A crisis can strike suddenly, without warning. Natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, droughts and earthquakes can devastate communities, and man-made crises of conflict, social and political unrest can destabilise entire nations.
In times of crisis, local churches are uniquely placed to reach out to children in need and their families. Compassion’s partnerships with local churches mean we can respond to urgent needs with a strong understanding of who we are helping.
We will always strive to provide up-to-date information when crises occur.
Please pray for the many children and their families who are affected by crises around the world.
A crisis can strike suddenly, without warning. Natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, droughts and earthquakes can devastate communities, and man-made crises of conflict, social and political unrest can destabilise entire nations.
In times of crisis, local churches are uniquely placed to reach out to children in need and their families. Compassion’s partnerships with local churches mean we can respond to urgent needs with a strong understanding of who we are helping.
We will always strive to provide up-to-date information when crises occur. Please pray for the many children and their families who are affected by crises around the world.
For information on how coronavirus (COVID-19) is affecting Compassion assisted children, click here.
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Heavy Rain in Colombia 16 Aug, 2022
The situation
Heavy rain has caused flooding and landslides in Colombia, impacting many Compassion assisted children. The majority of families are still able to stay in their homes as the damage has been minimal, but there is fear of further damage as the wet season continues.
Global Compassion impact
Number of local partners affected: 0
Number of Compassion assisted children affected: 101
New information
Our local church partners have been providing support to the affected families, providing food, house repairs and spiritual support. The Compassion Disaster Relief fund has been used to provide water, hygiene kits and household essentials.
Prayer
Please pray for children and their families as the wet season continues in Colombia and that they will be kept safe from weather damage.
Where is this Crisis Report occurring?
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Extreme Weather in Sri Lanka 16 Aug, 2022
The situation
Extremely heavy rainfall has caused flooding across the Central Province of Sri Lanka. Many people in the community are now without a home due to the damage. All government schools in the area have closed temporarily until the extreme weather conditions subside.
Global Compassion impact
Number of local partners affected: 0
Number of Compassion assisted children affected: 32
New information
At least 32 Compassion assisted children have been affected by this disaster, and it is likely that more families are experiencing the impact of the flooding. Our local child development centres are working to provide support where needed.
Prayer
Please pray for the community in Sri Lanka as they begin to repair damages. Pray for the children who cannot attend school at the moment and that government schools will be able to reopen soon.
Where is this Crisis Report occurring?
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Flash Flood in Bangladesh (Final Update) 16 Aug, 2022
The situation
A flash flood in Bangladesh has impacted over 800 Compassion assisted children and their families. Over the past couple of months, families have not been able to travel to work due to flooded roads, and many children have been contracted waterborne diseases.
Global Compassion impact
Number of local partners affected: 8
Number of Compassion assisted children affected: 860
New information
An emergency flood assistance program will provide support for impacted families. Flood waters have almost receded and children and families are beginning to return to their normal activities. Our local child development centres have been providing food and water for those in need, but most families are no longer requiring this kind of support.
Prayer
Thank you for your prayers. Please continue to pray for children and families as they return to their normal daily activities. Pray also for families that are repairing damages to their homes.
Where is this Crisis Report occurring?
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Flooding in Mbale Cluster, Uganda 03 Aug, 2022
The situation
Flooding in Uganda has left almost 1,000 people displaced from their homes. 48 Compassion assisted children have been impacted by the disaster, with many losing the materials they need to go to school. Furthermore, many Compassion assisted families have lost their livelihoods due to the damage.
Global Compassion impact
Number of local partners affected: 0
Number of Compassion assisted children affected: 48
New information
Our local church partners are providing support where needed with support from Compassion’s Disaster Fund. They will provide support to families who have lost the tools needed for their work. The disaster has destroyed hundreds of farm fields, homes, schools and health facilities.
Prayer
Please pray for the community in Ghana as they begin to recover from this disaster. Please pray especially for those who have lost their livelihoods, that new opportunities for work will become available.
Where is this Crisis Report occurring?
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Heavy Rain in Colombia 03 Aug, 2022
The situation
Many Compassion assisted children and families have been impacted by heavy rain on the Colombian coast. Houses, roads, schools and bridges have all been damaged.
Global Compassion impact
Number of local partners affected: 0
Number of Compassion assisted children affected: 122
New information
122 Compassion assisted children have been impacted, and our local church partners are distributing funds for food, mattresses, blankets and household items.
Prayer
Please pray for the children and families who have been impacted as they begin to rebuild from the damage.
Where is this Crisis Report occurring?
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Compassion Centre Fire in Indonesia 03 Aug, 2022
The situation
On June 27th, 2022, a fire occurred at a local Compassion centre in Indonesia. All Compassion activities were postponed due to safety concerns and funds were redistributed to pay for necessary repairs.
Global Compassion impact
Number of local partners affected: 1
Number of Compassion assisted children affected: 0
New information
Fortunately, nobody was injured in the fire, and our local church partners are working to resume the centre activities as soon as possible.
Prayer
Please pray for the children as they are not able to participate in their usual centre activities, and for our local church partners as they rebuild from the damage.
Where is this Crisis Report occurring?
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Heavy Rain and Floods in El Salvador (Final Update) 03 Aug, 2022
The situation
In early July, heavy rain caused floods in El Salvador for two days. The rain created landslides and flooding at coast lines, with families needing to relocate temporarily for safety. Many houses were damaged, and schools were suspended.
Global Compassion impact
Number of local partners affected: 0
Number of Compassion assisted children affected: 40
New information
Local church partners have been in contact with impacted families, providing holistic support where needed.
Prayer
Please pray for protection for families in El Salvador as the wet season continues.
Where is this Crisis Report occurring?
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Tropical Storm Bonnie In Nicaragua 03 Aug, 2022
The situation
Following a large tropical storm in Nicaragua, some Compassion assisted families have needed to leave their homes due to damage. Some of our local church partners have been unable to be contacted due to falling trees, flooding of rivers and damage to electrical systems.
Global Compassion impact
Number of local partners affected: 0
Number of Compassion assisted children affected: 211
New information
Funds have been approved to provide food, hygiene kits and temporary shelters. Many families are now able to return to their homes.
Prayer
Please pray for continued protection for those impacted by the storm, and for those who are not able to return to their homes. Also pray for our local church partners and that communication will be able to resume soon.
Where is this Crisis Report occurring?
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Tropical Storm in Honduras 03 Aug, 2022
The situation
Honduras was hit by a tropical storm in early June, impacting over 50 Compassion assisted children. Many families’ homes have been damaged, with evacuation necessary for some. The storm also caused four landslides in the area.
Global Compassion impact
Number of local partners affected: 0
Number of Compassion assisted children affected: 59
New information
Compassion Honduras has provided the funds needed for relief and recovery to our local church partners. Impacted families have received food support, hygiene kits, clothing, temporary shelter and house repairs.
Prayer
Please pray for Compassion assisted families as they navigate the ongoing impact of the storm. Pray that food, water and hygiene kits will continue to be available, and for peace for those who have lost their homes.
Where is this Crisis Report occurring?
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Economic Crisis in Sri Lanka 13 Jul, 2022
The situation Sri Lanka continues to face a deepening financial and economic crisis. The crisis is primarily driven by the pandemic, tourism losses, high government spending combined with tax cuts and accelerated inflation.
Recently, there has been an increase in protests and civil unrest directed at the government about the economic crisis. Some protests have escalated to violence. Severe power cuts are being experienced throughout the country and, at times, internet and social media access have been cut off.
New information The crisis has increased pandemic hardships for Sri Lankans and has caused a humanitarian crisis. Many families can no longer afford basic goods due to an over 45 per cent increase to inflation and must join long queues for dwindling fuel supplies. Food, medicine and fuel are difficult to acquire, and power cuts are severe. There is also concern for increased child protection issues and possible increases to child labour.
Our Disaster Relief Fund is used to provide assistance to our local partners and the children we serve, including providing support packs of daily essentials to children and youth, their families and local partner staff. At this time, our Child Sponsorship Program is operating as normal. There is currently a delay in letter writing, though gifts continue to be delivered normally.
Read more about how you can help
Prayer Please keep praying for Sri Lanka. Pray that the violence will end and that families will receive the support they need. Pray for the safety and wellbeing of the children, families and local partners we serve in Sri Lanka. Give thanks for the faithful ministry of our local partners in their communities.
Where is this Crisis Report occurring?
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Heavy Rains in El Salvador 12 Jul, 2022
The situation
Heavy rains have caused flooding in El Salvador. Due to the rain, landslides have damaged houses and schools.Global Compassion impact
Number of local partners affected: 0
Number of Compassion assisted children affected: 40
New information
Our local church partners have kept in contact with impacted Compassion assisted families and can confirm that all are safe. Our local workers have provided support where needed to all Compassion assisted children.Prayer
Please pray for protection for families in El Salvador as the wet season continues.Where is this Crisis Report occurring?
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Conflict in Ethiopia (Crisis Update) 23 Jun, 2022
The situation
Violence and instability in parts of Ethiopia are affecting the ministry of Compassion and our church partners. The conflict began in November 2020 in the Tigray region and spread into some of the surrounding regions in 2021.
As the conflict in Ethiopia has developed, some areas of the country have become inaccessible to Compassion because of the shutdown of communications, transport and banking. This has forced us to make the difficult decision to temporarily suspend our partnerships with 12 local church partners in the Tigray region.
New information
Our team in Ethiopia are working hard to explore ways to get aid to our church partners in Tigray. We hope to resume services once communications are operating and the violence subsides. We remain committed to these churches and the communities they serve for the long term and are ready to support them through disaster recovery when we can re-establish communication and funding.
Since we regained contact with the 25 church partners in eastern Amhara that were previously suspended, Compassion has begun putting our crisis recovery plans into action.
Many families have experienced damage to property and housing, loss of livelihoods, a lack of basic supplies or trauma. Compassion is helping to provide immediate emergency support, including food, critical supplies, housing costs, medical care and trauma counselling.
In parts of the country less affected by the conflict, we are grateful that our church partners continue to deliver their programs as usual, with a priority focus on child protection.
Read More about the conflict in Ethiopia.
Prayer
Please keep praying for Ethiopia. Pray that the violence will end and that the borders will be opened for aid to return to the families in Tigray. Pray for the safety and wellbeing of the children, families and church partners we serve in Ethiopia. Give thanks for the faithful ministry of our church partners in their communities.
Where is this Crisis Report occurring?
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Flash Flood in Bangladesh (Final Update) 22 Jun, 2022
The situation
A flash flood has submerged approximately 657 kilometres of land in Sylhet and Suamganj, Bangladesh. Many Compassion assisted families have lost their livelihoods as a result of flood damage. Local people are unable to move from one place to another and, as a result, food and drinking water are scarce.
Global Compassion impact
Number of local partners affected: 2
Number of Compassion assisted children affected: 435
New information
Compassion has intervened to provide food packages for impacted families. The packages include rice, lentils and other basic supplies. Our local partners are in regular contact with the children and families to provide support where needed.
Prayer
Please pray for the families that have been impacted by the floods, particularly that caregivers will be able to return to work shortly.
Where is this Crisis Report occurring?
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Flooding in Nyumba Ya Mungu, Tanzania 22 Jun, 2022
The situation
The homes of 31 Compassion-assisted children have been damaged due to heavy rainfall in Tanzania. Ten serious injuries have been reported. Compassion staff have been relocated to a temporary office while repairs are being made to the Compassion office.
Global Compassion impact
Number of local church partners affected: 1
Number of Compassion assisted children affected: 32
New information
Compassion is working with local church partners to support impacted families. Temporary shelter, food and household items have been provided as needed. Repairs are beginning for the local Compassion centre, and children will be able to return shortly.
Prayer
Please pray for those who have been seriously injured by the disaster. Pray also for peace for families who have had their homes damaged by the heavy rain.
Where is this Crisis Report occurring?
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Global Food Crisis, Multiple Countries 06 Jun, 2022
The situation
Food insecurity has been reported in Haiti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Burkina Faso, Togo and Southwest Asia. COVID-19, political instability, conflict, drought and consequences of climate change are exacerbating food shortages.
New informationThe war in Ukraine is worsening an already desperate situation. A crucial portion of the world’s wheat is trapped in Russia and Ukraine because of the war while an even larger portion of the world’s fertiliser is stuck in Russia and Belarus. The result is that global food and fertilizer prices are soaring — which might push already-hungry families to the brink of starvation. In March 2022, the United Nations reported that the war’s impact on the global food market alone could cause an additional 7.6 million to 13.1 million people to go hungry.
Prayer
Please pray that aid will be able to reach those who need it most. Pray for the safety and wellbeing of the children, youth, families, churches and staff we serve.
Where is this Crisis Report occurring?
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Flooding in Tanzania 06 Jun, 2022
The situation
Flooding in Tanzania has caused major damage to the community including destroying classrooms at the local Compassion centre. The heavy rains have impacted 26 Compassion assisted families, with many shelters destroyed. One serious injury has been reported.
Global Compassion impact
Number of local church partners affected: 1
Number of Compassion assisted children affected: 26
New information
Our local church partners have found alternative shelters and are providing further support for impacted families.
Prayer
Please pray for continued safety for all impacted families.
Where is this Crisis Report occurring?
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Tropical Storm in Honduras 06 Jun, 2022
The situation
A tropical storm in Honduras has impacted 35 Compassion assisted children and families, with eleven families sadly losing their homes.
Global Compassion impact
Number of local church partners affected: 0
Number of Compassion assisted children affected: 36
New information
Our local church partners are providing support as needed for all impacted families.
Prayer
Please pray for peace and safety for families impacted by the tropical storm.
Where is this Crisis Report occurring?
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Flash Flood in Koroigora and Mugairpar, Bangladesh 06 Jun, 2022
The situation
Flash flooding in Bangladesh has resulted in many Compassion assisted families losing their livelihoods and shelter. Some cannot travel to work in flooded areas as roads have been submerged. Compassion Brazil is providing support for impacted families including food, water and shelter.
Global Compassion impact
Number of local partners affected: 2
Number of Compassion assisted children affected: 435
New information
Water levels in impacted areas have dropped significantly. Waterborne diseases have been reported among children and their families in the aftermath of floods. Our local partners are supporting the community in any way they can as impacted families recover from the damages.
Prayer
Please pray for the health and safety of those facing diseases in the aftermath of the floods. Pray also that people are able to return to work shortly.
Where is this Crisis Report occurring?
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Heavy Rains Cause Flooding in Pernambuco, Brazil 06 Jun, 2022
The situation
At least 497 Compassion assisted children and families have been impacted by flooding in Pernambuco, Brazil. Heavy rain has resulted in several rivers overflowing in several cities. Many families require shelter and support.
Global Compassion impact
Number of local church partners affected: 8
Number of Compassion assisted children affected: 497
New information
Compassion Brazil is providing food, water and hygiene products for impacted families. Compassion assisted children are being relocated where possible to safer shelters. Some Compassion activities cannot run as facilities are being used to support families in affected areas.
Prayer
Please pray for the safety of children and families as they recover from the impacts of the flooding.
Where is this Crisis Report occurring?
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Flooding in the Northern Region of Haiti (Final Update) 25 May, 2022
The situation Torrential rains in Haiti have killed two people and left over 500 families searching for a safer place to reside. The rains have caused damage to four local church partners, and almost 376 Compassion assisted families’ homes have been flooded.
Global Compassion impact Number of local church partners affected: 4
Number of Compassion assisted children affected: 376New information Compassion Haiti is working to support impacted families in any way they can, including hygiene kits and medical care. Children are now returning to normal activities and can attend school again.
Prayer Thank you for your prayers. Please continue to pray for ongoing peace for impacted families as they rebuild what was lost.
Where is this Crisis Report occurring?