farmers switch to green production
Together with the local partner organisation ECOWEB, AWO International supports smallholder households and strengthens the local capacities of the agricultural industry in Sibagat. Filipino farmers are introduced to the use of natural materials and practices that are climate-friendly and sustainable in order to protect the environment, improve their livelihoods and reduce poverty. In this way, local capacities can be strengthened and the impacts of extreme weather events and climate change can be better managed.
more informationDisaster Risk Reduction and Reconstruction after Earthquake in Indonesia
On 21 November 2022, a 5.6 magnitude earthquake struck the southwest of Cianjur district in West Java, Indonesia. The quake claimed more than 600 lives and more than 100,000 people were forced to flee. Together with the local partner organisation YEU, AWO International supports the people in reconstruction and integrates disaster preparedness measures for the affected village communities.
more informationReconstruction after hurricanes in Mozambique
Mozambique was largely destroyed by hurricanes Idai and Kenneth in 2019. In 2020 and 2021, two more storms exacerbated the situation enormously. Many people lost their homes and are still waiting for assistance in temporary camps. The regions also suffer from the effects of the COVID pandemic and violent conflicts. AWO International has set itself the goal of strengthening the affected families together with Solidar Suisse.
more informationMozambique
Since the end of the civil war in 1992, the living conditions of the people in Mozambique have been improving. Nevertheless, the country is strongly affected by extreme weather events such as cyclones and droughts, the Covid pandemic, as well as violent conflicts and a strained economy.
more informationAfter Hurricane Eta and Iota: Reconstruction and food security for families
In November 2020, two hurricanes hit the Potrerillos region in Honduras. Only within 15 days. With a reconstruction project, AWO International helps families to get back into a normal life and strengthens disaster risk management within the community in order to prepare the community for future natural disasters.
more informationINCLUSIVE DISASTER PREVENTION MANAGEMENT IN CENTRAL AMERICA
Due to their geographical location, the inhabitants of Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua are at constant risk of natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, hurricanes and droughts. In this context, people with disabilities are one of the least visible and most vulnerable social groups in terms of possible evacuation and disaster prevention plans. Together with the German organizations ASB - Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund and CBM - Christoffel Blindenmission, we work to strengthen institutional and community response capacity through effective prevention activities to protect people with disabilities.
more informationSecuring livelihoods and promoting social justice
The project region Otuke is a rural district in northern Uganda. The region is one of two areas most affected by malnutrition. In general, the undernutrition situation in Otuke is exacerbated by a number of overarching problems. People in the region face acute challenges such as food insecurity, limited access to safe drinking water and poor hygiene practices.
more informationClimate Action Model Villages in Uganda
In Uganda, the devastating effects of climate change are clearly visible: wilting crops, flooding and dry wells threaten the food and livelihoods of a population largely dependent on agriculture. To address this acute threat, we launched a project in October 2022 with our Ugandan partner organization AFARD, bringing together food security, environmental protection and disaster risk reduction.
more informationDisaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation in Nepal
Nepal is one of the most vulnerable countries in the world to the effects of climate change. According to the Global Climate Risk Index 2020, Nepal ranks 10th among the most vulnerable countries. Every year, climate events such as floods and landslides, droughts and forest fires, and heat and cold waves lead to loss of livelihoods, especially in remote rural areas. This is where our Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation project comes in.
more informationImmediate response to the suffering caused by Typhoon Rai in communities in Southern Leyte
Typhoon Rai (locally known as Odette) hit the Philippines just before Christmas 2021, when the season of storms was supposed to end. This most violent of all typhoons in 2021 caused widespread destruction and suffering, affecting more than 11 Million people in its wake.
more informationJava Earthquake 2022
In November 2022, the district of Cjanjur, in western Java, was hit hard by an earthquake. After an earthquake, the readiness of the population to take precautionary measures for future natural events is often particularly high. Together with a new partner organisation, Yakkum Emergency Unit (YEU), we support those affected and we are now also active in the field of inclusive disaster risk management in Java.
more informationCivilian sea rescue in the Mediterranean Sea
Since February 2016 we have been supporting SOS HUMANITY (formerly SOS MEDITERRANEE), an organization that is dedicated to save lives at sea. The balance sheet confirms the urgent need for operations in the Mediterranean: More than 30,000 people have been rescued and taken care of onboard so far.
more informationIncluding disaster preparedness in Guatemala
People with disabilities are particularly vulnerable to extreme natural events - especially children and young people are defenceless against the consequences of a natural disaster. AWO International, in cooperation with the ACOPEDIS network and its member organizations, is supporting a project for inclusive disaster prevention in Guatemala.
more informationStrengthening local capacities in disaster risk reduction: What we were able to achieve in West-Nepal
What needs to be considered in the event of a disaster? And what is the best way to take precautions? These and other questions were addressed by the disaster risk reduction project in West-Nepal, which was successfully completed at the end of 2021. Using various approaches and measures, the project strengthened the awareness and the capacities of local institutions and communities in preparedness and in dealing with natural disasters in a rural community severely affected by climate change.
more informationEmergency aid for people affected by two severe typhoons in Malilipot
Super typhoon Goni (Rolly) and his smaller brother Vamco (Ulysses) devastated the homes and livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of people within two weeks, plunging them into a desperate situation in the midst of an unmanageable pandemic. Together with our partner organisation CONCERN, we are helping particularly hard-hit families.
more informationFires tear through Rohingya refugee camp in Bangladesh
On March the 22nd, a major fire in the Balukhali refugee camp in Cox's Bazar has destroyed the shelters of more than 88,000 Rohingya refugees. Together with the organization Solidar Suisse, we are providing relief supplies and support, as well as training on how to prevent and deal with fires and burn injuries.
more informationBetter prepared for disasters
Climate change negatively influences the livelihoods of millions of people, especially in the Global South. South Asia is particularly vulnerable to natural disasters due to its geo-climatic characteristics. Our disaster risk reduction project strengthens community resilience and trains the Nepalese AWO staff and local partners on disaster risk reduction activities.
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