The ACT Alliance Rapid Response Fund provides financial support to national member organizations for emergency aid. Claire Finas, the fund's global coordinator, explains that local groups possess essential community knowledge but often lack resources. In 2026, the fund supported 30 responses across 26 countries. The initiative aims to shift decision-making power to local leaders rather than just transferring implementation tasks. The ACT Alliance plans to increase the fund's annual budget to at least ten million dollars by 2028 to strengthen local capacity and ensure equitable access to humanitarian assistance.
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Faith leaders and organizations launched the Africa Can’t Wait campaign in a city in Ethiopia. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between global climate promises and local implementation ahead of upcoming international conferences. It focuses on four areas: climate finance, adaptation, renewable energy, and nature-based solutions. The campaign seeks one million signatures to demand rights-centered action. Organizers state that African communities are already leading adaptation efforts but need urgent support to address droughts and floods. The effort mobilizes interfaith partners to influence policy and ensure climate justice reaches those most affected.
Intensified Southwest Monsoon rains have caused severe flooding across the Philippines, displacing 83,580 people and killing at least 35 individuals. The Office of Civil Defense reported that 429 areas in Metro Manila and surrounding regions were flooded by August 30. Landslide alerts were issued for thousands of villages, prompting 117 local government units to declare a state of calamity. Central Luzon and the Cordillera Administrative Region suffered the highest death tolls. The National Council of Churches in the Philippines, an ACT Alliance member, is providing aid for food, water, and psychosocial support as local capacities were overwhelmed by the persistent rains.
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The ACT Alliance has approved USD 149,998 from its Rapid Response Fund to address a humanitarian emergency in El Salvador caused by severe drought linked to El Niño. A 57% rainfall deficit in August 2026 has devastated agriculture and food security. The three-month project, running from October 2026 to January 2027, is implemented by ALFALIT and the Sínodo Luterano Salvadoreño. It will assist 738 households across six departments with cash aid for essentials like food and water. The initiative also includes psychosocial support and gender-based violence prevention to protect vulnerable communities. This funding aims to stabilize livelihoods in the affected regions.
Severe flooding in a region of Nigeria has submerged homes and displaced families, leaving many without food or safe water. A Christian organization, supported by an international aid alliance, plans a three-month emergency response. This initiative targets vulnerable households with cash transfers, hygiene items, and mental health support. The effort aims to assist those not covered by existing government aid, prioritizing women, children, and persons with disabilities. The budget for this intervention is USD 50,000.
The ACT Alliance Rapid Response Fund has approved USD 50,000 to aid communities affected by severe flooding in Thailand. The Church of Christ in Thailand will distribute safe drinking water, food, and hygiene kits to those in need. According to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, the disaster impacted 25 provinces and all districts of Bangkok as of September 27, 2026. Over 226,000 households were affected, with 8 deaths reported in Sa Kaeo, Chanthaburi, and Saraburi. The funding aims to address immediate humanitarian needs caused by heavy rainfall and monsoon conditions.
The ACT Alliance has approved USD 60,000 through its Rapid Response Fund to support emergency relief following a devastating fire in a city in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The blaze destroyed two primary schools and hundreds of homes, killing at least 27 children and displacing many families. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in the region will implement the three-month intervention. According to the outlet, the aid will provide essential non-food items to 300 vulnerable households and offer psychosocial support to 100 affected children. This assistance aims to address immediate needs and trauma in a region already strained by conflict and insecurity.
The ACT Alliance has updated its appeal to address the intertwined crises of Ebola, conflict, and displacement in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighboring nations. Escalating violence in eastern regions has caused mass displacement and hindered Ebola response efforts. The updated appeal coordinates aid across the DRC, Uganda, Burundi, and Tanzania. It provides a budget of over five million USD for a twelve-month period starting in July 2026. The response includes food security, shelter, protection, and health support for vulnerable populations affected by these overlapping emergencies.
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El Salvador has declared a six-month State of National Emergency following severe drought conditions linked to El Niño. In August 2026, rainfall was 57% below average, causing significant agricultural losses and reduced water availability in the Dry Corridor. A needs assessment by ACT Forum El Salvador in 44 communities found that 55% of affected respondents lost their entire harvest. In response, ACT Alliance members ALFALIT and the Salvadoran Lutheran Synod plan to assist 800 families through cash aid, hygiene kits, and psychosocial support. The government issued a Red Alert on 25 August before declaring the emergency on 7 October 2026.
Severe flooding has impacted a city in Rivers State, Nigeria, since late September 2026. Torrential rains submerged homes, schools, and roads across several local government areas, displacing hundreds of families. Residents are sheltering in churches, vehicles, and under bridges. The Christian Council of Nigeria is coordinating with affected communities to address urgent needs such as clean water, sanitation, and food. A local Christian forum is considering a Rapid Response Fund to assist hundreds of households with non-food items and cash support. Authorities warn that contaminated floodwaters increase the risk of disease outbreaks in the region.
Severe flooding across Thailand has impacted more than 226,000 households in 25 provinces, according to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation. As of September 27, 2026, the disaster has caused eight deaths in Sa Kaeo, Chanthaburi, and Saraburi. The Church of Christ in Thailand, through its Social Development and Service Unit, began monitoring the crisis on September 24. Collaborating with local partners, the church distributed food supplies in Bangkok communities starting September 25. Initial reports indicate a high demand for clean water, hygiene items, and cleaning equipment in the affected areas.
Severe flooding in Brazil's Ribeira Valley, caused by heavy rain and the Capivari dam's controlled release, has displaced Quilombola families in Eldorado, São Paulo. The ACT Alliance has allocated USD 62,502 from its Rapid Response Fund to support KOINONIA’s emergency efforts. This three-month aid targets 200 vulnerable households, providing cash assistance, clean water, hygiene supplies, and psychosocial support. The initiative, implemented with the Movement of People Affected by Dams, aims to restore access to essential services and help communities recover from significant agricultural and infrastructure damage.
Heavy rains since September 10 have caused rivers to overflow in the Ribeira Valley of São Paulo, Brazil. Flooding began on September 13 in Eldorado, affecting several Quilombola communities. Approximately 800 people are directly impacted, with up to 2,000 potentially affected. São Pedro is isolated with communication issues. The ACT Brazil Forum, led by KOINONIA and collaborating with the Movement of People Affected by Dams, is monitoring the crisis. They are considering a Rapid Response Fund to provide cash assistance, psychosocial support, and advocacy for flood control measures to help displaced families.
The ACT Alliance has allocated $100,000 from its Rapid Response Fund to assist flood victims in Odisha, India. Partner organizations are distributing cash, shelter materials, and hygiene supplies to vulnerable households. Severe monsoon rains and river overflow have devastated northern and coastal districts, causing deaths, damaging homes, and destroying livestock. Although state authorities are responding, gaps in relief distribution and livelihood support persist. This emergency humanitarian intervention aims to aid recovery efforts in the affected regions, ensuring that displaced families receive necessary aid amidst the widespread destruction caused by the flooding.
The ACT Alliance has published its 2025 Annual Report, detailing the organization's collective efforts and achievements throughout the year. The document highlights how members and the Secretariat addressed a difficult global context by advancing locally led humanitarian action, climate justice, peace, and gender equality. It includes regional highlights, specific program outcomes, and strategic priorities for 2026. The report aims to serve as a resource for partners and stakeholders to understand the Alliance's impact and its focus on strengthening coordination and ecumenical collaboration across diverse settings.
According to the ACT Alliance, approximately 350 Palestinian families are displaced in Egypt's North Sinai region due to the conflict in Gaza that began in October 2023. The group reports that these refugees, including women, children, and the elderly, suffer from depleted savings and lost income. They face overcrowded housing, limited access to medical care for chronic illnesses, and significant food insecurity. The outlet states that families are forced to choose between buying food and obtaining necessary treatment, with women and girls facing heightened protection risks in communal shelters. This alert was issued in September 2026.
A region in eastern India is grappling with a severe monsoon flood emergency. Heavy rainfall and overflowing rivers have inundated several northern and coastal districts. An international aid organization reports six deaths and damage to over 1,400 homes. Livestock and poultry numbers are significantly affected, threatening local livelihoods. While the state government is responding, gaps remain in relief distribution, shelter materials, and water purification supplies. The situation is complicated by submerged areas and stagnant floodwaters preventing access to grazing land for cattle.
Persistent heavy rains from the Southwest Monsoon have caused severe flooding across the Philippines, particularly in Central Luzon and Metro Manila. By August 30, 429 areas were submerged, displacing 83,580 people. The disaster has resulted in at least 35 deaths, with Central Luzon recording the highest toll of 16 fatalities. Local governments in several provinces have declared states of calamity to unlock emergency funds. The National Council of Churches in the Philippines, an ACT Alliance member, is providing aid for food, water, and psychosocial support to overwhelmed communities. The government has distributed 1.74 billion pesos in assistance to affected families.
Devastating flash floods struck Nepal after a massive landslide sent debris down a major river. The disaster severely impacted several districts. According to the latest update, 165 bodies have been recovered, 73 people are injured, and 823 remain missing, including dozens of security personnel. The tourism board reports that hundreds of tourists are out of contact. The government has deployed thousands of personnel for rescue efforts, but a local Christian alliance warns that capacity is overwhelmed. Immediate priorities include coordinated needs assessments and providing shelter, food, and medical aid to underserved communities.
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