Humanitarian Bulletin Latin America and the Caribbean Issue 15 July, August and September 2013 In this edition Disasters affect 1.5 million people P.1 HIGHLIGHTS Disasters in the third quarter affected 1,573,767 people. Economic losses are estimated at over US$7.5 billion. Two storms simultaneously affected Mexico for the first time since 1959. In September, Hurricanes Ingrid (Atlantic) and Manuel (Pacific) affected 22 states. In Bolivia, drought has affected some 306,400 people, 194,350 hectares of land and crops, and 41,390 heads of livestock. Where are the Atlantic hurricanes? P.1 Study focuses on Humanitarian Coordination P.4 Redhum: six years and a new website P.5 World Humanitarian Day campaign P.7 Disasters affect 1.5 million people between July and September This period s hurricane season, which ends on 30 November, has been historically quiet. Mexico was the only country to be affected. Despite this unusual trend, disasters in the third quarter affected about 1.5 million people, and economic losses are estimated at more than $7.5 billion. In addition to the hurricanes in Mexico, floods, drought and extreme cold have affected 11 countries. Bolivia, Colombia, Guatemala and Paraguay were hit the hardest. Natural disasters in Latin American and the Caribbean in July, August and September 2013 OCHA led activities in more than 10 countries to celebrate World Humanitarian Day with humanitarian partners and national authorities. Twenty-four disasters Earthquake 13% Drought 13% Volcano Storm 4% 4% Epidemic 29% 1,573,767 people affected Epidemic 7% Extreme Weather 9% Storm 14% Floods 42% AFFECTED Extreme Weather 12% Floods 25% Drought 28% Floods 664,790 Drought 436,745 Storms 218,000 Others 254,944 TOTAL 1,573,767 Source: Compiled from reports by national authorities, published at: www.redhum.org Floods continue to affect the majority of people in Latin America and the Caribbean. However, there are more emergencies for dengue. The total number of people affected by floods and storms make up more than half of the total number affected. According to the Pan-American Health Organization, 2013 has been an epidemic year for dengue. It is monitoring the increasing number of cases in Central America, the Caribbean and Paraguay. Source: Compiled from reports by national authorities, published at: http://www.redhum.org Where are the Atlantic hurricanes? The current Atlantic hurricane season is a climatological mystery. The first hurricane forms during the first week of August, and the first major hurricane (above category 3) forms during the first week of September. Experts had forecast an active season, with at least six hurricanes. But with two months left of the season, only two hurricanes have warranted response efforts from emergency management authorities.
Humanitarian Bulletin Latin America and the Caribbean 2 This year, the first hurricane (Humberto) formed one month later than normal, and so far no major hurricane has been registered in the Atlantic. Experts provide several reasons for this: 1 In the eastern Atlantic, where hurricanes normally form, humidity necessary for formation was reduced by dry air from Africa. In the Atlantic and parts of the Western Gulf of Mexico, strong horizontal winds interrupted the peaks of possible hurricanes, thereby reducing their strength. Dry air was produced by the drought in Brazil. It is important to remember that the Atlantic hurricane season is still not over. In 2012, which was another calm season, Hurricane Sandy formed in October and ravaged Jamaica and Cuba on its way through the Caribbean. It caused significant economic losses along the east coast of the United States. The season has been more regular in the Pacific. Fifteen storms and seven hurricanes have already formed, which represents 90 percent accuracy in the pre-season forecast. Caribbean countries have generally been unaffected by the current season. However, Mexico was hard hit by both seasons. In an unlikely combination, two storms (Ingrid and Manuel) simultaneously hit coasts on both oceans, directly affecting about 300,000 people (see below). Mexico: Few hurricanes, large impact 1.2 million people affected by Ingrid and Manuel Mexico s National Water Commission reported a record amount of rainfall in September, which is the month in which Hurricanes Ingrid and Manuel affected 22 of the country s 32 states. The simultaneous impact of two storms has not occurred in the country since 1959. The United Nations, on behalf of the Secretary-General, offered assistance to the Government. However, Mexico did not require this assistance. Its disaster preparedness and response abilities were aided by its response to the floods in Tabasco in 2007, when 200,000 people were affected and the international community sent assistance, including a UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination team. 1.2 million 300,000 people directly affected $7.5 billion in economic losses 534,000 Hectares of crops and 22,000 affected farmers 2 26,000 Houses with damages Authorities are still carrying out socioeconomic evaluations to grasp the magnitude of the disasters. The impact has been enormous: 1.2 million people have been affected to some degree, and almost 300,000 directly affected. At least 140 people died and 40 were never found. Agriculture and livelihoods were severely hit, and it is estimated that 534,000 hectares were damaged (71 per cent in the state of Guerrero) and about 22,000 farmers lost their crops. Maize and sorghum were the most affected crops, and some 100,000 heads of livestock were affected. With the hurricane season still active, and given the level of impact in Mexico, authorities and humanitarian partners are working to ensure that affected people can access safe water. Special attention is being paid to water-related illnesses, such as cholera, and to control vector-related illnesses, such as dengue. Some 171 cholera cases have been reported, although not related to the emergency. Authorities have increased their efforts to contain the outbreak. 1 Chad Myers and Sean Morris & University of Colorado. 2 Secretary of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fishing and Food (SAGARBA)
Humanitarian Bulletin Latin America and the Caribbean 3 Coffee rust threatens security of millions of people Governments of affected countries, together with organizations that specialize in coffee farming and commercialization, have launched an assistance programme to support families hit by this crisis. The World Food Programme (WFP) is leading a plan to help farmers address the crisis. About 2 million people in Central America and the Caribbean, many of whom are small farmers or temporary labourers in rural areas, depend on coffee production as their main source of income. At the end of 2012, a resurgence of coffee rust 3 was detected in plantations in Central America and the Dominican Republic. By mid-2013, the plague s harmful effects were spreading throughout the region. The International Regional Fitosanitary Protection and Agriculture and Livestock Hygiene Organization predicts that the rust will destroy between 33 and 100 per cent of the crops in 54 per cent of the region s coffee plantations. The International Coffee Organization estimates losses of $500 million and 441,000 jobs related to coffee production in 2013. Farmers who detect rust must destroy the entire crop, plant new plants and wait three or four years for a new production cycle. Therefore, authorities are concerned that losses will not only be registered this year, but into future years. The rust crisis is an additional threat to a region already facing the impact of recurring events, such as drought, strong rainy seasons and responses to prior humanitarian crises. WFP has allocated $200,000 of its internal funds to lead food-security assessments in the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala and Nicaragua Recurring drought affects thousands in Bolivia BOLIVIA: Funding request in process Drought has affected some 61,280 families, 193,350 hectares of arable land and 41,390 heads of livestock in Chuquisaca, Santa Cruz, Cochabamba, La Paz and Tarija departments. The Government has mobilized roughly 72 tons of humanitarian aid and allotted $640 million to assist affected people. A request to the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund has been sent. The funds would be used in the sectors of water, sanitation and hygiene; agriculture and livelihoods; food; nutrition and health. 3 Coffee rust is a fungus that destroys the leaves of coffee plants, reducing yield and quality and sometimes devastating entire plantations.
Humanitarian Bulletin Latin America and the Caribbean 4 Low temperatures in South America BOLIVIA: Snow storms intensify problems Snow-and-ice storms that intensified in mid-august have affected Cochabamba, Potosí, Oruro, La Paz, Santa Cruz and Chuquisaca. About 10,700 families (53,500 people) were affected. Some 1,270 hectares of crops are damaged and 2,830 heads of livestock died. OCHA approved an emergency fund request for $50,000 for immediate needs. The funds were implemented through UNDP in coordination with the Vice-Ministry of Civil Defence, and with technical support from the Pan- American Health Organization, FAO and UNICEF. Bolivia: Areas where people are affected by drought and snow storms. Several departments are under a state of emergency. Map: Redhum in Bolivia The funds enabled the purchase and distribution of supplies to address medical needs and nutritional supplements to avoid the loss of livestock (livestock is the sole source of income for the majority of affected families). The Government allocated $140,000 to implement its contingency plan. PERU: Cold season affects health and livelihoods The cold season has affected about 800,000 people in the high Andes region and some tropical forest zones in Peru, causing pneumonia and acute respiratory infections. It also affected livelihoods, primarily livestock and agriculture The Government declared a state of emergency in Puno, Cusco, Ayacucho, and Apurímac departments. Authorities tended to health, clothing and veterinary needs. Peru s cold season occurs between May and September, with the greatest prevalence between June and August. The 2013 season deteriorated with the La Niña phenomenon and increased vulnerability due to multiple emergencies during the cold and rainy seasons. Study focuses on humanitarian coordination OCHA ROLAC is undertaking a three-month regional study on risk and vulnerability related to the presence and efficiency of humanitarian coordination platforms in the region. The objective of the study better overview of the humanitarian situation and strengthen the understanding of OCHA s role in national humanitarian structures. Latin America and the Caribbean countries vary significantly in degrees of vulnerability and risk of natural disasters. The region also has marked differences regarding the presence and levels of
Humanitarian Bulletin Latin America and the Caribbean 5 humanitarian actors and their relationship with Governments. Generally, levels of risk and vulnerability correspond to the level of presence and organization of humanitarian actors. Humanitarian response efforts are generally more effective in countries that have established and operational tools and coordination platforms. United Nations agencies and their respective coordination structure (UN Emergency Technical Teams), together with Humanitarian Country Teams, especially in countries where OCHA has a National Disaster Response Adviser, play a strategic role in many areas. They facilitate coordination spaces for actors, provide technical support to governments in preparedness and response, lobby for and advocate key issues, and facilitate communication and humanitarian coordination. OCHA will implement recommendations from the study to improve the way it endorses coordination mechanisms. Contemplated in the recommendations are actions for OCHA s Humanitarian Advisor Teams regarding roles, responsibilities, scope, priorities and need for support, aligned with OCHA s strategic framework. Redhum launches new interface Redhum celebrates six years of activities and is more interactive than ever. Clients can now directly publish vacancies and activities by registering on the platform. The new site integrates functions to easily share information through social networks. In the mobile version, clients can add contacts from Redhum s database directly to their mobile contact list. OCHA manages this service with the support of other international organizations. For more information go to: www.redhum.org The Humanitarian Information Network for Latin America and the Caribbean Redhum, by its Spanish acronym presented its new web portal in September. It continues to operate as the primary platform for humanitarian information management in Latin America and the Caribbean. Redhum s updated site responds to the current humanitarian information management needs using new technologies. It is focusing on improving its mobile platforms. New functions include an improved contact directory, also known as Who does What Where (3W), which allows an up-to-date search for people and institutions linked to humanitarian issues in the region. With the mobile version for tablets and smart phones, a new geo-referencing function will allow people to find the physical location of an office or organization. Redhum comprises a website (www.redhum.org) and a team of people in 10 countries who promote the principles of humanitarian information management and information sharing with humanitarian actors and sources.
Humanitarian Bulletin Latin America and the Caribbean 6 In Brief REDLAC: a commitment beyond disasters The Working Group on Emergencies, Risk and Disaster for Latin America and the Caribbean (REDLAC) carried out a reflection exercise on the current humanitarian context and REDLAC s role as a regional coordination platform. After seven years of working together, REDLAC partners face new challenges in covering current issues beyond emergencies, such as violence, the use of new technologies in the humanitarian system and inter-sectorial strengthening. This exercise is part of the REDLAC planning process and will form the basis of the 2014-2017 workplan. REDLAC is a regional coordination mechanism established in 2003 and includes various regional organizations present in Panama. It was inspired by the Inter-Agency Standing Committee. The group s main strategy is to improve regional disaster response through a unified approach, highlighting better coordination and information exchange. What do you think the world needs more of? Each year, humanitarian workers and organizations support millions of people that have been affected by wars, disasters or other crises stemming from poverty, inequality and underdevelopment. On August 19, humanitarians around the globe celebrate these aid actions. With humanitarian partners and national authorities, OCHA led activities in more than 10 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean to raise awareness of World Humanitarian Day, which takes place annually on 19 August. Sporting activities, discussion forums, press conferences, and information- and knowledge-exchange fairs were used to share the World Needs More campaign. The project, the first of its kind, hopes to change words into action for those affected by humanitarian crises. Between now and the end of 2013, anyone can visit www.worldhumanitarianday.org and share one word. This will release $1 from the sponsor s funds to be used for humanitarian causes around the world. Almost 1.7 million hits have been registered on the site, which translates into immediate humanitarian aid geared towards the world s forgotten crises. Valerie Amos, United Nations Under- Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, led commemorative events for World Humanitarian Day in Brazil. She is pictured here with children from Río de Janerio. R. Mobilia, OCHA. World Humanitarian Day is an opportunity to celebrate the spirit that inspires humanitarian work worldwide. This year marks the tenth anniversary of the bombing of the United Nations Headquarters in Baghdad, where 22 humanitarian workers lost their lives. Therefore, each year on 19 August the humanitarian community remembers all humanitarian workers who have lost their lives. For more information, please contact: Douglas Reimer, Head of Office a.i., reimer@un.org, Tel. (+ 507) 317-1748 Rogerio Mobilia, Head of Information Unit, silvar@un.org, Tel. (+ 507) 317-1749 OCHA humanitarian bulletins are available at: www.redhum.org www.unocha.org www.reliefweb.int