Between January 31 and February 10, tropical cyclones Fytia and Gezani hit the island nation, causing significant destruction. WFP assessments show that 1.57 million people in Madagascar are food insecure, with 84,000 facing emergency conditions; this could rise to 1.8 million soon. “Families are telling us they have lost everything. Many are sheltering in damaged homes or temporary sites, uncertain about how they will access their next meal,” the agency said. WFP faces an $18.3 million funding gap for its emergency operations over the next six months. Planned assistance during the lean season has been cut to 10 percent of originally targeted beneficiaries, leaving over half a million people without aid at a critical time. “This is not just an emergency response moment; we will need sustained support over the coming months to help people recover, rebuild, and strengthen their resilience against further shocks,” the agency added.
Crises deepen humanitarian needs in Colombia
The UN, along with partners and the Government of Colombia, launched the 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan to tackle the country’s complex challenges, including armed conflict, climate-related disasters, and migration pressures. Nearly seven million people, or one in eight Colombians, will require assistance this year. Conflict involving non-state armed groups in 60% of municipalities, mainly in rural areas, has caused forced displacement, confinement, and movement restrictions. Attacks against civilians increased by 58% last year, with grave violations affecting children, including recruitment, sexual violence, and attacks on schools and teachers. Indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities, particularly children in rural areas, have been disproportionately affected. Climate-related emergencies have worsened the crisis, with recent floods in Córdoba affecting over 150,000 people. The 2026 plan seeks $287 million to help 1.2 million people. In 2025, only 24% of requested funding was received.
Using AI to predict climate-driven displacement in Africa
Millions globally face the dual impacts of climate change and forced displacement. With global temperatures expected to rise over 2°C above pre-industrial levels by century’s end, livelihoods are at risk, potentially driving more migration. Sudden disasters like floods and storms cause immediate displacement, while slow-onset events – drought, rising temperatures, and sea-level rise – contribute to long-term migration, especially in vulnerable societies. To anticipate these movements better, UNHCR has developed a machine-learning model focusing on East, Central, and West Africa. The model analyzes refugee and asylum-seeker data to predict cross-border displacement linked to gradual climate impacts. Internally displaced populations weren’t included due to data limitations. UNHCR said the initiative underscores the need for proactive strategies to address the intersection of climate change and forced migration.
Fuel shortages in Cuba strain essential services
Recovery efforts in Cuba after Hurricane Melissa last year have been complicated by fuel shortages, worsening energy constraints, and disrupting water delivery, healthcare, and other vital services across the island. “The Secretary-General has been following the situation in Cuba closely, and I can tell you he’s very concerned about the worsening situation in Cuba, with unmet oil needs,” UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said during a news briefing in New York. “The General Assembly has consistently called for an end to the United States’ embargo on Cuba. The Secretary-General urges all parties to pursue dialogue and respect international law again.” UN teams are working with the Government to support humanitarian relief for the people of Cuba, Mr. Dujarric added.
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