http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/ Recent Disaster Assistance Fact Sheets and Situation Reports from the U.S. Agency for International Development. All linked files are in PDF format. en-us http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification webmaster@info.usaid.gov webmaster@info.usaid.gov http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/countries/horn_of_africa/template/fs_sr/fy2008/hoa_ce_fs06_08-15-2008.pdf http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/countries/horn_of_africa/template/fs_sr/fy2008/hoa_ce_fs06_08-15-2008.pdf The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that official results of recently concluded interagency food security assessments in the Horn of Africa region are scheduled for release during the month of August, including the Somalia April to July gu assessment, the Ethiopia March to May belg assessment, and the Kenya January to August long rains assessment. Assessment results will help inform revisions to current emergency food requirements and beneficiary needs in the region. Fri, 15 Aug 2008 11:51:02 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/countries/somalia/template/fs_sr/somalia_ce_sr08_08-13-2008.pdf http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/countries/somalia/template/fs_sr/somalia_ce_sr08_08-13-2008.pdf According to FSAU, the number of people in need of emergency humanitarian assistance continues to increase in drought-affected areas of Somalia, including Hiran, Galgadud, and Bakool regions. Countrywide, the collective impact of rising food prices, civil insecurity, hyper-inflation, and water shortages are contributing to deteriorating humanitarian conditions and exacerbating food insecurity. Thu, 14 Aug 2008 09:18:25 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/countries/china/template/fs_sr/fy2008/china_eq_fs06_08-08-08.pdf http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/countries/china/template/fs_sr/fy2008/china_eq_fs06_08-08-08.pdf On July 15, a USAID/OFDA acting regional advisor traveled to Beijing to attend a workshop on post-earthquake reconstruction experiences co-hosted by the U.N. and the Government of China (GOC), and meetings related to rural shelter and housing recovery following the earthquake in Sichuan Province. The workshop brought together international experts and GOC officials to discuss the multifaceted issues surrounding recovery, as well as sustainable development practices after a major earthquake, in the context of previous earthquake responses. Mon, 11 Aug 2008 11:01:20 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/countries/burma/template/fs_sr/fy2008/burma_cy_fs25_07-30-2008.pdf http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/countries/burma/template/fs_sr/fy2008/burma_cy_fs25_07-30-2008.pdf On July 21, the Tripartite Core Group, including representatives from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Government of Burma (GOB), and the U.N., released the final Post-Nargis Joint Assessment (PONJA) report, based on assessments conducted in Ayeyarwady and Rangoon divisions from June 10 to 19. According to ASEAN, the document describes the human loss and damage to infrastructure caused by the cyclone, as well as the impact of the disaster on both the national economy and household-level livelihoods. Fri, 08 Aug 2008 09:58:22 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/countries/ethiopia/template/fs_sr/fy2008/ethiopia_ce_sr05_08-06-2008.pdf http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/countries/ethiopia/template/fs_sr/fy2008/ethiopia_ce_sr05_08-06-2008.pdf The impact of drought, rising food prices, and crop failure continues to exacerbate the current food security crisis in Ethiopia, resulting in reduced food and water access, livelihood disruptions, and increased malnutrition rates. According to an August 4 U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance (OCHA) report, the focus of the food security crisis has expanded to include SNNP, Oromiya, Afar, Amhara, and Somali regions. Fri, 08 Aug 2008 10:09:03 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/locust/factsheets/fy2008/ETOP_update_july_08.pdf http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/locust/factsheets/fy2008/ETOP_update_july_08.pdf Front-line countries (in particular, those adjacent to areas off limit to survey and monitoring) must remain vigilant and exercise prevention and mitigation to minimize unexpected risks from ETOPs. Those in invasion areas should stay alert and implement preventive intervention strategies. Countries in the outbreak zones should collect information on ETOP regularly and share it with all stakeholders as often as possible. Mon, 04 Aug 2008 16:40:26 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/countries/horn_of_africa/template/fs_sr/fy2008/hoa_ce_fs05_08-01-2008.pdf http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/countries/horn_of_africa/template/fs_sr/fy2008/hoa_ce_fs05_08-01-2008.pdf On July 22, multiple relief organizations held a press conference in Nairobi on the food crisis in the Horn of Africa. Participants highlighted the combined effects of rising food prices, drought conditions, insecurity, and market disruptions on food security in the region and called for urgent and innovative short, medium, and long-term responses to the crisis. Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:10:05 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/countries/sudan/template/fs_sr/sudan_ce_sr09_08-01-2008.pdf http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/countries/sudan/template/fs_sr/sudan_ce_sr09_08-01-2008.pdf Humanitarian agencies in Darfur continue to provide essential services for conflict-affected populations, despite continuing insecurity and attacks against aid workers. On July 10, the U.N. increased the threat level for Darfur from Phase III to Phase IV, limiting U.N. activity throughout Darfur. In early July, USAID staff traveled to West Darfur to monitor USAID-funded programs. Mon, 04 Aug 2008 09:14:00 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/countries/kenya/template/fs_sr/fy2008/kenya_ce_fs16_07-23-2008.pdf http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/countries/kenya/template/fs_sr/fy2008/kenya_ce_fs16_07-23-2008.pdf On July 14, nine teams comprising representatives from the U.N. World Food Program (WFP), the U.N. Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the Government of Kenya (GOK), and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) began an assessment of food security and nutrition conditions in arid and semi-arid lands and areas affected by post-election violence. Thu, 24 Jun 2008 09:13:27 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/countries/horn_of_africa/template/fs_sr/fy2008/hoa_ce_fs04_07-21-2008.pdf http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/countries/horn_of_africa/template/fs_sr/fy2008/hoa_ce_fs04_07-21-2008.pdf On July 11, the Under-Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and U.N. Emergency Relief Coordinator John Holmes issued a statement highlighting the escalating humanitarian emergency affecting large areas of the Horn of Africa, including parts of Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, Djibouti, and Eritrea. The statement appealed for greater donor and humanitarian community support to address urgent food aid and other humanitarian assistance needs in the coming months. Wed, 23 Jun 2008 09:08:47 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/countries/somalia/template/fs_sr/somalia_ce_sr07_07-16-2008.pdf http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/countries/somalia/template/fs_sr/somalia_ce_sr07_07-16-2008.pdf Rising food prices, below-normal April to June gu rainfall, market disruptions, protracted conflict, and reduced humanitarian access resulting from an upsurge in targeted attacks against international and national humanitarian staff continue to exacerbate chronic emergency levels of malnutrition and food insecurity in Somalia. Wed, 16 Jul 2008 15:28:38 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/countries/burma/template/fs_sr/fy2008/burma_cy_fs24_07-09-2008.pdf http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/countries/burma/template/fs_sr/fy2008/burma_cy_fs24_07-09-2008.pdf USAID/OFDA is supporting agricultural and livelihoods recovery activities through Church World Service (CWS). Working with an implementing partner organization, CWS will build the capacity of the local communities to ensure the food security of approximately 16,900 cyclone-affected farm households and improve the household incomes nearly 44,000 landless households in affected areas. Wed, 09 Jul 2008 20:13:12 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/countries/ethiopia/template/fs_sr/fy2008/ethiopia_ce_sr04_07-09-2008.pdf http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/countries/ethiopia/template/fs_sr/fy2008/ethiopia_ce_sr04_07-09-2008.pdf Severe drought conditions and rising food prices, exacerbated by localized armyworm infestations are contributing to a growing humanitarian crisis in Ethiopia. According to revised DPPA estimates, 4.6 million people require emergency assistance. An additional 7.2 million people are targeted for assistance through the GFDRE-supported PSNP, of whom 5.4 million individuals require two to three months of further emergency assistance. As a result, the total emergency caseload over the next six months is nearly 10 million people. Wed, 09 Jul 2008 16:44:15 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/countries/horn_of_africa/template/fs_sr/fy2008/hoa_ce_fs03_07-07-2008.pdf http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/countries/horn_of_africa/template/fs_sr/fy2008/hoa_ce_fs03_07-07-2008.pdf On July 2, six U.N. agencies, including the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), and the U.N. World Food Program (WFP), and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) CARE, World Vision, and Handicap International issued a press release detailing the escalating food security crisis in the Horn of Africa and advocating for greater donor and humanitarian community engagement to address emergency needs. Mon, 07 Jul 2008 13:30:03 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/countries/burma/template/fs_sr/fy2008/burma_cy_fs23_07-02-2008.pdf http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/countries/burma/template/fs_sr/fy2008/burma_cy_fs23_07-02-2008.pdf On June 24, the Tripartite Core Group (TCG), comprising Government of Burma (GOB), Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and U.N. representatives, presented preliminary findings from the Post-Nargis Joint Assessment (PONJA) at a meeting in Rangoon. The group reported that 45 percent of households have received food through international assistance, while 56 percent have obtained food from the local markets. Wed, 02 Jul 2008 18:29:16 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/countries/sudan/template/fs_sr/sudan_ce_sr08_07-03-2008.pdf http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/countries/sudan/template/fs_sr/sudan_ce_sr08_07-03-2008.pdf In June, banditry and hijacking of relief vehicles continued throughout Darfur, negatively affecting humanitarian operations. Relief agencies reported a deteriorating humanitarian situation in Darfur due to increased violence and food insecurity. Cross-border clashes in West Darfur further suspended humanitarian operations and limited access for aid workers. Mon, 07 Jul 2008 08:11:55 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/countries/chad/template/fs_sr/fy2008/chad_ce_sr02_06-27-2008.pdf http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/countries/chad/template/fs_sr/fy2008/chad_ce_sr02_06-27-2008.pdf In mid June, armed opposition groups launched an offensive against several towns in eastern Chad, resulting in the suspension of humanitarian relief operations for several days. On June 14, opposition forces began attacking towns in eastern Chad, and international media reported that the forces were pushing towards the Chadian capital of N'Djamena in an attempt to unseat President Idriss Deby for the second time in 2008. Fri, 27 Jun 2008 16:56:06 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/countries/philippines/template/fs_sr/fy2008/philippines_ty_fs01_06-27-2008.pdf http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/countries/philippines/template/fs_sr/fy2008/philippines_ty_fs01_06-27-2008.pdf On June 20, 2008, Typhoon Fengshen (Frank) made landfall in the Eastern Visayas region of the Philippines, with heavy rains and sustained winds of up to 160 km per hour (kph) and gusts as high as 175 kph, according to the Philippines Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration. Fri, 27 Jun 2008 18:53:40 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/countries/zimbabwe/template/fs_sr/fy2008/zimbabwe_ce_sr02_06-26-2008.pdf http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/countries/zimbabwe/template/fs_sr/fy2008/zimbabwe_ce_sr02_06-26-2008.pdf The post-election period in Zimbabwe has been marked by significant political tension and violence, loss of life, population displacement, intimidation and harassment of non-governmental organization (NGO) staff, and reduced humanitarian operations and access. Thu, 26 Jun 2008 17:56:11 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/countries/burma/template/fs_sr/fy2008/burma_cy_fs21_06-18-2008.pdf http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/countries/burma/template/fs_sr/fy2008/burma_cy_fs21_06-18-2008.pdf From May 30 to June 2, the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), in coordination with the USAID Disaster Assistance Response Team (USAID/DART), flew 20 C-130 sorties transporting relief commodities from Utapao, Thailand, to Rangoon. Thu, 19 Jun 2008 07:41:55 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/countries/somalia/template/fs_sr/somalia_ce_sr06_06-18-2008.pdf http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/countries/somalia/template/fs_sr/somalia_ce_sr06_06-18-2008.pdf Increasing prices of food and non-food items, worsening drought conditions, and insecurity that continues to impede relief operations are resulting in continued deterioration of the humanitarian situation throughout the country. Wed, 18 Jun 2008 17:00:51 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/countries/sudan/template/fs_sr/sudan_ce_sr07_06-06-2008.pdf http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/countries/sudan/template/fs_sr/sudan_ce_sr07_06-06-2008.pdf In May, banditry and hijacking of relief vehicles continued throughout Darfur, further limiting humanitarian operations. Targeting of humanitarian staff and non-governmental organization (NGO) compounds increased, and implementing partners reported additional incidents of livestock theft and attacks on empty convoy vehicles as well as increased impersonation of U.N. staff by bandits.. Fri, 06 Jun 2008 05:33:31 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/countries/burma/template/fs_sr/fy2008/burma_cy_fs18_06-02-2008.pdf http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/countries/burma/template/fs_sr/fy2008/burma_cy_fs18_06-02-2008.pdf From May 30 to June 2, the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), in coordination with the USAID Disaster Assistance Response Team (USAID/DART), flew 20 C-130 sorties transporting relief commodities from Utapao, Thailand, to Rangoon. Tue, 03 Jun 2008 07:25:12 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/countries/burma/template/fs_sr/fy2008/burma_cy_fs17_05-29-2008.pdf http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/countries/burma/template/fs_sr/fy2008/burma_cy_fs17_05-29-2008.pdf On May 29, the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), in coordination with the USAID Disaster Assistance Response Team (USAID/DART), flew five C-130 sorties transporting relief commodities from Utapao, Thailand, to Rangoon. Thu, 29 May 2008 17:29:22 -0500