The IRC activated anticipatory action fund in Guatemala to prepare vulnerable communities for impacts of heavy rains

Guatemala City, Guatemala, July 22, 2024 - The International Rescue Committee (IRC)activated its Anticipatory Action Fund (AAF) in response to severe weather predictions in San Marcos, Guatemala. Already reeling from climate shocks, the southern region of Guatemala received ~250mm (nearly 10 inches) of rainfall in just over three days in mid-June, far surpassing the ~150mm (nearly 6 inches) rainfall that led to severe flooding four years ago in 2020. Flood risks were extremely high, with 14,400 people affected.

During the last year, Central American countries have been struck by the impacts of El Niño, from erratic weather patterns disrupting agriculture to intense storms causing devastating floods. Many of these communities experience protracted economic instability, and many families are already experiencing food insecurity and hunger. They bear the brunt of more intense and more frequent climate shocks and are ill-equipped to cope with the fallout of weather extremes.

The AAF was established to enable agile and preemptive responses to climate emergencies, and aims to protect vulnerable communities before disaster strikes. This innovative fund shifts away from traditional approaches that often fail to trigger timely actions due to rigid frameworks and inflexible financing. By "following the forecasts," this fund ensures that communities receive timely, tailored support that mitigates the impacts of extreme weather. The initiative is designed not only to address immediate needs but also to gather evidence and insights to advocate for more flexible, sustained funding from institutional donors.

Meg Galas, the IRC's country director in Northern Central America:

"Climate change, along with protracted violence and economic instability, are worsening the humanitarian needs for millions of Central Americans. The IRC's Anticipatory Action Funds ensure that families directly affected by the flooding were able to prepare in advance. Families decide how they will use the cash assistance - such as finding safe shelter, or purchasing materials for their roofs. The AAF teams identified the families most at-risk from flooding and with the greatest need for assistance. While this fund doesn't solve the climate crisis, IRC's AAF allows families to stay safer. Millions of people in Guatemala and all of Northern Central America need humanitarian aid today to survive and recover from the crises - we need to find long-term solutions that allow them to rebuild their lives.

"Climate shocks, combined with conflict and poverty, upend people's lives and livelihood. Climate change is already impacting the lives of vulnerable populations throughout Central America, and these storms are a stark reminder of the need for immediate, comprehensive cooperation to build resilience and support adaptation, including early warning systems and anticipatory action, for the communities on the frontlines of climate change."