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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Overflowing River in Colinas, Brazil 09 Jan, 2022
The situation
Following several days of heavy rain, the river in Colinas overflowed. Colinas is located in the State of Maranhão, in the northeast of Brazil. Many local families experienced significant flood damage to their homes and are now living in temporary shelters.
If your sponsored child has been affected by the floods, we will contact you directly to share more information.
Global Compassion impact
Number of local church partners affected: 1 Number of Compassion assisted children affected: 28
New information
Compassion's local church partner in the affected area is working to support families physically and spiritually. Basic supplies, food kits and hygiene packs have been distributed by Compassion.
Prayer
Please pray for those affected by the recent flooding as they assess the damage and make plans for repairs.
Where is this Crisis Report occurring?
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Typhoon Rai in The Philippines (Crisis Update) 06 Jan, 2022
The situation
Typhoon Rai, known locally as Odette, made landfall in the Philippines on December 16th and 17th, 2021. It has been declared a category five 'super typhoon' and the most impacted areas are Cebu, Bohol, Leyte and Surigao del Sur. Winds of up to 300km/h were recorded and thousands of families were evacuated to government-provided evacuation centres.
Compassion is present in the areas affected by the typhoon, though power and communication outages have delayed updates from our local church partners.
If your sponsored child has been affected by the typhoon, we will contact you directly when updates are available.
Global Compassion impact
Number of local church partners affected: 86 Number of Compassion assisted children affected: over 9,500
New information
Three weeks after the typhoon hit there is still no power, communication or clean water in several municipalities and provinces. The heavy rain continues in some areas, making life very uncomfortable for thousands of Filipino families who are currently displaced from their homes.
Our local church partners have opened their doors to serve as evacuation and relief centres for children and their communities. Many are delivering water filters to affected families. Local staff are working together with the government to distribute food, relief goods, materials for shelter, clothes and clean water. They will continue to assess the impact of the typhoon and will provide further updates when possible.
Prayer
Please keep praying for everyone affected by the recent typhoon in the Philippines. Pray for the provision of necessary relief items and medical supplies. Pray for the rain to ease and for safe shelter for families. Pray that children will experience the comfort and peace of God during this difficult time.
Where is this Crisis Report occurring?
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Typhoon Rai in The Philippines (Crisis Update) 30 Dec, 2021
The situation
Typhoon Rai, known locally as Odette, made landfall in the Philippines on December 16th and 17th, 2021. It has been declared a category five 'super typhoon' and the most impacted areas are Cebu, Bohol, Leyte and Surigao del Sur. Winds of up to 300km/h were recorded and thousands of families were evacuated to government-provided evacuation centres. Power and communication outages have delayed updates from our local church partners in the affected areas.
If your sponsored child has been affected by the typhoon, we will contact you directly when updates are available.
Global Compassion impact
Number of local church partners affected: 86 Number of Compassion assisted children affected: 3,256
New information
Electricity and internet connections are still not restored in many of the affected areas. The impact of Typhoon Rai is immense—the UN has reported that millions of Filipinos were affected and over 580,000 people remain displaced. Our local church partners are focused on meeting the immediate needs of the children, families and churches in their communities. Many homes and buildings are reported to be damaged or destroyed. They will continue to assess the impact of the typhoon and will provide further updates when possible.
Prayer
Please keep praying for everyone affected by the recent typhoon. Pray for wisdom and strength for local staff and volunteers as they assess the damage and support families. Pray for children and their caregivers who have been affected. Pray that they will experience God's great love and His peace that transcends understanding during this time.
Where is this Crisis Report occurring?
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Heavy Rain and Storms in Sri Lanka (Crisis Update) 24 Dec, 2021
The situation
Heavy rain showers occurred throughout November in the north-western, northern, central and western provinces of Sri Lanka. Additionally, flooding and strong winds impacted some areas. Families with damaged homes relocated to temporary housing or are living with relatives. The rising floodwaters created significant health challenges due to the spread of water-borne diseases. Many families also lost their source of income due to impacts of the floods.
Global Compassion impact
Number of local partners affected: 1 Number of Compassion assisted children affected: 2,534
New information
Our local staff report that the flooding has now receded and the rains have eased. Flood-affected families were provided with dry food rations, sanitary items, clothing, roofing and household supplies as well as emotional support.
Prayer
Please keep praying for those affected by the recent floods in Sri Lanka as they continue to recover.
Where is this Crisis Report occurring?
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Typhoon Rai in The Philippines (Crisis Update) 20 Dec, 2021
The situation
Typhoon Rai, known locally as Odette, made landfall in the Philippines on December 16th and 17th, 2021. It has been declared a category five 'super typhoon' and the most impacted areas are Cebu, Bohol, Leyte and Surigao del Sur. Winds of up to 300km/h were recorded and tens of thousands of families have been evacuated to government-provided evacuation centres. Power and communication outages have delayed updates from our local church partners in the affected areas.
If your sponsored child has been affected by the typhoon, we will contact you directly when updates are available.
Global Compassion impact
Number of local church partners affected: 63 Number of Compassion assisted children affected: 660
New information
Our local church partners are on the ground and ready to journey with affected families for both the short- and long-term response and recovery. The assessment of the impact of the typhoon is ongoing. We do know that a number of local homes have been damaged or destroyed. Pastor Jonas from one of our partners in Leyte shares that “we stayed at the compound where some sponsored children, their families and church members evacuated. We secured the place, gave food to the evacuees and provided shelter.”
Prayer
Please keep praying for children, families and local workers impacted by the recent typhoon. Pray for provision for those who have lost homes, belongings and livelihoods. Pray for God's comfort and peace during this challenging time, especially in the lead up to Christmas.
Where is this Crisis Report occurring?
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Typhoon Rai in The Philippines 16 Dec, 2021
The situation
Typhoon Rai, known locally as Odette, made landfall in the Philippines on December 16th and 17th, 2021. It has been declared a category five 'super typhoon' and the most impacted areas are Cebu, Bohol, Leyte and Surigao del Sur. Winds of up to 300km/h were recorded and tens of thousands of families have been evacuated. Power and communication outages have delayed updates from our local church partners in the affected areas.
If your sponsored child has been affected by the typhoon, we will contact you directly when updates are available.
Global Compassion impact
Number of local church partners affected: not yet confirmed Number of Compassion assisted children affected: not yet confirmed
New information
Our church partners in the Philippines had warning from their local government of the typhoon approaching. Pre-emptive disaster operations began and evacuated families were taken to evacuation centres provided by the government. Our local workers will assess the damage and impacts to staff, children and families once the weather stabilises and floodwaters subside. Further updates will be provided once available.
Prayer
Please pray for our local church partners, children, staff and families in the Philippines following the recent typhoon. Pray for their safety and protection. Pray for wisdom for the staff, pastors and volunteers as they assess the damage and grapple with impacts to their own families and homes. Pray for peace for evacuated families and children.
Where is this Crisis Report occurring?
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Conflict in Ethiopia 15 Dec, 2021
The situation
Escalating 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 has since spread into other areas of the country.
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 several local church partners in these areas.
Please be assured that if your sponsored child is directly impacted by the conflict or these centre suspensions, we will communicate this to you directly when updates are available.
New information
For those child development centres in Ethiopia that have been less impacted by the conflict, we are encouraging flexibility in how our programs are delivered. It’s critical they are able to focus on the specific and evolving needs of the children, youth and families they serve. The delivery of gifts and letters to Ethiopia is paused at this time. Read More about the conflict in Ethiopia.
Prayer
Please join us in praying for an end to the conflict and violence in Ethiopia. Pray for peace to prevail and that communication and the delivery of aid will be restored. Pray for God’s protection to be over the children, families, staff and local churches we serve in Ethiopia.
Where is this Crisis Report occurring?
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Unrest and Violence in Martissant, Haiti (Final Crisis Update) 07 Dec, 2021
The situation
At the beginning of June, a series of violent confrontations between armed rival groups occurred in a densely populated area of Port-au-Prince known as Martissant. In recent months, violence and unrest has been disrupting daily life right across the city, with many families temporarily relocating to stay with friends or relatives. The whole country has felt the impact of the situation as there is a national road connecting the southern region of the country and Port-au-Prince which has been blocked.
Global Compassion impact
Number of local church partners affected: 2 Number of Compassion assisted children affected: 230
New information
Sadly, some local homes were damaged or destroyed and many lost their livelihood due to the violence. The impacted child development centres have since relocated to safer locations nearby and continue to facilitate full program implementation. Our local church partners were able to provide impacted children and their families with spiritual and emotional support, food kits and cash transfers to purchase needed relief items.
Prayer
Thank you for praying for the safety and protection of children, families and church partners living near the unrest. Please keep praying for peace and comfort for these families as well as wisdom for the staff, volunteers and pastors who continue supporting children during this time.
Where is this Crisis Report occurring?
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Flooding in West Kalimantan, Indonesia (Final Crisis Update) 07 Dec, 2021
The situation
On October 31st, 2021, heavy rain in West Kalimantan caused the Kapuas River to overflow. The water level rose about 100-200cm and flooded several public facilities including a school, hospital and some local homes. With the help of local government, our Indonesian church partners delivered relief supplies to families affected by the flooding.
Global Compassion impact
Number of local church partners affected: not yet confirmed Number of Compassion assisted children affected: 90
New information
The floodwaters have now receded. All impacted children and families are reported to be safe and well, and able to resume their usual daily activities.
Prayer
Thank you for praying for the communities affected by the floods in west Kalimantan. Please continue to pray for protection over their homes, health and livelihoods during the ongoing rainy season.
Where is this Crisis Report occurring?
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Volcanic Eruption in Indonesia 04 Dec, 2021
The situation
Indonesia’s Mount Semeru erupted on December 4th, 2021, blanketing portions of East Java with hot ash. In villages surrounding the volcano, there is widespread damage to homes and many have fled to makeshift shelters offered by the local government. Compassion has some local church partners nearby and our staff are still in the process of assessing the full impact of the eruption on their communities.
Global Compassion impact
Number of local church partners affected: not yet confirmed Number of Compassion assisted children affected: not yet confirmed
New information
At this stage, the reports from our local staff and churches in Indonesia indicate that all children and their families are safe and well following the eruption. We thank God for this good news! Staff are closely monitoring government directives should there be any further volcanic activitiy. They will provide the necessary relief support to families as needed.
Prayer
Please pray for the communities affected by the recent volcanic eruption in Indonesia. Pray for their safety, peace and comfort at this time.
Where is this Crisis Report occurring?
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Earthquake in Northern Peru 28 Nov, 2021
The situation
On the morning of November 28th, 2021, a magnitude 7.5 earthquake was recorded in the Amazonas region of northern Peru. This area is home to more than 17,000 Compassion-assisted children. Some buildings, homes and schools collapsed and landslides caused damage to roads and infrastructure. Electricity and communications outages were reported in several areas as a result.
Global Compassion impact
Number of local church partners affected: 1 Number of Compassion assisted children affected: 56
New information
Thankfully, reports indicate that no children, families or staff were injured in the earthquake. Our local church partners in the affected region continue to closely monitor the wellbeing of their communities. Some families have been given food, water, hygiene supplies, mattresses and repair materials based upon their immediate needs.
Prayer
Please pray for the children, families and local staff affected by the recent earthquake in Peru. Pray for their peace and safety as they assess the damage, provide relief and arrange for necessary repairs. Pray that the activities of our local church partners will be able to safely resume as quickly as possible.
Where is this Crisis Report occurring?
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Heavy Rain and Storms in Sri Lanka 03 Nov, 2021
The situation
Storms, strong winds and heavy rain are impacting communities in the northern, central and western provinces of Sri Lanka. Windspeeds are expected to reach up to 70 kilometres per hour in some places. Landslide warnings have been issued and fishing communities have been urged not to venture out to sea.
Global Compassion impact
Number of local partners affected: 2 Number of Compassion assisted children affected: 2,073
New information
Our local partners are doing their best to protect children and their families from the impacts of the wild weather. They are providing emotional and practical support and are assisting with temporary relocation where necessary.
Prayer
Please pray for those affected by the storms and rain in Sri Lanka. Pray for their protection from the harsh weather conditions. Pray for wisdom and peace for the local workers as they support their communities.
Where is this Crisis Report occurring?
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Flooding in Thailand (Final Crisis Update) 02 Nov, 2021
The situation
Heavy rainfall throughout Thailand caused flash flooding in 19 provinces in the north and upper northeastern region in September, 2021. Some communities were temporaily evacuated to higher ground and their homes became innaccesible for a period of time.
Global Compassion impact
Number of local church partners affected: 2 Number of Compassion assisted children affected: 69
New information
The flooding has now receded, though program activities are still functioning differently due to local COVID-19 restrictions. Impacted homes have now been cleaned and repaired. Relief packages of rice, dried food and some household items have been provided to children and their families by our local partners in Thailand. Local workers will continue to monitor the affected families to ensure any further home repairs can take place.
Prayer
Thank you for praying for our neighbours in Thailand following the recent flooding. Please continue to pray for protection and strength for our church partners, children and families in Thailand.
Where is this Crisis Report occurring?
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Flood in South Sulawesi, Indonesia (Final Crisis Report) 02 Nov, 2021
The situation
Heavy rain and flooding occurred in Luwu, South Sulawesi on September 25th, 2021. Local staff reported damage to some homes, belongings and local child development centres. Local workers provided affected families with relief supplies as needed.
Global Compassion impact
Number of local church partners affected: 6 Number of Compassion assisted children affected: 70
New information
The flood waters have now receded and all affected child development centres have been able to resume their activities. Families and children impacted by this flood have been provided with appropriate support.
Prayer
Thank you for praying for our Indonesian neighbours during the recent floods. Please continue to pray for their safety and protection during future weather events.
Where is this Crisis Report occurring?
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Flooding in West Kalimantan, Indonesia 31 Oct, 2021
The situation
On October 31st, heavy rain in West Kalimantan caused the Kapuas River to overflow. The water level rose about 100-200cm and flooded several public facilities including a school, hospital and some local homes.
Global Compassion impact
Number of local church partners affected: not yet confirmed Number of Compassion assisted children affected: 90
New information
Our Indonesian church partners are working with their local government to deliver relief supplies to families affected by the flooding. They have set up a kitchen and shelter for public use and will continue to monitor the needs of children and families.
Prayer
Please pray for those affected by the recent heavy rains and flooding in West Kalimantan. Pray for provision for those who have lost belongings and pray for peace and comfort for those who have been temporarily displaced.
Where is this Crisis Report occurring?