Strengthening FbF Readiness and Disaster Preparedness in Honduras
Since 2019 the Honduran Red Cross Society has been developing protocols for tropical storms and droughts, and it will begin a protocol for crisis-induced internal displacement in the future. To promote institutional preparedness for the development of early actions in the country, the FbF Readiness project was officially launched on October 2020. The regional FbF program (GRC, RCCC, IFRC) also provides support for developing the anticipatory action in Honduras.
Project objective
The project seeks to provide extensive support to the Honduran Red Cross in further developing the Preparedness and Response system (procedures, structures, coordination and capacities) in order to ensure that – once a trigger does occur – the NS can implement early actions in the short window between a forecast and the event. The project also supports building alliances for action, developing EAPs, and linking local lessons learned to global learning and exchange.
Key facts
Start/end date
May 2020 – December 2022
Hazards covered
Drought | Population movement | Tropical storms
Regions covered
Tropical storms: national
Droughts: dry corridor
Crisis-induced displacement: national
Early action sectors
Health | Shelter | Livelihoods – livestock and agriculture | WaSH | Disaster Relief Response | Capacity Strengthening
Anticipatory action protocols/plans in place
Activations
Population reached during activation
Up to 3,500 families
Key actors/implementing partners
The Honduran Red Cross Society, with support from the German Red Cross and the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre works closely with COPECO (National Permanent Contingency Comission) and its meteorological institute- CENAOS (National Center of Atmospheric, Oceanographic and Sysmic Studies), and other strategic institutions from the National Risk Management and Emergencies System (SINAGER).
Project impressions
A family rescued during hurricane Eta © Honduran Red Cross
Honduran Red Cross assists a woman affected by hurricane Eta © Honduran Red Cross
Honduran Red Cross assists families affected by hurricane Eta © Honduran Red Cross
Honduran Red Cross rescues families affected by hurricane Eta © Honduran Red Cross
Honduran Red Cross Volunteers and staff waiting for evacuees from hurricane Eta © Honduran Red Cross
A family rescued during hurricane Eta © Honduran Red Cross
Honduran Red Cross assists a woman affected by hurricane Eta © Honduran Red Cross
Honduran Red Cross assists families affected by hurricane Eta © Honduran Red Cross
Honduran Red Cross rescues families affected by hurricane Eta © Honduran Red Cross
Honduran Red Cross Volunteers and staff waiting for evacuees from hurricane Eta © Honduran Red Cross
Anticipation in practice: Project description
Tropical storms, droughts, and internal displacement associated with violence, socio-political instability, and disasters cause significant impact in Honduras. Tropical storms lead to flooding and landslides, damaging infrastructure and causing people to lose their homes, livelihoods (including crops and livestock), and lives. Droughts are a silent hazard that gradually destroys affected regions, causing health issues as well as the loss of crops and livestock. Internal displacement disrupts people’s lives and livelihoods, leaving them particularly vulnerable. The protocols being developed will provide aid to up to 3,500 families each. Early actions that are being considered include the following:
- Community awareness and training
- Distribution of health, WaSH and livelihood kits according to the impact
- Cash transfers to help families cover their basic needs in the face of evacuation or flood-related losses.
The National society also receives support for FbF from the Regional FbF program for the Americas and the Caribbean.
Outcomes and lessons learnt
As support for FbF has just begun, outcomes and lessons are still to be determined.
Before is better, less exposition, less risk, better safety for the staff and resources; that´s what anticipation looks like for me.
Further information
Contact
Carlos Colindres
Manager of the Disaster Risk Management Unit at the Honduran Red Cross
carlos.colindres@cruzroja.org.hn
Cruz Roja Hondureña
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