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Da Nang sanitation workers burdened with 1,700 tons of garbage daily amid staffing shortage
A severe shortage of sanitation workers has left Da Nang buried under garbage as 1,700 tons of solid waste are added every day.
"SANITATION" · 총 56건
필터 보기현재 지수
50.3
0 = 부정 우세
50 = 중립
100 = 긍정 우세
최근 7일 기준 86,997건을 분석한 결과, 뉴스 심리지수는 50.2(균형)입니다. 긍정 4,284건(4.9%)·중립 80,574건(92.6%)·부정 2,139건(2.5%)이며, 중립 비중이 뚜렷하게 높습니다. 성향 지수는 종합 14.9(중도 균형)입니다.
A severe shortage of sanitation workers has left Da Nang buried under garbage as 1,700 tons of solid waste are added every day.
🇱🇧 "Is this safety?" Jenan Habash has been living in a displacement camp on the Beirut waterfront for three months — one of 175 tents with no running water or sanitation. A single mother from Baalbek, she fled with her two daughters, aged 5 and 10.
• Cites 2026 study that finds Karachi has highest urban-rural temperature difference • Says emergency response not enough, the city must reduce heat at its source • Links pollution, dense construction, traffic, and tree loss to growing health risks KARACHI: Highlighting the multiple environmental challenges Karachi faces, a senior community health sciences expert has called for urgent actions at both the government and individual levels to tackle the growing urban heat problem that’s silently damaging public health and productivity. Responding to Dawn’s queries about Karachi’s challenges on the eve of World Environment Day, Prof Zafar Fatmi, Head of Environmental Occupational Health and Climate Change at the Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, said that the city’s urban heat effect appears to be becoming more intense. “This is not only because of global climate change, but also because of how the city is growing, how people move through it, how much pollution they breathe, and how little protection many people have while working and living outdoors,” shared Prof Fatmi, who has done several studies on subjects related to community health. He explained that more concrete, more roads, high-density construction, traffic congestion, loss of trees, and fewer open spaces are making the city absorb and retain more heat. Referring to studies conducted from Karachi, he said that they showed that urban heat island effects are present, with higher night-time land surface temperatures in urban areas, and recent work has identified heatwave vulnerability in the city’s dense urban zones. “A 2026 multi-city Pakistan study also found that Karachi has the highest urban-rural temperature difference among major cities studied, around 4.5°C, and linked vegetation loss with higher land surface temperature. “This means Karachi is not only experiencing hotter weather; it is also being built in a way that makes heat worse. In our own microscale urban heat work in Karachi [a 2024 study], we found that delivery riders and rickshaw drivers experienced temperatures much higher than the city’s recorded average,” he said. The study published two years ago showed that in summer, exposure was about 5.5°C higher under direct sun and 1.8°C higher even in shade compared with the city average. “This tells us something very important: the heat people face on the street is often different from the official temperature. The real exposure is what people feel at traffic signals, bus stops, roadside markets, construction sites, school routes, and while travelling for work.” Responding to a question about warning signs of growing intensity of urban heat, Prof Fatmi said that they are already visible; nights are not cooling adequately, outdoor workers feel exhausted earlier in the day and people complain of dehydration, headache, dizziness, poor sleep, fatigue, and fainting. “Those with heart disease, lung disease, hypertension, diabetes, kidney disease, and old age are at greater risk. Children, pregnant women, traffic police, vendors, construction workers, delivery riders, rickshaw drivers, and people living in poorly ventilated homes are particularly vulnerable.” Underscoring the need for urgent action, he said that when ordinary places such as bus stops, traffic signals, roadside shops, and school routes become heat-risk zones, it is a sign that urban heat is no longer an occasional discomfort; it is becoming a public-health exposure. The problem, he points out, becomes more serious when heat combines with air pollution. Karachi’s residents do not experience heat and pollution separately. “They breathe polluted air in hot, congested, dusty, and traffic-heavy conditions. Heat increases dehydration, breathing rate, and pressure on the heart, while air pollution affects the lungs, blood vessels, and cardiovascular system.” According to Prof Fatmi, research from hundreds of cities has shown that high temperatures can modify the health effects of air pollutants, including particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone. “Other studies also suggest that combined exposure to heat and particulate pollution can increase mortality risk more than either exposure alone. For Karachi, this means air pollution control and heat planning should not be treated as separate issues.” Replying to a question whether there is a link between rising temperature, urban heat and infections, he explained that higher temperatures can create conditions in which some pathogens, mosquitoes, and contamination risks grow more easily, especially where water, sanitation, waste, and drainage systems are weak. “Food spoils faster. Stored water becomes unsafe more easily. Stagnant water can support mosquito breeding. Climate research shows that warming temperatures and changing rainfall patterns are affecting vector-borne diseases, while water-borne and food-borne infections can also increase where heat is combined with poor sanitation and unsafe water.” In Karachi, therefore, he says, the risk is not heat alone; it is heat plus poor drainage, unsafe water storage, waste accumulation, crowding, and weak municipal services. On the actions required at both individual and state levels, he said that people should avoid unnecessary outdoor exposure during peak heat, drink safe water frequently, use shade, cover the head, avoid heavy exertion during the hottest hours, and check on children, elderly people, pregnant women, and people with chronic diseases. “People should recognise early danger signs such as dizziness, confusion, fainting, severe weakness, very hot skin, or inability to drink water. Outdoor workers need shaded rest areas, drinking water, and adjusted work hours. These should be treated as basic occupational protections, not as charity.” At the government level, he says, Karachi needs a serious heat-health action plan. “This should include simple public alerts in Urdu and local languages, shaded bus stops, public drinking-water points, cooling spaces, school guidance during heatwaves, emergency preparedness in hospitals, and legal protection for outdoor workers during extreme heat.” However, he emphasises that emergency response alone is not enough and that the city must also reduce heat at its source; protecting mature trees, expanding green and blue spaces, reducing unnecessary concrete, improving public transport, controlling dust and vehicle emissions, stopping waste burning, using cooler building and road materials, and making heat assessment mandatory for major roads, buildings, and infrastructure projects. “A climate-resilient Karachi will require health, planning, transport, environment, labour, and municipal authorities to work together. Otherwise, heat will continue to quietly damage health, productivity, and dignity, especially among the poor and those who work outdoors.” Published in Dawn, June 5th, 2026
[SNA] KHARTOUM, June 4, 2026 (SUNA) - Finance Minister Dr. Gebreil Ibrahim on Thursday signed an agreement at the Ministry of Finance in Khartoum with the African Development Bank (AfDB) and UNICEF, acting as the third-party implementing agency, to restructure the portfolio of stalled water projects and convert them into an "Emergency Water and Sanitation Project for Port Sudan and North and South Kordofan States" valued at $51 million and financed by the AfDB.
Environmental justice groups have questioned Thirsti’s groundwater abstraction at its KwaZulu-Natal facility, alleging use beyond its authorisation as the company seeks a water use licence from the department
A Department of Homeland Security watchdog report revealed that staff at an ICE detention center in Louisiana used a prohibited chokehold to “gain control” of one person being held there and stabbed another in the hand with a pen when an officer could not close the door to a housing unit.
The bus lurched to a halt on the long, dry highway that takes you from Gwadar to Turbat. A clutch of men jumped out and sprinted towards the makeshift bathroom by the road. Some of them scattered into the bushes. Back in the bus, anchored to their seats, women stared out of the windows stiffly. They must have done the math before boarding: drink enough water to bear the heat, but not so much that you need to empty your bladder. Gwadar to Turbat is a short two hours. But it is eight long ones if you are heading to Karachi. A washroom on the Makran Coastal Highway between Turbat and Gwadar Balochistan’s new and smooth highways are praised as corridors of connectivity and trade and promise progress for a place that has long been politically and geographically distant from the rest of Pakistan. Motorway 8 goes from Ratodero to Gwadar, the N-10 runs along the Makran coast, the N-25 RCD Highway connects Quetta to Karachi and the N-40 that meanders towards the Iran border from Quetta to Taftan. But the praise for this network does not make up for the lack of safe and accessible public bathrooms for hundreds of kilometers. Where you do find one, it is rudimentary at best, a hole in the ground, a door that won’t close or lock and almost never any running water. To make matters worse, the women’s toilets are usually located in male-dominated spaces, such as roadside motels, dhabas, and bus stops. In Surab, washrooms are attached to the mosques and are strictly off limits for women. This neglect is now being challenged in court by Kulsoom Baloch, Fauzia Shaheen and Dr Quratulain Bakhtiari. They filed a complaint in the Balochistan High Court, arguing that the highways are deliberately designed to prioritise the cold mechanics of commerce at the expense of human safety, accessibility and equity. They said that the long stretch between Mastung and Kalat is the worst affected. There isn’t a single restroom for women when you travel from Quetta to Makran through Kalat and Mastung. The Karachi to Quetta-Chaman N-25 Highway is being widened into a double carriageway but toilets for women are missing from the plan. The government has to provide sanitation which is a constitutional right as Article 9 guarantees the right to life and dignity, 14 protects the dignity of the people and privacy at home, and 15 ensures the right to movement. “Men are socially free,” says Kulsoom. “They can go anywhere for nature’s call. Women are restricted socially and culturally, and their biological needs are different.” Unusable washrooms in Ormara and Gwadar Fatima, 46, describes one of her experiences. She was travelling from Turbat to Karachi for eye surgery with her husband and daughter. The bus had been on the road for a couple of hours until it stopped near a roadside hotel in Ormara. Ormara, located in Gwadar along the Makran Coastal Highway, is often the first and only major stop for buses travelling from Turbat and Gwadar to Karachi. During this journey, the first stop is usually this deserted hotel in Ormara, where bus drivers and conductors often receive free meals in exchange for bringing passengers. There were four bathrooms, supposedly for men and women both, and all of them were broken, dirty, and without door locks. She entered the dingy bathroom but her eyes kept darting towards the ajar door. Her daughter came to the rescue. “She held the door while I was inside … we had no other choice,” she says. “There’s a lingering fear that men nearby can see you. It feels humiliating.” At Gwadar’s Zero Point, which is about 90km from Hub town, there are two bathrooms, but both are unusable. “When the vehicle stops for security checks,” says Kulsoom, “women looking to use a bathroom are told to, ‘go as far as you can’.” The story is the same from Yousuf Goth Terminal in Karachi, used by passengers from Balochistan daily, to Khuzdar’s Chamrock Hotel and Restaurant (another bus stop). Dozens of women line up inside warehouses, waiting their turn to use the few available toilets. Women who regularly need to travel fall sick with urinary tract infections, diarrhoea and dehydration. Urologists warn that holding urine for hours on end causes bladder infections and serious kidney problems. In many parts blanket bans on night-time public transport are imposed when there is a threat of violence. Protests, road blockades, security checks and insurgent raids often leave women stranded for hours, if not days. A student, Saadia, was stuck on the M-8 Motorway for two days last year. “We did not have proper food, water or basic facilities. At one point, we walked several kilometres to a nearby bazaar just to use a bathroom,” she says. The only washroom at the Talaar Checkpost with proper signage and running water Saif owns a hotel on the Makran Coastal Highway at Ormara. He handles 15 to 20 buses daily with each bus carrying roughly 400 passengers. This means up to 800 travellers use his 19 bathrooms every single day. “Business is very weak these days, and on top of that, there is a major water issue,” he says. A broken sewerage system and chronic power failures cripple his efforts to maintain hygiene. He tried introducing a Rs10 upkeep fee to pay a dedicated cleaner but most passengers cannot afford to pay even this amount. He appealed to the transport companies to subsidise the maintenance cost as their passengers benefit from the stopovers without contributing towards sanitation. “The buses only stop for meals and then leave. We have spoken to bus operators time and again but they don’t cooperate,“ he says. It would cost around Rs300,000 to Rs400,000 to build good quality bathrooms. The local authorities hardly help small business owners like Saif who they fine instead of assisting with infrastructure grants or water tankers. “The Assistant Commissioner came once and fined me without any prior warning,” says Saif. He ordered him to build a chabutra (a raised platform) in the bathrooms but didn’t offer any financial support. The Balochistan Development Statistics report of 2018-2019 says the province has 42,911 kilometres of roads, with national and provincial highways connecting districts and towns. International highway design guidelines say that key rest areas should be constructed every 80km to 100km, with smaller stop points at every 50km. Washrooms along the route from Quetta to Makran If such designs were applied, the 653km Makran Coastal Highway for instance, would need at least seven rest stops. The 892km M-8 would need eight and the 487km N-85 Surab-Panjgur-Hoshab highway would need five. To pull this off, safe gender-segregated resting areas should be built in towns along these routes such as Awaran, Turbat, Gwadar, Chaghi, Pasni, and Ormara. In more isolated stretches, eco-friendly and water-efficient technologies could be viable alternatives to provide these spaces lighting, clear signage and proper maintenance systems. And infrastructure is only as good as the insight behind it. If women are not included in the designing, the facilities will fall short of their needs. As Kulsoom Baloch says, “True development begins with the basics. In Balochistan, it is always the opposite. Roads are constructed first, celebrated as progress.” No one even thinks of toilets.
Sanitation workers collect accumulated trash from the waters of Jakarta, Wednesday (June 3, 2026). The Thousand Islands ...
Cleaning and monsoon preparedness measures were being carried out by the health and sanitation committees in 17,661 wards, Minister for Local Self-Governments K.M. Shaji informs the Assembly.
A surprise check turns up a staff shortage and poor upkeep at the Collectorate’s Anna Canteen during the Kurnool commissioner’s sanitation round
Court of Appeal says licences can only be refused over premises-related issues such as safety, sanitation, causing a nuisance, or zoning compliance.
Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo Source: Agency for Technical Cooperation and Development On 15 May 2026, the Ministry of Public Health in the Democratic Republic of the Congo issued a warning about an Ebola virus disease outbreak in Ituri Province, in the east of the country. According to the World Health Organisation, within the space of a week, the number of suspected cases in Ituri province rose from 513 to 883. By 25 May, there had been 220 deaths. These figures could see a gradual increase in the coming days. The outbreak now spans more than three provinces and, due to fears of further spread, the borders around the area are gradually closing, making supplies increasingly difficult to obtain. This effectively traps humanitarian workers and increases the risk of supply shortages, both for local markets and for medical equipment. This health crisis is exacerbated by a fragile humanitarian context, large-scale population displacement, the fragility of health infrastructure, a lack of community information, as well as challenges related to patient care and the management of bodies. The eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo is also already marked by a volatile security and humanitarian situation linked to clashes between the M23 armed group and Congolese government forces. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is facing a catastrophic convergence of the Ebola outbreak and the armed conflict in the east of the country. WHO Present in the DRC since 2003, Acted has real field expertise and has been operating in 10 provinces of the country, including North Kivu and South Kivu, for over 20 years. Funded by the CDCS, the Humanitarian Fund and ECHO, Acted implements numerous emergency projects to improve access to water, hygiene and sanitation, combat food insecurity and provide decent housing for the most vulnerable. From the very first days following the crisis, Acted staff were mobilised to provide a rapid emergency response to communities affected by this outbreak. In coordination with local authorities, Acted aims to combat the spread of the epidemic by carrying out the following activities: Installing handwashing stations in public places Rehabilitating latrines and ensuring the chlorination of water points Distribute hygiene kits containing, in particular, chlorine and aquatabs Identify, revitalise and train community representatives who will be responsible for raising awareness of good hygiene practices and protective measures These areas of intervention are essential and can save lives. Every contribution is invaluable.
Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo Source: Action Against Hunger Democratic Republic of Congo Population: 109.3 million People in Need: 21.2 million People Facing Hunger: 40.7 million Our Impact People Helped Last Year: 1,166,711 Our Team: 440 employees Program Start: 1997 The toll of the Ebola outbreak, officially declared on May 15, continues to rise. To date, more than 120 confirmed cases, over 900 suspected cases, and more than 220 deaths have been recorded in Ituri province and North Kivu. Present in both regions, Action Against Hunger is adapting its operations to respond to this large-scale crisis. Supporting Frontline Health Facilities The current outbreak is disrupting already fragile health services in this remote area. “We are present in the Mongbwalu health zone, the most affected by the outbreak, and in three other health zones in Ituri where we fear new infections in the coming days. We are working in close coordination with health and administrative authorities in the area. Our teams are highly mobilized to support health facilities as effectively as possible, in order to protect healthcare workers, who are particularly exposed to the risk of infection,” explains Julie Drouet, Country Director of Action Against Hunger in the DRC. In 12 health facilities in Mongbwalu, Action Against Hunger is providing protective equipment for medical staff, as well as infection prevention and control supplies (chlorine, sprayers for disinfection, cleaning equipment, etc.). In the DRC, only 37% of the population has access to a safe water source, and only 30% of health facilities have access to a reliable water supply. “In this context, infection prevention measures such as handwashing are difficult to implement,” adds Ms. Drouet. “That is why we are also supporting health facilities through the rehabilitation of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure,” she continues. A Health Challenge Against a Backdrop of Structural Crisis The northeast of the DRC is one of the most fragile and conflict-affected regions in the world. The insecurity situation has led to the displacement of more than 920,000 people in Ituri province. The Congolese population faces structural vulnerabilities that make epidemics in eastern DRC particularly dangerous. “In the Ituri region, 1.5 million people are facing food insecurity, and one in three people needs humanitarian assistance. The population in this region relies heavily on local markets to feed their families. Movement restrictions will therefore have a direct impact on their livelihoods and their ability to meet their basic needs,” warns Julie Drouet. As the situation evolves rapidly, it is a real race against time to contain the outbreak. Humanitarian NGOs on the ground are facing major logistical challenges. “For the moment, even humanitarian flights to and from Ebola-affected areas are suspended, which complicates team movements. Funding also remains very limited, making activity planning difficult.” Moreover, the region was already experiencing a humanitarian crisis prior to the Ebola outbreak, further worsening an already complex situation: “We cannot afford to stop our existing emergency projects. Our teams must adapt how activities are implemented to protect communities and our staff in order to break the chain of virus transmission, but our emergency actions must continue,” concludes Julie Drouet.
Countries: World, Argentina, Barbados, Brazil, Chile, Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Panama, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Uruguay Source: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Panama City, 1 June 2026 — Although forecasts point to a below-average hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) today recalled that high cyclonic activity is expected in the eastern Pacific. The organization called for sustained investment in preparedness, anticipatory action and early warning systems across more than 25 countries1 in Central America, North America and the Caribbean that are exposed to tropical cyclones. For the 2026 season in the Atlantic basin, which runs from 1 June to 30 November, the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts, with a 55 per cent probability, below-average cyclonic activity relative to the historical average of 14 named storms and seven hurricanes. This year, NOAA notes, there would be between eight and 14 named storms. Of these, three to six would become hurricanes, including one to three major hurricanes — that is, Category 3 or higher. By contrast, the agency forecasts, with a 70 per cent probability, a more active season in the eastern Pacific Ocean, where it predicts between 15 and 22 named storms, of which nine to 14 would become hurricanes and five to nine of those would reach major hurricane strength. "We will say it again and again: a single storm is enough to destroy communities, overwhelm public services, and displace and endanger hundreds of thousands of people," said Cristian Torres, Deputy Regional Director of the IFRC for the Americas. "Forecasts are critical so that we can act before disasters strike, but beyond knowing how many storms there will be, it is essential to reduce people's vulnerability, expand the coverage of early warning systems, and develop, fund and test inter-agency protocols that protect them from the multiple hazards they face," he added. As part of its commitment to preparedness, the IFRC has already prepositioned in Panama, Santo Domingo and other strategic locations across the region enough relief supplies to provide immediate assistance to up to 60,000 people affected by a large-scale emergency. The stock includes hygiene and kitchen kits, mosquito nets, tarpaulins, cleaning and construction tools, solar lamps, water treatment units and water purification supplies, among other items. Aware that mobilizing humanitarian aid in record time requires the participation, knowledge and collaboration of multiple actors, the IFRC also relies on simulation exercises as a critical tool to test crisis and disaster response mechanisms and protocols. The most recent, held this past May, aimed to measure and improve mobilization times, customs procedures and the inter-agency response capacity of El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras in the face of potential flooding caused by hurricanes. The exercise involved mobilizing Red Cross water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) specialist teams and equipment across these three countries. The initiative brought together civil protection, customs and foreign affairs authorities, along with the National Red Cross Societies. It was supported by European Union humanitarian funding and the German Red Cross, and was carried out within the framework of the Regional Mechanism for International Humanitarian Assistance, the instrument of the Central American Integration System (SICA) for organizing, facilitating and coordinating humanitarian assistance among its member countries. Another of the preparedness measures driven by the IFRC ahead of the hurricane season is the adoption of early action protocols. These protocols bring together measures agreed in advance among communities, authorities, and the Red Cross, which are triggered when certain risk thresholds are reached. Depending on the context, these actions may include cash transfers ahead of an emergency to protect homes and livelihoods, the relocation of essential goods, the reinforcement of critical infrastructure, or the evacuation of people in situations of greater vulnerability. When these systems work, communities receive timely alerts, authorities have more time to coordinate evacuations, and humanitarian teams can mobilize aid before the impact occurs. In Central America alone, the IFRC currently has five early action protocols for floods and tropical storms, financially supported by its Disaster Response Emergency Fund (IFRC-DREF). "Prepositioning relief items, simulation exercises and early action protocols make it possible to protect lives, reduce economic losses and speed up recovery after a disaster," Torres explained. "But rules can also save lives and build community resilience, which is why we call on all countries in the region to advance the international treaty for the protection of persons in disaster situations, currently under consultation at the United Nations." This treaty seeks to ensure that the protection of people exposed to or affected by disasters does not depend on chance, but on clear commitments and coordinated action. Its adoption, expected in 2027, would facilitate international cooperation and reduce the obstacles that can delay the arrival of aid. It would also improve the conditions for Red Cross Societies, as auxiliary to the public powers, to continue assisting the most vulnerable people: women, girls, older people, people on the move or with disabilities, and communities affected by violence and poverty. This season, shaped by the influence of the coming El Niño phenomenon, illustrates how risk can shift and take different forms across the continent. While Grenada, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Barbados, Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti and the Dominican Republic continue to recover from hurricanes Beryl, Oscar, Rafael and Melissa, other areas face different threats. The Central American Dry Corridor, parts of Chile and areas of the Andean region are bracing for possible droughts, while Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay anticipate heavy rains and flooding. In all of them, Red Cross teams are already working with communities to get ready. Against this backdrop, where climate, health and social risks accumulate and overlap with growing frequency, the IFRC calls for investing without delay in measures that enable States, communities and the Red Cross itself to better protect people in the face of multi-hazard scenarios. Because, as underscored at IFRC's recent XXXIII Pre-Hurricane and Recurrent Hazards Conference, when risks pile up, the difference between a hazard and a humanitarian crisis is usually decided before the impact — in the level of preparedness already in place, and in the capacity to act before the disaster occurs. For more information: [email protected] In Panama: Susana Arroyo +50769993199 In Geneva: Paolo Cravero +41 79 894 83 96
[SAnews.gov.za] Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister Sello Seitlholo has condemned the Kai !Garib Local Municipality in the Northern Cape for failing to implement remedial measures aimed at addressing persistent deficiencies in its water and sanitation services.
Countries: Iran (Islamic Republic of), Afghanistan Source: Norwegian Refugee Council Millions of Iranian civilians and Afghan refugees living in Iran have been severely affected by the conflict, which has forced millions to flee their homes across the country. Essential civilian infrastructure has been damaged, exacerbating deep humanitarian needs, warned Jan Egeland, Secretary General of the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) during a visit to the country. “Families here in Iran, both vulnerable Iranians and Afghan refugees, are paying a terrible price for this war,” said Egeland. “Widespread US and Israeli airstrikes forced millions to leave their homes in search of safety. Children are traumatised and have had their education disrupted, whilst parents struggle to make ends meet due to inflation and rising prices. Everyone I have spoken to feels fearful that the war will again escalate.” Since the war began on the 28th of February, almost 3,500 people have been killed in the country, with more than 32,000 people injured nationwide. Across Iran, Israel, Lebanon, and the Gulf, thousands have been killed in airstrikes, with millions of lives shattered as a result of widespread attacks. The intense air campaign on Iran – in densely populated areas – triggered massive displacement, with millions fleeing Tehran to seek safety. People who temporarily relocated are now returning, but those whose homes and livelihoods were destroyed remain displaced. In total, almost 150,000 homes, shops, schools, and other civilian buildings have been damaged, and 17 million pupils remain unable to attend school in person. NRC calls upon all parties to commit to a permanent end of hostilities. A sustained ceasefire and lasting peace agreement would enable the civilian populations in all conflict affected countries to gradually resume their lives and facilitate safe humanitarian access for humanitarian relief and rehabilitation. “Civilian life in Iran has been turned upside down as a result of the war,” said Egeland. “NRC and our partners have been doing all we can to support Afghan refugees and displaced Iranians. But we only have a third of the funding we need to sustain our emergency relief efforts.” NRC has been working in Iran since 2012, providing support to hundreds of thousands across ten provinces, including cash assistance, education, and water and sanitation. “Without further funding, we will have to reduce our emergency relief efforts instead of scaling up for those in desperate need. We only have funding from Norway, Sweden, and the European Union, in spite of Iran being the world’s largest refugee-hosting country and the dramatic impact of the war on civilians,” said Egeland. “Without proper resources for this crisis response, the lives of both Iranian civilians and Afghan refugees will face severe consequences from this war, for years to come.” Most of the four million Afghan refugees have been living in the country for decades, in urban and semi-urban industrial areas where their employment opportunities have been curtailed by the war and the sanctions against the Iranian economy. “The people I’ve met here in Iran speak of terrible loss: homes, family members, life savings, but also of the traumatising impact the war has had on children. Now, economic pressures are robbing them of their hope for the future. It is vital that we support both the vulnerable Iranian and Afghan refugee population, to prevent a further deepening of this humanitarian crisis,” said Egeland. Notes to editors: Photos and B-roll from Iran can be downloaded for free use here Around 3.2 million people were temporarily displaced at the beginning of the war (UNHCR). The Iranian Ministry of Health report 3,375 civilian deaths and 32,314 injuries nationwide. (OCHA). Nearly 149,000 civilian units have reportedly damaged, directly affecting an estimated 400,000 people. (OCHA). 1,200 educational facilities reported as affected and 20 schools destroyed, as well as 240 health facilities reported damaged (OCHA). More than 17 million students remain unable to attend school in person. (OCHA) With over 4.4 million Afghans seeking safety and livelihoods in the country, Iran is currently hosting the world's largest refugee population (UNHCR). About 2.4 million Afghans reside in Tehran (according to the Province Governor). Tehran metropolitan area hosts a significant Afghan population due to its industrial zones, employment opportunities, and proximity to the capital. The response for Afghan refugees in Iran has been chronically underfunded with just 18 per cent funded in 2025 through the Regional Refugee Response Plan (OCHA). The more than four million Afghans are among the most affected by the consequences of the war. More than 35,000 have returned to Afghanistan since the start of the conflict, and more than one million remain at risk of deportation. (NRC) The humanitarian response is 47% funded -only 37.6 of the 80 million US dollars required have been raised (OCHA) On the evening of the 7th of April, a ceasefire agreement was announced, but airstrikes have continued. NRC has been working in Iran since 2012. In 2025, NRC provided assistance to nearly 115,000 Afghans and host community members across 10 provinces. NRC is aiming to target 50,000 Iranians and Afghans affected by this crisis across nine provinces, while prioritising cash assistance, education services, protection and legal assistance and integrated water and sanitation, and shelter support to ensure vulnerable communities can meet their urgent needs. For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact : NRC global media hotline: media@nrc.no, +47 905 62 329 More on #War and conflict
Country: Philippines Source: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Please refer to the attached file. A. SITUATION ANALYSIS Description of the crisis In late 2025, the Philippines faced a series of overlapping disasters that significantly escalated the humanitarian needs on the ground. A powerful earthquake in Cebu province marked the onset of the humanitarian crisis, followed by Typhoons Tino (Kalmaegi) and Uwan (Fung-wong) in quick succession. The compounding nature of these disasters left a trail of massive destruction across various regions displacing thousands of families, severely disrupting livelihoods, and access to essential services. As a result, the cumulative impacts of these disasters further intensified the vulnerabilities of affected communities, indicating that recovery will be a prolonged process. On 30 September 2025, a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck off the coast of Bogo City in northern Cebu. The shallow depth of the quake resulted in intense ground shaking, leading to the collapse of homes, damage to roads and bridges, and widespread power outages. Several municipalities in the Cebu province, including Daanbantayan, Medellin, San Remigio, Borbon, and parts of Cebu City, were among the hardest hit. Based on Situational report no. 30 issued by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC)2, more than 217,910 families were affected in Cebu Province alone houses either destroyed or partially damaged. Critical infrastructure such as schools, government buildings, health facilities, and transport networks also sustained significant damage, disrupting access to basic services. Many families were forced to seek temporary shelter in evacuation centres, while others remain in unsafe living conditions due to limited housing options. As communities were just beginning to mobilise relief following the aftermath of the earthquake, Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi) entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on 02 November 2025. The storm rapidly intensified and made multiple landfalls across Visayas region and Palawan, brought strong winds, heavy rainfall, flooding, and landslides. Multiple areas in Central Cebu, Mimaropa, the Negros Islands Region, and parts of Caraga experienced severe flooding, further damaging homes, livelihoods, and infrastructure. A total of 1,526,203 families were affected - 263,712 people were displaced, and agricultural lands were inundated, affecting food security and income sources for many households3. Shortly after, Super Typhoon Uwan swept through Luzon and nearby coastal provinces, unleashing destructive winds, torrential rains, and causing storm surges. This resulted in additional destruction in some of the repeatedly affected areas. The typhoon led to widespread flooding in low-lying and coastal areas, damaged hundreds of thousands of houses, and disrupted power, water, transport, and communication services. Pre-emptive evacuations helped reduce casualties, but prolonged displacement and slow restoration of essential services continued to place pressure on affected communities. According to the NDRRMC Sitrep no. 24, STY Uwan affected approximately 2,242,319 families across various regions, while 355,992 individuals remained displaced4. As a result of these compounded disasters, an estimated 13 million people were left in need of humanitarian assistance. The scale of the needs on the grounds remains immense, as affected communities continue to face urgent needs in shelter, water and sanitation, health care, food security, and livelihood recovery. The complexity of this humanitarian crisis underscores the importance of sustained and coordinated assistance to enable families recover safely, rebuild disrupted livelihoods, and strengthen community resilience. For a current overview or 6th month update of the current humanitarian situation, please refer to the needs analysis section. This section highlights the status of affected and displaced populations affected by typhoon and earthquake, alongside evolving needs identified through the PRC’s recent multi-sectoral assessments. These findings ensure that our shelter, livelihood, WASH and other recovery interventions remain targeted and relevant to the priority provinces under this appeal.
Country: occupied Palestinian territory Source: UN Children's Fund Please refer to the attached file. WHEN WATER IS A DAILY STRUGGLE, DISEASE SPREADS FASTER Ahead of summer months: update on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in the Gaza Strip • For 1.1 million children in Gaza, water remains a daily uncertainty. UNICEF and partners continue to sustain emergency WASH services through a combination of trucked water, desalination, wells and limited network supply. Drinking water distributions are reaching up to 1.5 million people, depending on access and operational conditions.1 Despite efforts, most families remain water insecure (82 per cent), and up to 70 per cent are unable to collect the minimum of 6 litres per person per day for drinking and cooking.2 • A critical water-trucking route remains inaccessible: Humanitarian actors have suspended all water-trucking operations at the Al Mansoura filling point since the incident on 17 April, in which two UNICEF-contracted truck drivers were killed. UNICEF and partners are now trucking water from desalination plants at a significant additional cost of about USD 40,000 per day to cover the 2 million litres per day previously collected from Al Mansoura. The filling station is critical for daily access to drinking water of 285,000 people. • Core water systems remain under severe strain due to restrictions on energy, chemicals, spare parts: Seawater desalination output was 20,000 m³/day in March but has since decreased to 16,000 m³/day due to shortages of chemicals and spare parts. Shortages of engine oil, lubricating oil, and other essential consumables also disrupt water production and related services.3 • Solid waste, sanitation and environmental health pressures are alarming: Children and families face deteriorating hygiene conditions, as growing quantities of waste accumulate in and around displacement sites, shelters, and overcrowded communities while disposal sites remain inaccessible. 1 Under normal conditions, waste would be transferred to managed disposal sites, but in the current context disposal capacity is extremely limited, temporary sites are full or nearly full, and access to landfill options remains constrained. Environmental health risks are severe, with rodents and pest infestations threatening further spread of disease.
At the District Development Committee meeting, Shibu Baby John and Bindhu Krishna direct departments to expedite safety and sanitation measures
A court case that most South Africans probably scrolled past this month deserves a lot more attention than it got. On 30 April 2026, the Western Cape High Court ruled that Cape Town’s fixed charges for citywide cleaning, water and sanitation were unlawful and unconstitutional. The South African Property Owners Association (Sapoa) brought the case […]