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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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?
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Heavy Rains in Anitoquia and North of Colombia (Final Update) 09 May, 2022
The situation
Due to heavy rainfall in Antioquia, Colombia, many Compassion assisted families have been impacted by flood damage. Our local church partners are working to provide spiritual and physical support to all those impacted.
Global Compassion impact
Number of local church partners affected: 0
Number of Compassion assisted children affected: 103New information
Our local church partners have collected donations within the community, providing drinking water for impacted children and families. Blankets, mattresses and hygiene kits have been distributed to those in need of support.
Prayer
Please pray for our local church partners as they continue to support impacted families and pray for peace as the community recovers from damages.
Where is this Crisis Report occurring?
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Hail Storm in Khamar Senua, Bangladesh (Crisis Update) 09 May, 2022
The situation
On April 10th, 2022, a heavy hailstorm caused damage in Khamar Senua, Bangladesh. Many homes were damaged due to the storm. Local workers have been assessing the impacts to these families and offering spiritual and physical support.
Global Compassion impact
Number of local church partners affected: 1
Number of Compassion assisted children affected: 125New information
According to a new survey count, 125 families have been impacted by the storm and local partners are working with these families to assess damages. Unfortunately, Compassion activities have been stopped due to roof damage. Local partners are planning to provide wages and materials needed to repair the homes of affected families.
Prayer
Please pray that child development centre activities can resume soon and that impacted children feel peace in their circumstance.
Where is this Crisis Report occurring?
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Heavy Rains in Medellin-Uraba, Colombia 09 May, 2022
The situation
Heavy rain in Medellin-Eraba, Colombia, has caused road damage in the city. 33 Compassion assisted children and families have been impacted by the disaster, with families living close to the riverbed at particular risk of further damage.
Global Compassion impact
Number of local church partners affected: 0
Number of Compassion assisted children affected: 33New information
Our local church partners are taking a census to establish the total number of people impacted and are working to meet basic needs with water supplies and cleaning kits.
Prayer
Please pray for the children and families impacted by the heavy rain and pray that our church partners are able to continue to support those in need.
Where is this Crisis Report occurring?
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Fire in Wonji-Shewa, Ethiopia 02 May, 2022
The situation
On April 15th, 2022, a fire broke out in the town of Wonji-Shewa, Ethiopia. A total of 11 Compassion assisted children and four local church partners were impacted by the disaster. The cause of the fire is currently unknown. The disaster has destroyed two homes, school materials and important household belongings. Livestock has also been destroyed for some families. Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported.
Global Compassion impact
Number of local church partners affected: 4
Number of Compassion assisted children affected: 11New information
Our local church partners are still examining the impact of the disaster, and impacted families are currently in need of physical support: food, water and livestock. Fortunately, local school activities have not been impacted as a result of the fire, and Compassion assisted children are still able to attend school.
Prayer
Please pray for God’s peace over those impacted by the disaster. Pray that they are able to receive the physical and spiritual support they need as they recover.
Where is this Crisis Report occurring?
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Heavy Rains in Antioquia and North of Colombia 27 Apr, 2022
The situation
Due to heavy rainfall in Antioquia, Colombia, many Compassion assisted families have been impacted by flood damage. Our local church partners are working to provide spiritual and physical support to all those impacted.
Global Compassion impact
Number of local church partners affected: 0 Number of Compassion assisted children affected: 128
New information
The Compassion Colombia emergency team are working to reach all who are affected by flood damage. Impacted families were taken to temporary shelters, and our local church partners are providing support through food and hygiene kits.
Prayer
Please pray that impacted families will be able to return safely to their homes and receive the relief support they need. Pray for our local church partners as they offer relief and support to these families.
Where is this Crisis Report occurring?
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Bonje Church and Village Demolished, Mobasa, Kenya (Final Update) 26 Apr, 2022
The situation
Thousands of people were left homeless after their houses were demolished by bulldozers in the middle of the night on May 6th, 2021. Over 200 homes, church buildings and schools were demolished. The demolition was a result of a land dispute and residents were only informed shortly before the demolition began. The disaster left 56 Compassion assisted families without basic needs and shelter. The nearby church partners are working with the local government and other aid organisations to provide support to affected families. One local church partner unfortunately had all of their buildings destroyed.
Global Compassion impact
Number of local church partners affected: 1 Number of Compassion assisted children affected: 56
New information
Compassion raised funds to help families purchase the land where they are now rebuilding. All Compassion assisted children and families are accounted for and have continued regular daily activities at the local church.
Prayer
Thank you for your prayers. Please continue to pray for the local church partners in Kenya, and the families affected by this disaster.
Where is this Crisis Report occurring?
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Fire in Wonji-Shewa, Ethiopia (Final Update) 26 Apr, 2022
The situation
On March 22nd, 2021 the town of Wonji experienced an electrical fire in a densely populated area. The fire destroyed some homes, property and livestock of local families.
Global Compassion impact
Number of local church partners affected: 0 Number of Compassion assisted children affected: 10
New information
Compassion supported local staff with the necessary funds to address the immediate needs of affected families and children.
Prayer
Thank you for praying for the affected children and their families.
Where is this Crisis Report occurring?
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Hailstorm in Khamar Senua, Bangladesh 26 Apr, 2022
The situation
On April 10th, 2022, a heavy hailstorm caused damage in Khamar Senua, Bangladesh. Many homes were damaged due to the storm, including those of 95 Compassion assisted families. Local workers are assessing the impacts to these families and offering spiritual and physical support.
Global Compassion impact
Number of local church partners affected: 1
Number of Compassion assisted children affected: 95New information
The local child development centre has assisted families in making temporary repairs to their homes. The Compassion Bangladesh Office has also disbursed funds for permanent repairs. Families are living in their homes and have returned to their normal daily activities.
Prayer
Please pray for God’s peace and continued protection to be with those affected by the storm.
Where is this Crisis Report occurring?
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River Mearin Overflowed in Brazil 07 Apr, 2022
The situation
Due to several days of heavy rain, the River Mearin in Trizidela overflowed. Trizidela is located in the city of Bacabal, in the north-eastern part of Brazil. Some of the homes of Compassion assisted families were damaged and our local workers are assessing the impacts to these families.
Global Compassion impact
Number of local church partners affected: 1 Number of Compassion assisted children affected: 71
New information
Impacted families were taken to temporary shelters across the city. Our local church partners are regularly visiting these children and their families to offer spiritual and physical support, including food and hygiene kits.
Prayer
Please pray for God’s peace to be with those affected by the heavy rain. Pray that impacted families will be able to return safely to their homes and receive the relief support they need.
Where is this Crisis Report occurring?
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Economic Crisis in Sri Lanka 06 Apr, 2022
The situation
Driven by the pandemic, tourism losses and high government spending, Sri Lanka has experienced a 70 per cent drop in foreign exchange reserves since January 2020 and the lowest foreign exchange rate for the Sri Lankan rupee in a decade. Headline inflation has increased to 17.5 per cent, resulting in protest and civil unrest.
The economic crisis has increased pandemic hardships for Sri Lankans and has caused a humanitarian crisis. Food, medicine and fuel are difficult to acquire, and power cuts are becoming more severe with periods of seven to ten hours (or more) without power. Many are no longer able to afford basic goods, and due to policy changes and importation challenges, the country is experiencing a resource shortage.
New information
Compassion is still assessing how this crisis may impact our program, our operations, our program participants and their families, our national office staff and their families and our local partners. A crisis management team has been formed to plan, address or mitigate impacts where possible, and we are developing our response plan based on the findings of this team.
Prayer
Please pray for a swift end to this crisis, for the Sri Lankan economy to stabilise and for minimal impact to children and families.
Where is this Crisis Report occurring?