Hurricane Eta: Switzerland provides emergency aid

Central America was hit hard by hurricane Eta. Switzerland is providing CHF 700,000 in emergency aid to help people in Nicaragua, Honduras and Guatemala.

12.11.2020

Inhabitants crossing an avenue flooded by heavy rains following the passage of hurricane Eta

Tropical storm Eta swept through several Central American countries, causing flooding and damage in its path. © Keystone

A powerful force 4 hurricane gradually hit several Central American countries as of Tuesday 3 November. Eta, as it is called, brought torrential rains and strong winds causing countless floods and landslides. Nicaragua, Honduras and Guatemala, countries in which the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) is active, are particularly affected. In total, more than 1.8 million people are affected by this disaster.

In response to an appeal for funds amounting to CHF 20 million launched by the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent on 8 November, Switzerland has pledged CHF 700,000. This sum is allocated by the SDC's Humanitarian Aid department. The international organisation's aid aims to support the Honduran, Nicaraguan and Guatemalan Red Cross in providing emergency assistance and to support the population, focusing on livelihoods and basic needs: shelter, water, health, sanitation and hygiene.

Swiss development cooperation has been present in Central America since 1978. The SDC has been working for several years in Nicaragua, Honduras and Guatemala. It has a regional office in Managua which runs projects in the field of disaster risk reduction. Current activities can be adapted to meet the needs generated by this disaster.

Links

Humanitarian aid Foreign policy Development and Cooperation

Back to the news overview

Despite difficulties, Swiss aid crosses border to Eastern Ukraine

Swiss humanitarian assistance is being delivered across the border to Eastern Ukraine for the twelfth time, despite the war and additional challenges related to COVID-19. Everything is in short supply there. Dietrich Dreyer, programme officer at the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation SDC, explains why delivery of this humanitarian aid is even more difficult and urgent than normal due to the coronavirus crisis.

People are working on the construction of stone structures to dam up the water.

Humanitarian aid 13.10.2020

Haiti: a storm, floods and lifesaving preventive action

Haiti is highly vulnerable to extreme climatic events. When Tropical Storm Laura struck the country last August, it caused considerable damage and loss of life. In Jacmel, in the south-east of the country, the SDC is carrying out a project to reduce the risks associated with such events. The work has helped protect a school as well as an entire neighbourhood. We spoke to an expert at the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA) who worked on the project.

COVID-19 10.12.2021

International cooperation: the FDFA is mitigating the impact of COVID-19 around the world

The consequences of the coronavirus pandemic are particularly severe in developing countries. The FDFA has taken immediate action to mitigate the economic and health effects of the crisis there. It is providing emergency humanitarian aid, supporting international action, and focusing on the management of COVID-19 in ongoing bilateral and global development programs. Furthermore, Switzerland also provides assistance in the area of peace policy.