The month of April saw a diverse range of alerts raised by our members; however, amidst a context of multiple high-profile crises, the Start Fund responded to three important and under-the-radar alerts.
ALERT 316: DISPLACEMENT DUE TO CONFLICT IN NIGER
As a result of 21 attacks against civilians and military forces throughout the month of March 2019, more than 18,400 were displaced within Diffa Region in Southern Niger. This number marked a significant increase in attacks by non-state groups, and caused a mass movement of IDPs towards the urban centre of Diffa.
- This displacement added to the already 249,000+ displaced within the area, highlighting the need for WASH, Shelter/NFIs, and food, and adding pressure to food insecurity which was already at Crisis and Emergency Levels.
- In addition to placing additional pressure on host-communities, the ongoing protection concerns and security incidents further emphasised the need for intervention based on prioritised needs.
The Start Fund was alerted to this situation by Oxfam on 4th April 2019 with a focus on the especially vulnerable displaced population and a rapid response approach to immediate needs. Members agreed to activate the alert, with funding awarded to Oxfam in order to implement Food Security and Cash programming with a specific focus on three neighbourhoods following a rapid needs-assessment.
ALERT 317: ANTICIPATION OF VOLCANIC ACTIVITY IN PHILIPPINES
Mayon Volcano in Albay province presents a constant threat to inhabitants living close to the volcano. While volcanic activity has decreased overall, the heavy rainfall during monsoon season presents possibility of triggering lahar and volcanic debris. The anticipation of lahar prompts a need for effective plans for evacuation, sensitisation, and shelter supply.
- The Philippines has a strong response capacity, and local and national NGOs have previously played a key role in lahar flow emergencies, but planning and pre-financing is not yet widely taken up.
An Anticipation Alert for lahar was submitted by a consortium of Handicap International, Christian Aid, and CARE International with a focus on enhancing preparedness procedures, strengthening communities’ abilities to respond to anticipated risks, and prepositioning stocks in anticipation of evacuation. Members agreed to activate this alert with the understanding that the response would be in coordination with the existing national and local responses and would fill the gaps in existing processes. Funding was awarded through a local Project Selection process to Christian Aid, with programming focussing on an inclusive response.
ALERT 319: DISPLACEMENT DUE TO CONFLICT IN DRC
An increase in violence in Kamango Health Zone in Nord Kivu resulted in the displacement of roughly 32,000 people within the area. IDPs stayed with local families or in public spaces informally within the host communities, which highlighted the especial need for emergency shelter, access to healthcare, and other NFIs.
- The effects of this displacement were exacerbated by the ongoing Ebola outbreak in Nord Kivu, which proved access to healthcare particularly challenging.
- An environment of insecurity furthermore added pressure to domestic food supplies, with IPC projections estimating that 1.6 million people in the area were facing emergency and crisis levels of food insecurity.
The alert was submitted by Tearfund and Welthungerhilfe on 30th April 2019, and members agreed to activate the alert, acknowledging that much of the focus on Beni Territory was on Ebola response and not the displacement. A local project selection committee met on 2nd May, awarding funding to Tearfund and Welthungerhilfe within 72 hours in order to respond with a focus on WASH, cash programming, and healthcare provision.
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