IFRC Weekly News
Humanitarian news from around the IFRC Network.
Episodes
Venezuela and Colombia earthquakes: From response to recovery
In this episode, we speak with Loyce Pace, IFRC Regional Director for the Americas, about the humanitarian impact of three major earthquakes that have struck Venezuela and Colombia within just a few months.
Ebola in DRC: Three months into a growing outbreak
In this episode, we speak with Alex Lock, IFRC Communications Coordinator for the Ebola response, following three months on the ground in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. As cases and deaths continue to rise, Alex explains why the outbreak remains so difficult to contain, from delayed detection and community mistrust to rumours and misinformation.
Sudan: Inside the world's largest humanitarian crisis
In this episode of IFRC News, we speak with Derk Segaar, IFRC Special Envoy for Sudan, following his recent mission across the country. He shares what he witnessed after more than three years of conflict, from remote displacement camps and devastated communities to the resilience of people beginning to rebuild their lives. Derek explains how the Sudanese Red Crescent, supported by the IFRC, is pro
Europe wildfires: How Red Cross teams are supporting communities as fires spread across Spain and France
In this episode of IFRC News, we speak with Maria Alcázar Castilla, IFRC Deputy Regional Director for Europe, about the devastating wildfires affecting Spain and France. She explains how months of extreme heat, drought, and strong winds have created the conditions for one of Europe's most severe wildfire seasons, displacing hundreds of thousands of people and threatening livelihoods. We also discu
DRC Ebola outbreak: Why community trust is key to stopping the spread
In this episode of IFRC News, we speak with Dr. Aimé Mbonda from the IFRC about the latest Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the challenges posed by the spread of the virus beyond its initial epicentre. He explains why community trust is as critical as medical care, the vital role of Red Cross volunteers in surveillance, community engagement, psychosocial support and safe
Venezuela earthquakes: Meeting urgent health needs and supporting long-term recovery
In this episode of IFRC News, we speak with Paulo Crevero from Venezuela about the evolving humanitarian response following the devastating earthquakes. He shares the latest updates from affected communities, the IFRC and Venezuelan Red Cross response—including emergency healthcare, mental health support, water and sanitation, and relief distributions—and the key challenges ahead as families begin
Venezuela earthquakes: Responding to catastrophe and supporting recovery
In this episode of IFRC News, we speak with Santiago Lungo, IFRC Operations Coordinator for the Venezuela earthquakes response, about the devastating earthquakes that struck northern central Venezuela and the humanitarian needs unfolding in their aftermath.
Cameroon’s food insecurity crisis: Understanding the challenges and the response
In this episode of IFRC News, we speak with Katharina Bourgin, IFRC Communications Coordinator for the Cameroon crisis, about the growing food insecurity crisis affecting millions across the country. She explains how conflict, displacement, climate shocks, rising food prices, and funding shortages are driving humanitarian needs, and shares insights from communities on the front lines of the crisis
The evolving humanitarian situation in Lebanon and Iran
In this episode of IFRC News, we speak with IFRC Head of Delegation for Lebanon Ruben Romero and Deputy Head of Delegation in Tehran Rui Oliveira about the evolving humanitarian situation in Lebanon and Iran. They discuss the ongoing impact of conflict and displacement, the challenges communities face beyond the immediate crisis, the vital role of the Lebanese Red Cross and Iranian Red Crescent So
Earthquake response in the Philippines: Supporting communities after a devastating disaster
In this episode, we speak with IFRC Head of Delegation in the Philippines, Sanjeev Kafli, about the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck southern Mindanao on 8 June 2026. He shares insights into the impact on affected communities, the Philippine Red Cross emergency response, the urgent humanitarian needs on the ground, and the importance of sustained support to help families recover, r
Community engagement is at the heart of the Ebola response in Mongwalu, DRC
In this episode of IFRC News, we speak with IFRC public health and emergencies expert Bronwyn Nichol about the situation on the ground, including ongoing response activities, community concerns, misinformation surrounding the outbreak, and the critical role of community engagement in building trust.
Three months after the escalation of hostilities in Lebanon and Iran, humanitarian needs remain urgent
Three months after the escalation of hostilities in Lebanon and Iran, international attention may be fading but humanitarian needs across the region remain urgent. In this episode of IFRC Weekly News, we look at the growing humanitarian concerns across both countries, including displacement, rising food insecurity, pressure on healthcare systems, disrupted medical supply chains, and the long-term
Responding to Ebola in the DRC: Community action, outbreak risks, and the Red Cross response
In this episode, we examine the latest Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the growing concerns around its spread to neighboring Uganda. IFRC public health and clinical care expert Laura Archer joins IFRC News to explain the scale of the outbreak, the challenges facing communities in Ituri province, and why rapid community engagement is critical in the absence of a vaccine o
Understanding Hantavirus: Risks, prevention, and the role of communities in outbreak response
In this episode, we explore hantavirus, rare but potentially serious disease transmitted primarily through contact with infected rodents. Public health and emergencies expert Bronwyn Nicol joins IFRC News to explain how hantaviruses spread, why cases remain uncommon, and what symptoms and risks people should be aware of across different regions of the world.
Rising risks for humanitarians: Confronting violence and protecting those who serve
In this episode, we examine the growing dangers faced by humanitarian personnel, as more aid workers are being killed in the line of duty than ever before. Marking the anniversaries of the IFRC’s founding and World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, we reflect on what these trends mean for the future of humanitarian action.
Cuba six months after Hurricane Melissa: Navigating recovery amid energy crisis and rising needs
In this episode, we explore the situation in Cuba six months after Hurricane Melissa, a Category 3 storm that affected more than 2.2 million people and caused widespread damage across eastern provinces. We look at the scale and complexity of the response, from damaged homes and disrupted health services to ongoing public health risks.
Jamaica six months after Hurricane Melissa: From emergency relief to long-term recovery
In this episode, we examine Jamaica’s humanitarian situation six months after Hurricane Melissa, one of the strongest hurricanes ever recorded in the Atlantic, which affected 1.6 million people and caused an estimated US$12.2 billion in damage. We explore the transition from emergency response to reconstruction and recovery, the ongoing needs of communities still facing humanitarian impacts, and h
Humanitarian response across the Pacific: Confronting back-to-back cyclones and typhoons
In this episode, we examine the humanitarian impact of a series of devastating tropical storms that struck Fiji, the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and the Federated States of Micronesia, affecting more than 600,000 people across the Pacific.
Humanitarian lifeline through Turkey: Delivering critical medical aid into Iran amid crisis
In this episode, we explore the first delivery of lifesaving medical supplies into Iran since the start of the conflict, a crucial breakthrough in a highly complex humanitarian landscape. Host Paolo Cravero speaks with IFRC spokesperson Scott Craig, who has just returned from the Turkey–Iran border, where a new land corridor is helping aid reach those in urgent need.
Inside Israel: MDA's lifesaving role amid the ongoing crisis
In this episode, we turn our focus to Israel, where humanitarian needs continue as the crisis in the Middle East continues. We hear from a representative of Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel’s national emergency medical service, about the critical role they play in saving lives under constant threat.
Humanitarian needs continue to rise in Iran as the conflict enters its second month
In this episode, we focus on the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in Iran, where needs continue to rise as the conflict enters its second month. More than 20 provinces have been affected, with tens of thousands of people injured, widespread damage to civilian infrastructure, and millions displaced.
The rapidly escalating humanitarian situation in Lebanon
In this episode, we focus on the rapidly escalating humanitarian situation in Lebanon, where more than one million people have been displaced following recent developments. As the crisis deepens, families are arriving at shelters with few belongings and no clear timeline for returning home, placing immense strain on already fragile essential services.
Humanitarian response under pressure in the Middle East
In this episode, we take a closer look at the rapidly evolving humanitarian crisis across the Middle East and the immense challenges facing responders on the ground. As needs escalate across multiple countries, millions of people are being displaced, injured, or left without access to essential services such as healthcare, shelter, and clean water.
When misinformation becomes a disaster: Why harmful information threatens humanitarian response
In this episode, we discuss the findings of the newly released World Disasters Report and its warning that harmful information is becoming a growing threat during crises. Between 2020 and 2024, disasters affected nearly 700 million people worldwide, while humanitarian needs have more than doubled. Yet beyond climate shocks and conflict, the report highlights how misinformation and dehumanizing nar
Four years on: Humanitarian needs deepen in Ukraine
In this episode, we focus on Ukraine as the country marks the fourth anniversary of the escalation of the international armed conflict. Ongoing attacks on energy infrastructure have left millions of people facing rolling blackouts, limited access to heating, water and healthcare, and worsening living conditions during one of the coldest winters in recent years.
Wildfires devastate communities in Argentina and Chile
In this episode, we turn our attention to Argentina and Chile, where severe wildfires have torn through communities, forests and livelihoods, forcing mass evacuations and leaving widespread destruction in their wake. Tens of thousands of people have been affected, with homes destroyed, communities displaced and families facing serious health risks from smoke inhalation—particularly children, older
Winter Olympics: How the Italian Red Cross is supporting safety
In this episode, we head to Italy as the 2026 Winter Olympics get underway across alpine and urban venues, bringing together athletes and spectators from around the world. Behind the scenes, the Italian Red Cross is playing a crucial role in keeping the Games safe, accessible, and inclusive.
Severe winter floods hit vulnerable communities in Syria
In this episode, we turn our attention to Syria, where severe winter storms and heavy rainfall have triggered flooding across parts of the country, impacting families already grappling with years of conflict, displacement and economic hardship. Floodwaters have swept through residential areas and displacement camps, damaging shelters, cutting off roads, and heightening the risk of waterborne disea
100 days since the escalation of fighting in and around El Fasher
In this episode, we mark 100 days since the escalation of fighting in and around El Fasher in Darfur, as Sudan’s humanitarian crisis continues to spiral. Civilians are facing extreme violence, mass displacement, and acute shortages of food, water, healthcare and basic services, while access for humanitarian actors remains severely constrained across large parts of the country.
Hurricane Melissa: Three months on, recovery challenges in Jamaica and Cuba
In this episode, we look back three months after Hurricane Melissa tore through the Caribbean and examine how communities in Jamaica and Cuba are coping as the spotlight fades and long-term recovery begins. Homes and livelihoods were destroyed, schools damaged, and thousands of families pushed into crisis, and while emergency relief is winding down, needs on the ground are growing.
Mozambique floods: How the Red Cross is responding as rains intensify
In this episode, we turn our focus to Mozambique, where weeks of heavy rainfall have triggered widespread flooding, displacing families, destroying homes and livelihoods, and cutting off entire communities as rivers and dams reach critical levels.The IFRC and the Mozambique Red Cross are working alongside authorities and partners to support early warnings, evacuations, emergency relief, and prepar
Winter under fire in Ukraine: How the Red Cross is responding as attacks and freezing temperatures persist
In this episode, we focus on Ukraine, as the armed conflict continues and winter deepens the humanitarian crisis. Amid ongoing strikes on cities including Kyiv, attacks on energy infrastructure have disrupted heating and electricity supplies, leaving families struggling to stay warm in sub-zero temperatures.
One month on from Cyclone Ditwa: How communities in Sri Lanka are coping and rebuilding
In this episode, we focus on Sri Lanka, one month after Cyclone Ditwa struck the island nation, triggering the worst flooding the country has seen in a decade. Torrential rains, landslides, and widespread flooding affected all 25 districts, leaving tens of thousands of people displaced and many families struggling to rebuild their lives.
2025 in review: a year of unprecedented humanitarian challenges
In this episode, we’re taking a step back to look at a year of enormous change and challenge for the humanitarian sector. Needs continued to rise in almost every region, while funding became more stretched, making it harder than ever to reach communities in crisis. Throughout all of this, IFRC teams and Red Cross and Red Crescent staff and volunteers have been responding to conflicts, disasters an
Forgotten crises: Putting the spotlight on humanitarian crises that rarely make the news
In this episode, we’re turning the spotlight onto some of the humanitarian crises that rarely make the news - emergencies where needs are rising, funding is shrinking, and attention is scarce. These are the crises that are not on the global radar, even as millions of people continue to face catastrophic consequences.
Volunteers play critical role in stopping 16th Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of the Congo
In this episode, we turn our attention to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (or DRC), where earlier this month the Ministry of Health officially declared the country’s 16th Ebola outbreak over.The IFRC and the DRC Red Cross played a critical role in the response — deploying volunteers to help contain the epidemic.But while this outbreak has ended, the risk of resurgence remains. The IFRC is now
When rescue runs out of resources: The end of IFRC’s Ocean Viking mission
In this episode, we look at the humanitarian situation in the central Mediterranean following the IFRC’s decision to close its service point on board the Ocean Viking and end its partnership with SOS Méditerranée. After four years at sea, the mission has helped save more than 8,600 lives, providing critical medical care, first aid, and psychosocial support to people fleeing danger.We speak with An
Rising waters, rising needs: Inside the Red Cross response to catastrophic floods across Asia
In this episode, we look at the severe floods and landslides that have swept across Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam, affecting millions of people and destroying homes, livelihoods, and critical infrastructure. Rising health risks, damaged roads, and ongoing rains are making the response increasingly challenging.We speak with John Entwistle, IFRC’s Head of Country Cluster Delegation for
Protecting children amid crisis: Inside the Middle East vaccination drive with IFRC teams
In this episode, we look at a major vaccination drive now underway across Gaza and Lebanon, where IFRC and Red Cross and Red Crescent teams are working to reach children who have missed routine immunizations due to conflict, displacement, and economic collapse.Health systems across the region are under immense strain, leaving many children unprotected from diseases like measles and polio. Backed b
Rising climate risks and the voices shaping solutions: IFRC at COP 30 in Belem
In this episode, we turn our attention to COP 30 - the United Nations climate conference taking place this year in Belem, Brazil. As world leaders, scientists, humanitarians and activists gather to negotiate critical climate commitments, the stakes are higher than ever for communities at the front lines of the climate crisis.The IFRC is working to ensure that communities on the front lines of the
Relentless attacks, rolling blackouts and colder forecasts: A hard winter coming in Ukraine
In this episode, we focus on the humanitarian situation in Ukraine and what may be the hardest winter for millions of Ukrainians since the beginning of the conflict. The combination of relentless attacks, rolling blackouts, colder forecasts, and deepening economic hardships is leaving entire communities in the dark and cold. With prices rising and incomes shrinking, many people will face an i
From earthquake to two typhoons: Philippines hit with triple disaster. Red Cross responds
First, a powerful earthquake struck Cebu at the end of September. Then Typhoon Kalmaegi battered the same region - and just days later, Super Typhoon Fungwong swept across the country, leaving a trail of destruction. Millions of people have been affected, with hundreds of thousands still in evacuation centres. The country has faced disaster after disast
A worsening humanitarian situation in Sudan
In this episode, we turn our attention to Sudan, where after more than 2.5 years of conflict, the country faces one of the world's worst humanitarian crises and the largest displacement crisis globally. Joining us is IFRC spokesperson Tommaso Della Longa, who helps us understand the latest developments and the extent of the urgent humanitarian response.
The IFRC response to Hurricane Melissa began well before the storm made landfall
In this first episode of IRCS News, we look at the Red Cross response to disaster at a huge scale. Hurricane Melissa, one of the most powerful storms ever recorded in the Atlantic, is a stark reminder of how the climate crisis is driving humanitarian emergencies. IFRC and Red Cross teams in the region have been providing emergency shelter, clean water, and health assistance, while also helpin
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