Archive for category: Natural Disaster

, ,

Early Warnings for All (EW4All): Global Alert Systems

ew4allIn February 2025, a grandmother in Bua, Fiji, received a single text message: “Evacuate to higher ground.” She gathered her grandchildren and left just hours before a flash flood consumed the riverbanks. That text saved five lives. Fiji secured a grant of FJ$29 million ($12.9 million) from the Green Climate Fund in support of the Early Warnings for All initiative (EW4All), bringing life-saving alerts within reach of the most vulnerable

What is Early Warnings for All

Launched by U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres in 2022, the EW4All seeks to ensure that every person on Earth is safe thanks to a life-saving multi-hazard early warning system by the end of 2027.

The effort is a direct response to the growing frequency and severity of climate-related disasters. Indeed, from cyclones in the Pacific to droughts in East Africa, communities on the frontlines of natural disasters often have little or no time to prepare. By combining meteorological science, technology, and local preparedness, EW4All aims to close this protection gap worldwide.

A Comprehensive, Multi-Pillar Approach

The initiative is co-led by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), with support from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)

Together, these organizations oversee four essential, end-to-end pillars:

  • Disaster risk knowledge (UNDRR) — mapping hazards and vulnerabilities so communities understand their risk.
  • Detection, observation, monitoring, analysis, and forecasting (WMO) — ensuring accurate, timely climate and weather predictions.
  • Warning dissemination and communication (ITU) — ensuring alerts reach people through mobile networks, radio, and other channels.
  • Preparedness and response capabilities (IFRC) — enabling communities to take action before a hazard strikes.

These pillars work together. Without accurate data, forecasts lose precision. Without effective communication, warnings go unheard. And without preparedness, even the best warnings cannot save lives.

Tangible Progress: Funding and Country-Level Action

In February 2025, the Green Climate Fund (GCF) approved a groundbreaking $103.2 million in grant financing to bolster EW4All systems in seven climate-vulnerable countries—Antigua and Barbuda, Cambodia, Chad, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Fiji, and Somalia—benefiting more than 26 million people.

This project, led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), carries a total investment of $114.6 million, including $11.3 million in co-financing from IFRC, ITU, WMO, and national governments

In Fiji, the FJ$29 million ($12.9 million) grant focuses on expanding early warning coverage in remote areas, integrating hazard monitoring with local communication systems and providing training for

Why Early Warnings Matter and Deliver Impact

Early warning systems are among the most cost-effective tools in disaster risk reduction. The Global Status Report (2022) shows that countries with substantive-to-comprehensive early warning coverage experience eight times lower disaster mortality than countries with limited coverage.

Providing just 24 hours’ notice before a hazardous event can reduce damage by about 30% and investing $800 million in early warning systems in developing countries could avoid losses of $3–16 billion annually

Scaling Impact Through Partnerships

The EW4All initiative not only coordinates funding but also drives technical assistance and national policy support. The EW4All Advisory Panel, co-chaired by the heads of WMO and UNDRR, meets twice a year to assess progress, address gaps, and align resources.

On the technology front, ITU has mobilized partnerships with mobile operators such as GSMA, Safaricom and Telefónica to deploy cell-broadcast and location-based SMS in at-risk countries, ensuring alerts are not dependent on internet access.

In parallel, the IFRC works directly with communities to run evacuation drills, distribute preparedness kits, and ensure that warnings lead to action.

A Positive Forward Outlook

As natural disaster risks intensify, EW4All out as a global solution that saves lives while protecting livelihoods. By preventing deaths, reducing asset loss and maintaining community stability, EW4All indirectly supports poverty reduction. Disasters often push vulnerable households deeper into poverty; effective early warning systems break that cycle by enabling people to protect their homes, crops and sources of income.

With two years remaining until the 2027 deadline, progress is accelerating. From the Pacific Islands to the Horn of Africa, EW4All is laying the groundwork for a safer, more resilient future—where no one faces disaster without warning.

– Prayosha Patel

Prayosha is based in Gujarat, India and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

,

Poverty and Cyclones in Madagascar

Cyclones in madagascarMadagascar, the world’s fourth-largest island, is a nation of vibrant cultures and unparalleled biodiversity. Yet beneath this rich surface lies a persistent dilemma: how to escape the cycle of poverty compounded by frequent and destructive cyclones in Madagascar. Strategically located in the Southwest Indian Ocean, Madagascar is among the 10 countries most exposed to cyclones, experiencing about two major storms annually.

These extreme weather events devastate lives, livelihoods and infrastructure, driving vulnerable communities further into destitution. More than 80% of Madagascar’s population lives in poverty, heavily reliant on rain-fed agriculture and thus acutely exposed to climate shocks. When cyclones strike, homes built with weak, cheap materials are easily destroyed. Farmlands flood, leading to food insecurity and rising prices. Damaged roads hinder access to markets, schools and health care. Families lose assets, children are pulled from school and human capital erodes.

Madagascar’s large informal sector, employing more than 80% of the workforce, is particularly vulnerable, with job losses plunging households into debt. To combat this, five cyclone resilience strategies are vital. These measures protect against climate shocks, foster long-term development and reduce poverty.

Averting Immediate Poverty Shocks

Early warning systems give communities time to prepare, evacuate and protect valuables, often determining whether families can recover or are pushed further into poverty.

  • Community-Based Networks. The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) emphasizes involving communities in designing early warning systems. Training local volunteers, setting up focal points and using various communication channels, megaphones, radios, SMS and social media, ensures even remote areas get timely alerts. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) helps strengthen these grassroots systems.
  • Technological Advancement and Accessibility. Satellite data, automated weather stations and partnerships with international agencies like Meteo-France and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) improve forecast accuracy. Information has to be accessible across literacy levels and languages, offering clear, actionable steps. The African Development Bank’s ADRiFi program has installed weather stations to support preparedness in Madagascar.

Investing in Climate-Resilient Infrastructure

Cyclones consistently destroy infrastructure, cutting off communities, disrupting supply chains and stalling recovery. Investing in resilient infrastructure ensures continuity and reduces poverty impacts.

  • Build Back Safer Principles. Reconstruction should prioritize cyclone-resistant designs, like reinforced concrete, elevated foundations and durable roofs. The Shelter Cluster promotes “Build Back Safer” (BBS) strategies, including cash-for-shelter programs, so families rebuild stronger homes.
  • Critical Transport Networks. Roads and bridges are vital for trade, aid and recovery. Damaged infrastructure drives up food prices and deepens hardship. The World Bank’s Connecting Madagascar for Inclusive Growth Project (PCMCI) is expanding resilient transport systems and deploying modular bridges for emergencies.
  • Community Hubs as Shelters. Resilient schools and clinics can double as emergency shelters, preserving access to vital services. Caritas Madagascar helps repair such facilities, maintaining continuity in education and health care. ADRiFi has also supported classroom reconstruction and long-term human development.

Broadening Pathways Out of Poverty

Overdependence on subsistence agriculture makes communities highly vulnerable. Diversified livelihoods create buffers against crop failures and storm disruptions.

  • Climate-Smart Agriculture. Promoting flood- and drought-resistant crops, better irrigation and sustainable techniques enhances food security. The World Food Programme (WFP) supports projects like dam construction and climate-resilient farming to reduce vulnerability in Madagascar.
  • Nonfarm Income Generation. Vocational training in carpentry, masonry, crafts and small business management creates jobs beyond farming. Microfinance, especially for women, fosters entrepreneurship, offering income when crops fail.
  • Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture. Coastal communities can benefit from resilient fisheries, provided sustainable practices are used. Protecting marine ecosystems ensures fish populations endure cyclone disruptions.

Safeguarding Crucial Ecosystems

Ecosystems like forests and reefs act as natural buffers against cyclones. However, environmental degradation, often poverty-driven, removes these protections.

  • Reforestation and Afforestation. Mangroves and coastal forests reduce wind and water damage, protecting homes and farmland. Eden Reforestation Projects has planted millions of trees in Madagascar, linking environmental restoration with local employment. Community conservation groups like Mitsinjo promote sustainable land use and forest stewardship.
  • Wetland Restoration. Wetlands absorb floodwaters and filter pollutants, helping prevent disease. In Vatomandry, a town in Madagascar, an integrated landscape approach combines drainage and wetland restoration to reduce cyclone risks.

Reinforcing Social Safety Nets

Even with strong prevention measures, cyclones in Madagascar will continue. Social safety nets are essential to protect the most vulnerable and speed recovery.

  • Contingency Funds and Insurance. Madagascar has joined the African Risk Capacity (ARC) insurance program and created a National Contingency Fund, allowing fast access to recovery funds and reducing reliance on delayed aid.
  • Cash Transfers and Food Assistance. These directly support households post-disaster, allowing families to meet basic needs and avoid harmful coping strategies. The World Bank’s Safety Nets and Resilience Project supports targeted assistance. WFP provides emergency food aid and nutrition support, especially for children.
  • Community Networks and Microinsurance. Local disaster committees and informal support systems help direct aid where needed. Microinsurance for small farmers and informal workers provides a safety net, enabling recovery without deepening debt. CARE Madagascar works on community-driven disaster risk reduction.

A Sustainable Future

Madagascar’s fight against poverty cannot be separated from its climate vulnerability. Cyclones in Madagascar continually erase development gains. But by strengthening early warning systems, infrastructure, livelihoods, ecosystems and social protection, Madagascar can build resilience and chart a path to long-term prosperity. These strategies, rooted in community engagement and sustainability, offer a chance to break the cycle of poverty and forge a future where the nation survives storms and thrives beyond them.

– Anoushka Rai

Anoushka is based in Frisco, TX, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

FSPK Offers Hope: Homelessness in Kiribati

Homelessness in KiribatiKiribati, an island country, contains 33 coral atolls scattered across the Central Pacific Ocean, only 20 of which people currently inhabit. These low-lying islands, with their highest points about three meters above sea level, rank among the most vulnerable to changing weather patterns. As seas rise and extreme weather events occur more and more frequently, homelessness in Kiribati is emerging as a growing humanitarian crisis.

The Impact of Climate on Homelessness in Kiribati

Recent World Bank research indicates that sea levels could rise by as much as 0.5 meters between 2070 and 2110, potentially flooding 50% to 80% of Kiribati’s major urban areas. But even ahead of this daunting statistic, climate-related disasters such as flooding and extreme weather events have already worsened the housing crisis.

In June 2025, the Kiribati National Statistics Office reported that 60% of households that experienced climate disasters in the past year sustained home damage, primarily due to strong winds and heavy rain. Nearly 4,000 people had to leave their homes, underscoring the urgent need for emergency housing and the growing challenge of homelessness in Kiribati.

Despite the challenges, most residents maintain a deep attachment to their land and traditions and are reluctant to leave. In response, the Foundation for the Peoples of the South Pacific Kiribati (FSPK) is a local nonprofit leading local efforts to combat homelessness and housing insecurity. Here are examples of three key initiatives making a difference today.

Modular Affordable & Climate-Resilient Housing Initiatives

In Kiribati’s crowded capital, families average 7.3 members and often live in open shacks packed closely together. Additionally, there are frequent land disputes, and many have resorted to creating their own sea walls made from coral as an attempt to hold off flood waters. To address these housing issues, FSPK partnered with Karmod to introduce modular, quick-build homes that offer sustainable, flood-resistant shelter for vulnerable communities. These serve as faster shelter solutions for vulnerable communities facing threats from rising seas. These homes are a direct response to the increasing homelessness in Kiribati, driven by sea-level rise and climate-related disasters.

Women & Youth-Driven Climate Resilience

Thanks to FSPK’s partnership with Action on Poverty, women and youth who past leadership excluded from decision-making in community planning are now leading community-based adaptation efforts. Resilience projects include digging freshwater wells and kitchen gardens, efforts which boost food and water security, and therefore reduce the need for forced, climate-related relocation. By deliberately targeting those most vulnerable to climate impacts and housing insecurity, the program empowers women and children to recognize their role in adaptation and building a more resilient future.

Advocacy for Government and Donor Support

In March 2025, FSPK co-developed a proposal in partnership with the Kiribati government, targeting an international climate finance mechanism called the Adaptation Fund Board. The proposal aims to secure funding for climate resilience efforts, specifically by engaging donor governments and mobilizing national and international NGO support. The proposal also highlights the impact of initiatives led by FSPK and local communities, and encourages ongoing government collaboration to develop scalable solutions.

Looking Ahead

Homelessness in Kiribati continues to rise as climate threats intensify, putting countless residents at risk. However, local organizations like FSPK, are leading effective solutions, bringing hope and stability to these vulnerable communities. To help ensure a safer future for Kiribati, supporting groups like FSPK and donating to climate-focused housing initiatives is more important than ever.

– Kaitlin Reed

Kaitlin is based in Austin, TX, USA, and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

, ,

Flood-Resistant Homes in Bangladesh Are Saving Communities

Flood-Resistant Homes in BangladeshRegarded as one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries, Bangladesh regularly faces floods and cyclones that displace thousands of families. However, local innovators in Bangladesh are leading efforts to confront and adapt to the country’s growing climate challenges.

While the climate crisis demands international cooperation, local innovators in Bangladesh are taking action by developing affordable, flood-resistant housing to combat displacement and poverty. These low-cost, climate-resilient homes are helping protect communities once devastated by extreme weather events.

The Flooding

Millions of people across Bangladesh, India and Nepal have been affected by flooding. This crisis is projected to worsen in the coming years. These disasters not only force families to abandon their homes and seek refuge in temporary shelters, but also contribute to the rapid spread of disease due to the unsanitary conditions of contaminated floodwaters.

The impact is devastating, with families reporting the loss of everything, from their homes and financial assets to, tragically, loved ones. Beyond the personal toll, these disasters have broader socioeconomic consequences, as local economies in Bangladesh suffer from reduced productivity and long-term disruption.

A New Home

Local Bangladeshi engineers and entrepreneurs are now designing flood-resistant homes as a way to adapt to recurring floods. Recognizing that reversing the climate crisis is a daunting challenge, many are choosing to develop practical, community-driven solutions instead.

One famous architect in Bangladesh has developed a two-story housing solution built on bamboo stilts. While cyclones are short-lived, many floods in Bangladesh can last for months, making it essential to design homes that can endure prolonged flooding.

Known as “Khudi Bari” or “tiny house,” these low-cost flood-resistant homes in Bangladesh save communities through cheap yet effective construction, ranging up to $450 per build. Each home is also mobile, meaning it can be moved from one location to another, aiding these families when time matters the most.

A Short Yet Great Solution

Addressing climate-related disasters is a monumental and challenging task. Yet, low-cost flood-resistant homes in Bangladesh are playing a vital role in helping communities remain resilient amid the ongoing crisis. Thanks to these homes, families can now focus on rebuilding their lives. Parents can work to support their children and children can continue their education in a safe, stable environment. It may not be ideal, but it offers the best possible outcome in the face of adversity.

In addition to securing a future for vulnerable communities, these low-cost flood-resistant homes in Bangladesh also create jobs for local workers and artisans. The initiative is strengthening local economies and benefiting the region by sustaining livelihoods and generating new employment opportunities. Tackling the climate crisis is undeniably complex and filled with challenges. Yet, these homes make a tangible difference, strengthen communities, create jobs and set an example for other climate-vulnerable regions.

– Kallen Zhou

Kallen is based in Hattiesburg, MS, USA and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

, , ,

The Journey To Renewable Energy in Micronesia

Renewable Energy in MicronesiaMicronesia (or the Federated States of Micronesia) is a small country located in the continent of Oceania. A large advocate of environmental policy, renewable energy in Micronesia has a long history behind it. Through many years of struggle and advancements, Micronesia has made its intentions for a clean future clear.

Life in Micronesia

While Micronesia’s environment is beautiful, living there isn’t easy.  In 2013, 41.2% of the population lived below the national poverty line, a statistic that the World Bank Group estimates to be higher post-COVID-19. Due to its isolated geography, poor mineral deposits and lacking economy, opportunities can be slim.

Electricity is a scarce resource in Micronesia; most of the country is reliant on diesel generators that power a central grid. Most communities do not have day-long access to electricity. Individual households are not the only parties affected by a lack of energy; hospitals have to work with a less-than-ideal power supply as well.

For those with more reliable access to electricity, another problem rears its head. Aging infrastructure causes many power grids to be vulnerable to intense weather like typhoons. This leads to frequent power outages as the grids fail to hold under the conditions.

Fossil Fuels in a Changing World

As an island country, Micronesia experiences some of the highest rates of sea-level rise per year on the planet. A reliance on diesel generators, which produce more pollutants than gasoline engines, exacerbates the issue. Its economic reliance on fisheries and farming causes a unique need to halt the unsustainable fossil fuels use as weather patterns rapidly intensify.

Micronesia’s reliance on diesel generators is more than just an environmental issue however, it is also a financial one. Micronesia has a severe lack of local fossil fuel deposits, this includes resources to fuel these generators. Due to this, Micronesia must outsource its entire fuel supply.

The U.S. used to pay for these fuel imports, but that stopped in 2004. As Micronesia locally lacks typical energy sources, the cost for a fossil fuel economy is too great for Micronesia to handle.

A Plan To Help

In 2004, Micronesia implemented a Strategic Development Plan to outline the goals and benchmarks of renewable energy in Micronesia up until 2023.  This plan detailed multiple advancements towards green energy, such as providing sustainable funding for environmental programs and would outline the approach towards green energy for the coming years.

This plan provided an outline that would pave the way for climate and disaster policy, as well as the formation of new climate committees. Through this new focus, renewable energy in Micronesia has grown into a larger force. Solar energy has become prevalent in the country, playing a large role in the hopeful eventual phasing out of the reliance on diesel.

A Green Future

Renewable energy in Micronesia still has a long way to go. The country still has an overwhelming reliance on diesel generators, and most households are still without electricity. However, through actions both past and present, there is undeniable progress ahead.

The World Bank’s recent ARISE Project is set to be a significant boon for the country. The project aims to increase solar construction, creating both mini-grids and home systems. It also aims to strengthen the older grid’s infrastructure to make them more resilient to natural events. This project will help more than 3,000 people gain electrical access.

The FSM recently launched its National Energy Policy through 2050. This policy outlines a future of independent power production as well as public private partnership. It also calls for studies into clean energy sources such as wind, the implementation of hydropower and advancements in architecture for solar. 

Looking Ahead

With weather patterns steadily intensifying over time, renewable energy’s steady traction and momentum and an ambitious goal of net zero emissions by 2050, a green future is not only necessary, but inevitable for Micronesia.

– Cayle Harrison

Cayle is based in West Columbia, SC, US and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

, ,

Successes and the Future of Foreign Aid to the Philippines

Foreign Aid to the PhilippinesWith the current dismantling of U.S. foreign aid programs, it is worth taking a closer look at what foreign aid has accomplished in developing countries so far. The Philippines is an excellent example. Since the 2000s, the country has seen rapid economic growth. With improvements to infrastructure and policy, progress is occurring. In 2023, the GINI index fell below the threshold for high inequality. Still, roughly one in five people live in poverty. Factors such as unequal opportunity, gendered social norms and oligarchic control over agricultural practices all contribute to sustained poverty. The Philippine government has continued fighting against poverty, with the world’s fourth largest conditional cash transfer program—the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program—leading to an approximate poverty reduction of 1.4% per year.

Recent Foreign Aid to the Philippines

With progress continuing along its slow and steady path, new challenges create new opportunities for the world to lend a hand. In recent years, foreign aid to the Philippines has fostered a number of positive outcomes in the areas of civil structure, health programs and disaster relief to name a few.

  • Bangsamoro: The Bangsamoro is an autonomous territory in the Philippines that the Moro people primarily inhabit. It is the only Muslim-majority territory in the Philippines. After being marginalized and dispossessed of lands for years, war broke out between liberation groups and the Philippine army, claiming more than 120,000 lives</a>. Autonomy has since been granted as of 1996, and the peace process has been ongoing ever since. Today, Bangsamoro is being rebuilt with the help of civil society organizations and foreign aid. The United States, through USAID, has funded Forward Bangsamoro for the last 6 years, focusing on the enhancement of local governance. Thanks to this and other foreign aid to the Philippines, the territory’s first democratic election will take place in October 2025.
  • HIV: Although the Asia Pacific Region has seen a reduction in HIV infections in the last decade, infections in the Philippines are rising quickly. Since 2010, there has been a 418% increase in HIV infections, and a 538% increase in AIDS-related deaths. With an ambitious goal of eliminating AIDS-related deaths by 2030, the Philippine government has partnered with others to address the crisis. In 2020, USAID committed $15.5 million to the government’s HIV/AIDS program. The epidemic is ongoing, but progress is occurring. Through pre-exposure prophylaxis drugs, condoms, anti-retroviral therapy medications and educational material, USAID has saved countless lives.
  • Natural Disasters: The Philippines experience on average 20 tropical cyclones each year. The country is also located on the Pacific ring of fire, making it prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. When these natural disasters take place, displacement and resource strain follow. Since 1996, the EU has funded more than €170 million to the Philippines. Indeed, more than €100 million of that has gone to disaster relief. In October 2024, when Tropical Storm Kristine affected approximately 7 million people in the Philippines, foreign aid was quick to follow with programs like USAID providing $5 million in relief and the World Food Program (WFP) providing cash assistance and transport support to nearly 2 million of the affected. To date, foreign aid efforts have provided $44 million so far with recovery efforts still underway.

Loss of US Foreign Aid

As the current United States administration continues to dismantle foreign aid programs, others step up to fill the void. Countries like Japan, Canada, Australia, the EU and the U.K. are all continuing their support. Furthermore, senators and philanthropists like Bill Gates, who says his Foundation will close in 2045, decrie Musk for USAID cuts.

Türkiye, Norway, Brunei, Malaysia, Japan, Australia and Switzerland have given substantial aid to the Bangsamoro peace project through mechanisms such as the Independent Commissioning Body, the International Monitoring Team and Financial Support.

A local HIV/AIDS program called Love Yourself is keeping its doors open through the USAID freeze, thanks to its self-sustaining model, government partnerships and proactive preparation for potential losses of funding. Thanks to these steps, all of their programs are still currently free, with the exception of deliveries.

Additionally, the World Food Programme (WFP) continues to aid those affected by natural disasters. They provide cash assistance to families in the Cagayan province, who additional heavy rains affected in early 2025. More than 60 countries fund the World Food Programme on an entirely voluntary basis.

With this continued supply of aid, and with the exception of the COVID-19 pandemic, poverty in all forms has been on the decline. The country plans to reach single-digit numbers by 2028.

Looking Ahead

The reality is that, in a world filled with complex relationships, help changes hands but is always offered somewhere. Poverty, inequality, hunger, disease and safety are all seeing progress over time. Although the dismantling of USAID will create immediate challenges, it will also produce new stories of the strength and compassion.

– Levi Ravnsborg

Levi is based in Summerland, BC, Canada and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

,

Earthquake Recovery Project: Rebuilding Morocco

Earthquake Recovery Project: Rebuilding MoroccoOn Sept. 8, 2023, a 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains, marking the country’s deadliest seismic event in recent history. The disaster claimed nearly 3,000 lives, injured more than 18,000 people and damaged about 60,000 homes, especially in remote regions like Al Haouz and Taroudant provinces. Entire communities lost shelter, access to basic services and vital infrastructure, forcing families to rebuild their lives from the ground up.

Earthquake Recovery Project

In response, the Moroccan government introduced a five-year recovery project valued at approximately 120 billion dirhams (about $11.7 billion). The plan prioritizes rehousing, infrastructure upgrades and social and economic development. A central feature of the plan, the “supervised self-construction” model, allows affected residents to rebuild their homes using government financial support and architectural guidance. Reconstruction efforts focus on the most severely affected areas, including the provinces of Al Haouz, Chichaouoa, Taroudant, Marrakech, Ouarzazate and Azilal.

The project aims to reach 4.2 million people. Funding comes from the national budget, international aid and various public and private contributions. USAID committed $12.6 million to support Morocco’s earthquake recovery project. Eligible families receive up to 140,000 dirhams (approximately $13,600) to cover reconstruction and temporary housing needs.

Challenges Ahead

Despite the ambitious plan, progress remains slow. By 2024, only around 1,000 of the targeted 55,000 homes had been built. Labor shortages, rising material costs and difficult mountain terrain have created bottlenecks. Landslides left many roads blocked by debris and boulders, preventing emergency services and aid convoys from reaching those in need. The government also faced criticism for limiting foreign aid. Authorities initially accepted help only from a few countries—Spain, Qatar, Britain and the UAE—while declining offers from others, including France, Germany, Tunisia, Canada and the United States (U.S.) Many viewed this decision as a missed opportunity to accelerate the recovery process and widen the scope of assistance.

Community-Led Recovery

While national efforts struggled, grassroots initiatives stepped in to fill the gap. In Ait Bourd, a Moroccan architect introduced an insulated, earthquake-resistant home design capable of replacing about 50,000 destroyed homes. The Atlas Foundation partnered with local communities to support participatory planning and build capacity, ensuring that villagers guided the rebuilding process themselves. In Talat N’Yaaqoub, residents organized teams to clear rubble and distribute supplies. University students from Marrakech launched mobile clinics and provided psychological support for survivors. Caritas Morocco, with backing from the Caritas Confederation, worked to deliver clean water, food and hygiene essentials. These local initiatives did more than meet immediate needs—they also strengthened community resilience and laid a foundation for long-term recovery.

Looking Forward

These community-led initiatives address immediate needs and lay the groundwork for sustainable development and resilience against future disasters. As Morocco navigates the complex path to recovery, integrating grassroots efforts with national and international support may help accelerate reconstruction. Ongoing coordination, resource mobilization and attention to regional disparities could likely influence the pace and scope of long-term recovery. Monitoring progress and adapting strategies to on-the-ground realities remain important as rebuilding continues across affected provinces.

– Sebastian Llerena

Sebastian is based in Edison, NJ, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Clinton Foundation Aids Myanmar and Thailand Earthquake Victims

Earthquake in Thailand and MyanmarOn March 28, 2025, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, with tremors felt across neighboring Thailand. The disaster caused more than 2,000 deaths, according to the Associated Press and led to severe destruction in Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city. Damage to roads, airports and buildings complicated rescue and relief operations. Power outages, fuel shortages and high temperatures further slowed search efforts.

Seismic Risk and Regional Vulnerability

Experts attribute the quake to tectonic activity along the Sagaing Fault, a major boundary between the India and Eurasia plates that cuts through densely populated areas like Mandalay. According to geologist Dr. Rebecca Bell of Imperial College London, the fault’s linear structure allows for wide ruptures, contributing to the scale of destruction.

Impact on an Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis

The earthquake added pressure to Myanmar’s existing humanitarian emergency. Since 2023, escalating conflict has led to widespread displacement and many of those affected by the earthquake were already living in fragile conditions. The disaster intensified the need for shelter, clean water, food and health care. According to Health Poverty Action, thousands of people have been injured or displaced, while hospitals face critical supply shortages. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) reported urgent needs for tents, medical services and clean drinking water

Economic Toll

The quake caused an estimated $36 billion in damage, roughly 70% of Myanmar’s GDP. This widespread destruction further weakens a national economy already strained by conflict and poverty. Beyond the immediate destruction, the earthquake severely disrupted Myanmar’s agricultural sector, particularly in the Dry Zone, which is the country’s primary region for pulses, oilseeds and cereals.

Damage to infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, has hindered farmers’ access to markets and essential inputs, threatening upcoming planting seasons and potentially leading to reduced harvests and incomes. Furthermore, the destruction of key government facilities in Naypyidaw, including ministries responsible for trade and commerce, has impeded administrative functions critical for economic recovery and export activities. These compounded effects are expected to exacerbate inflation, increase poverty rates and strain Myanmar’s limited foreign exchange reserves, posing long-term challenges to the nation’s economic stability.

Coordinated Aid Through the Clinton Global Initiative

The Clinton Foundation’s Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) quickly mobilized its members to respond to the crisis. These partners worked alongside local and international groups to support communities affected by the disaster.

  • The Afya Foundation assessed medical needs and distributed supplies through local partners.
  • Airlink coordinated logistics with more than 15 NGOs, helping deliver search and rescue teams despite damaged infrastructure.
  • All Hands and Hearts arrived shortly after the quake to assess needs and provide an early response in Bangkok and nearby communities.
  • CARE delivered urgent medical and health services for women and families.
  • The Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP) supported recovery efforts with targeted funding.
  • Direct Relief, with a longstanding presence in the region, coordinated with the ASEAN Coordinating Center to deliver emergency medical aid.
  • The International Medical Corps provided emergency trauma and surgical care, deploying a medical team to assist overwhelmed hospitals and clinics.

Looking Ahead

As relief efforts continue to aid those affected by the earthquake in Thailand and Myanmar, international organizations and local partners remain focused on recovery, emphasizing the importance of collaboration during disasters. The coordinated response through the Clinton Foundation’s network reflects the growing role of philanthropic and nonprofit actors in delivering rapid humanitarian assistance, especially in regions already experiencing poverty and instability.

– Abirame Shanthakumar

Abirame is based in Ontario, Canada and focuses on Celebs and World News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

USAID Programs in Thailand and Myanmar After Earthquake

USAID Programs in ThailandDisplaced persons seeking refuge in Thailand following a 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar in March are amongst those facing dwindling American assistance after the United States federal government initiated drastic reductions to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) programs in Thailand, Myanmar and other countries in need of humanitarian aid. While non-government organizations (NGOs) are working diligently to provide humanitarian assistance to those affected by the second-largest recorded earthquake in Southeast Asia and its hundreds of aftershocks, USAID’s absence is noticeable in the region. 

USAID Cuts Coincide With Devastation in Asia

Myanmar state media reported that, as of April 19, the earthquake killed more than 3,700 people and injured 5,100 in the country, with 114 residents still missing. Thai newspaper Khaosod reported that, as of April 29, 66 people had died, 28 people were missing and nine people were injured.

Refugees from the ongoing civil war in Myanmar have relied on humanitarian assistance and medical care in neighboring Thailand for decades. USAID programs in Thailand bolstered the assistance Thai hospitals could provide those in need. Before the earthquake in Myanmar occurred, the Border Consortium aid group reported that many Thai hospitals helping around 100,000 refugees from Myanmar had to close following cuts to USAID in late February.

On March 28, the region experienced “a level of devastation that has not been seen in over a century in Asia,” according to Marie Manrique, the acting head of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in Myanmar. The same day, The U.S. State Department formally notified Congress that it was moving to dissolve USAID.

The Results of USAID Cuts

The earthquake’s epicenter was in Myanmar’s second-largest city, Mandalay; however, 600 miles away, in the Thai capital city of Bangkok, residents felt widespread shaking and saw significant damage to infrastructure, including a skyscraper that collapsed when it was under construction.

While USAID cuts have backtracked in recent weeks due to pushback from Americans and the country’s federal agencies, aid workers report that, with thousands of residents remaining homeless in Mandalay after the destruction, U.S. assistance is lacking.

“The United States only sent a paltry amount of assistance…it sent only three workers, which then, subsequently, were fired,” Francisco Bencosome, a former USAID worker, said. Some workers were notified of their termination while in the earthquake’s disaster zone.

The ongoing poverty crisis in Myanmar, escalating in recent years due to ongoing civil conflict, saw almost doubled rates from 24.8% in 2017 to 49.7% in 2023. In the beginning of 2025, around 19.9 million people, or about 35% of the country’s population, were in dire need of humanitarian assistance; this included 6.4 million children.

The destruction due to the earthquake in Myanmar has exacerbated existing pervasive poverty conditions, resulting in 4.3 million people lacking basic needs such as shelter, nutrition and clean water.

Solutions

After the reduction of USAID programs in Thailand and Myanmar, NGOs have stepped in to address the earthquake in Myanmar. Here are some examples of NGO efforts in Thailand and Myanmar:

  • The Myanmar Red Cross Society: The Myanmar Red Cross Society and its partners successfully delivered eight charter flights and six cargo shipments of aid into Myanmar within the first week of the earthquake’s aftermath, according to the organization. The IFRC is rapidly mobilizing, adapting and delivering critical aid to the hardest-hit areas. The Myanmar Red Cross Society initiated its Emergency Operations Centers after the earthquake. Additionally, it sent out volunteers to search for and rescue those the earthquake affected, while also sending out teams to connect hospitals and clinics with emergency blood donations.
  • UNICEF: UNICEF is on the ground in Myanmar, working with other aid organizations to meet children’s needs. According to UNICEF, the organization and its partners have delivered emergency water, sanitation and hygiene kits, medical kits and nutrition supplies; UNICEF is also delivering essential health and nutrition services through temporary emergency health facilities and mobile clinics.
  • Doctors Without Borders: Doctors Without Borders deployed medical, mental health, logistics and water and sanitation staff to areas that experienced the earthquake. The organization is working to provide support to hospitals with special focus on sanitation, water, infection control and waste management. It also installed a water filtration system and a water tank at the Mandalay General Hospital.
  • Save the Children: Save the Children has launched a “Children’s Emergency Fund” to support adolescents in Myanmar in need of shelter and other basic needs in the aftermath of the earthquake. Aid workers are responding to the urgent, lifesaving needs of children and their families by providing water, food and health care services.
  • United Nations Humanitarian Crisis Relief (UNHCR): The UNHCR has reported that its team is on the ground responding with other UN agencies by providing “medical care, shelter, safe water, hygiene kits and food,” despite dealing with extremely damaged infrastructure and a lack of telecommunications. As of April 23, UNHCR reported that the organization provided critical aid – including core relief items (CRIs) and emergency shelter materials – to 48,354 people who experienced earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand. CRIs include mattresses, blankets, hygiene kits, solar lamps and cooking essentials kits. On April 15, the city of Yangon received more than 40,000 kg of supplies to help 16,000 people from UNHCR, and there was a promise of more supplies in the following weeks.

Looking Ahead

Though USAID downsizes have immobilized necessary American federal assistance in Myanmar and Thailand following the historic earthquake in Myanmar, other aid organizations are using donor funding to make effective strides in alleviating poverty conditions and the ongoing refugee crisis.

– Erin Hellhake

Erin is based in Old Bridge, NJ, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

, ,

Life After the Volcano: Montserrat Rebuilding Efforts

Montserrat Rebuilding EffortsNearly three decades after the Soufrière Hills volcano erupted in 1995, transforming the lush Caribbean island of Montserrat into a disaster zone, the scars remain etched in both the landscape and the lives of its people. Between 1995 and 1997, eruptions buried the capital, Plymouth, in ash and lava, displacing more than two-thirds of the population and rendering vast swaths of land uninhabitable.

Today, Montserrat rebuilding efforts continue to affect thousands of residents, who face persistent poverty, limited resources and the weight of long-term displacement.

The Lingering Impact of the Soufrière Hills Eruption

The volcano’s devastation destroyed key infrastructure, including roads, utilities and government buildings. According to the Montserrat Statistics Department, more than 60% of the island’s population was forced to evacuate permanently. Those who stayed faced the challenge of resettling in the island’s northern part, which had limited infrastructure at the time.

The economic collapse that followed was severe. The World Bank reported that Montserrat’s gross domestic product (GDP) fell more than significantly in the immediate aftermath of the eruptions. As of 2022, about 36% of Montserrat’s residents live below the poverty line.

Montserrat’s Long Road to Recovery and Housing Stability

Housing insecurity remains a major issue in Montserrat’s rebuilding efforts. Many families still live in transitional shelters or informal homes lacking adequate weatherproofing or sanitation. The Post-Disaster Needs Assessment conducted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in 2021 identified housing rehabilitation and expansion as a top priority.

International aid has played a vital role in tackling these issues. The Joint SDG Fund, in partnership with the Government of Montserrat, supports projects targeting poverty reduction, workforce development and sustainable housing. Similarly, the Montserrat Budget Support Programme, backed by the U.K.’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, has helped maintain essential services and fund housing projects in the north.

The COVID-19 pandemic deepened economic hardship and food insecurity. In response, the UNDP issued emergency grants to farmers and fishers to support food production during lockdowns. Still, Montserrat rebuilding efforts remain slow. Construction costs, limited access to credit and climate-related risks continue to challenge progress. However, the Former Premier of Montserrat, Joseph Farrell, has emphasized the need for resilient housing models to withstand future shocks.

Despite obstacles, Montserrat’s people have shown resilience. Civic groups, returning diaspora members and entrepreneurs are working to revitalize communities and small businesses. The Montserrat Sustainable Development Plan outlines goals for economic diversification and infrastructure growth. 

A Path Toward Long-Term Recovery

Montserrat’s experience is a stark example of how small island nations face compounded risks from natural disasters, poverty and limited resources. The island’s slow but steady recovery highlights the importance of long-term investment, disaster resilience and community-driven planning.

“The resilience of the Montserratian people is unmatched,” said U.N. Resident Coordinator Didier Trebucq in a recent visit. “But to truly rebuild, we must continue supporting efforts that prioritize equity, sustainability and local leadership.”

While the volcano still lingers beneath the surface, so does the enduring hope of a resilient, more secure Montserrat.

– Giovanni Garcia

Giovanni is based in Long Beach, CA, USA and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons