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.

Immediate 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 information
Strengthening 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 information![[Translate to Englisch:] Teilnehmer der Gemeinde bei einem Übungseinsatz (Foto: AWO International / Ecoweb) [Translate to Englisch:] Teilnehmer der Gemeinde bei einem Übungseinsatz (Foto: AWO International / Ecoweb)](/fileadmin/_processed_/a/3/csm_rescue2__2__35ce39ff30.png)
Capacitating local communities on disaster risk reducation 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.
more information
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.
more information
catastrophe prevention in earthquake affected communities in Lombok
Many months after the earthquake of 2018, the event continues to have an impact. In this context, the willingness of the population to learn how to take precautionary measures and better prepare for future natural forces is especially great. This is one of the contributing factors to the success of the project that AWO International's partner organization, SHEEP Indonesia, is implementing with local actors.
more information
Fires 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 information
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.
more information![[Translate to Englisch:] Die Crew der Ocean Viking bei einem Rettungseinsatz im Mittelmeer (Foto: Laurence Bondard/SOS MEDITERRANEE) [Translate to Englisch:] Die Crew der Ocean Viking bei einem Rettungseinsatz im Mittelmeer (Foto: Laurence Bondard/SOS MEDITERRANEE)](/fileadmin/_processed_/a/8/csm_SOS_MED_Laurence_Bondard_SOS_MEDITERRANEE_first_rescue_17a5c33218.png)
Civilian 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 information![[Translate to Englisch:] [Translate to Englisch:]](/fileadmin/_processed_/f/4/csm_Finished_Greenhouse_constuction_Guara_Guara__Buzi__ccexpress_dd6f2be722.jpeg)
Mozambique
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 information
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.
more information
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.
more information
Reconstruction 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 information