n August 2023, the
Ecuadorian Red Cross activated its Early Action Plan on extreme rains in Ecuador, according to the forecasts issued by the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (INAMHI).
During the initial three-months activation phase, humanitarian aid kits were pre-positioned in strategically located warehouses.
This time was also used to share key messages about the hazard with at-risk communities.
Volunteers and technical staff from the provincial boards of the Ecuadorian coast participated in trainings for behavioral change in hygiene and the improvement of water and sanitation services.
The Participatory Hygiene
and Sanitation Transformation (PHAST) methodology was used. Between November and December, the second (one-month) trigger was reached.
With it, the Ecuadorian Red Cross teams conducted water quality analysis and trainings of community brigades.
The preparation of Cash Transfer activities began, including a market analysis, and the definition of the delivery mechanism as well as relevant communities' trainings.
O
Around 1,300 Ecuadorian families led anticipatory actions on the impacts of extreme rains
Among the potential impacts of the rains, priority is given to health effects and damage and loss of livelihoods.
- Sabina OrtÃz, Risk Reduction Specialist, Ecuadorian Red Cross