Disaster Risk Reduction

The AWO International team and the local partner organisation deepen their knowledge on emergency measures, for example in a first aid exercise (Photo: AWO International)

South Asia • India • Nepal • Bangladesh

Being better 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.

Many families lost their homes due to Eta and Iota. The living conditions in the shelters are very cramped (Photo: AWO International/OCDIH)

Central America • Honduras

After 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.

Many families lost their homes due to Eta and Iota. The living conditions in the shelters are very cramped (Photo: AWO International/OCDIH)

Central America • Honduras

After Hurricane Eta and Iota: Reconstruction and food security for families

Participants of the community during an exercise (Photo: AWO International / Ecoweb)

Southeast Asia • Philippines

Capacitating local communities on disaster risk reduction and management

The Philippines has and will still continue to experience many natural disasters. Fortunately, with the various efforts of different humanitarian organizations and the government, many activities geared toward making the country better prepared for and resilient to calamities are taking place.

The massive fire destroyed more than 10,000 huts in the world's largest refugee camp in Bangladesh (Photo: AWO International/GUK)

South Asia • Bangladesh

Massive fire has swept through a 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.

AWO International provides emergency aid for people who have lost their homes and livelihoods as a result of the two typhoons Goni and Vamco (Photo: AWO International/CONCERN)

Southeast Asia • Philippines

Emergency 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.

Vegetable gardens and emergency shelters on the water protect the inhabitants during the regular floods. (Photo: AWO International)

Southeast Asia • Philippines

Disaster Risk Reduction: floating shelters and vegetable gardens

With an innovative approach, we help families to be better prepared for the floods: Floating emergency shelters and vegetable gardens protect and care for people during the regular floods.

The Aquarius crew during a rescue operation in the Mediterranean (Photo: PBar/SOS MEDITERRANEE)

Europe • Mediterranean

Civilian sea rescue in the Mediterranean Sea

Since February 2016 we have been supporting 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.

Jorge Tzunun, himself severely visually impaired, has founded an association that offers Braille lessons, painting, music and physiotherapy. (Photo: Lea Auffarth)

Central America • Guatemala

Including 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.

Maize produced by small farmers in the municipality of Champerico, Guatemala. (Photo: Estuardo Ajcalón)

Central America • Guatemala

Food security for small scale farmers in Champerico

In Central America, El Niño has led to the worst droughts in decades and has caused a food crisis. About 3.5 million people are affected, with more than 1.3 million people in Guatemala. The consequences are particularly catastrophic for small farmers: the drought has destroyed a large part of their harvest.

South Asia • Bangladesh