2019: a year in review

In 2019, the Humanitarian Coalition responded to 13 humanitarian emergencies around the world through the work of its members and the support of donors and the Government of Canada.

Twelve disaster responses were carried out by our members with support from the Canadian Humanitarian Assistance Fund (CHAF). The response to the massive humanitarian need following the passage of Cyclone Idai in southern Africa was supported by both a major emergency fundraising appeal, a matching fund from the Government of Canada, and CHAF funding.

Tornado - Havana, Cuba
In January, a powerful tornado ripped through Havana, Cuba, damaging infrastructure including electricity, water and sanitation. Oxfam Canada reached 4,000 people, improving the basic living, hygienic and sanitary conditions of those most affected.

Flooding – Afghanistan
Afghanistan faced devastation following several floods throughout the month of March, which affected more than 250,000 people. Oxfam Canada helped 7,350 people by improving access to clean drinking water and water for irrigation, as well as providing safe and dignified shelters.

Cyclone Idai - Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe
Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe were struck by Cyclone Idai in March 2019, causing unprecedented destruction. An estimated 3.0 million people were in urgent need of food, water, sanitation and shelter. The Humanitarian Coalition launched a joint fundraising appeal with a Government of Canada matching fund, along with additional CHAF funding, and raised a total of $7.1 million from all sources. Our member agencies acted rapidly to provide life-saving assistance to more than 300,000 people.

Cyclone Kenneth - Mozambique
Tropical Cyclone Kenneth struck Mozambique in April 2019, causing flash flooding and leaving thousands of people homeless. Save the Children helped 70,328 people by responding to the most urgent needs including shelter, water, hygiene and sanitation.

Cyclone Fani – India
In May, Cyclone Fani affected more than 15 million people in Odisha, India. Islamic Relief Canada provided humanitarian assistance to 13,983 people through shelter, and water and sanitation support, as well as cash-for-work.

Flooding – Bangladesh
Heavy monsoon rains brought flooding to many regions of Bangladesh in July 2019. Islamic Relief Canada helped 10,800 people through multi-purpose cash grants and water and sanitation projects.

Flooding – Mali
Heavy rains in August and September brought widespread flooding to Mali. In order to support families, Islamic Relief Canada helped 7,260 people meet their own basic needs and start to rebuild their lives.

Flooding – Sudan
Flash flooding and heavy rains from mid-August to September affected 346,300 people across Sudan. Save the Children Canada helped 16,012 people by improving access to shelter, household items and water and sanitation.

Forest fires – Bolivia
Forest fires displaced thousands of families in Bolivia in September, affecting their health and livelihoods. Save the Children helped 4,980 people, providing water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), protection and livelihoods.

Earthquake – Pakistan
A 5.8 magnitude earthquake in September caused extensive damage to homes and infrastructure in Pakistan. Islamic Relief Canada helped 13,100 people by providing clean water, winterized shelter kits, and centres for women and children.

Earthquake – Philippines
Three strong earthquakes in October caused widespread infrastructure damage in North Cotabato, Philippines. Plan International Canada helped 15,000 people through cash assistance, hygiene supplies and hygiene awareness.

Flooding – Ghana
Heavy rains in October resulted in extensive damage to farmlands and homes across the Upper East Region of Ghana. CARE Canada helped 16,188 people with immediate basic needs, and distributed hygiene and dignity kits.

Typhoon Kammuri – Philippines
Typhoon Kammuri caused a storm surge, flooding and landslides that damaged and destroyed homes in several provinces of the Philippines in December. CARE Canada helped 7,750 people with their shelter, water and hygiene needs.