HADR Institute Weekly Update

Welcome to this new edition of the HADR Institute Weekly Update, covering March 11th - 17th 2024.

This update covers analysis on:

1️⃣ Tropical lows and their expected impact on local communities in Australia

2️⃣ Internal displacement due to flooding and landslides in Indonesia,

3️⃣ Human caused hazard exposure in Haiti

We also look at source evaluation and how vital it is for providing credible intelligence, and explore the concept of personal security within the human security framework.

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1. Australia | Tropical lows and their expected impact on local communities

• Date Released: 18 Mar 24 [Correct as at: 16 Mar 24]

• Information Requirements Addressed: Natural Hazards and Exposure.

A tropical low 08U has formed off the Western Australian Coast which may form into a Tropical Cyclone in the coming days. Tropical Cyclone Megan, which was formally known as Tropical Low 09U is now moving across the Gulf of Carpentaria and is expected to reach Category 3 and cross into the Northern Territory.

Destructive winds and rain from Tropical Cyclone Megan, will very likely lead to localised flooding and damage to the areas surrounding the storm system, and is expected to reduce in strength to a Tropical Low at some stage after reaching landfall.

2. Indonesia | Internal displacement due to flooding and landslides

• Date Released: 18 Mar 24 [Correct as at: 16 Mar 24]

• Information Requirements Addressed: Natural Hazard and Exposure | Vulnerable Groups

As of the 14th of March, around 40,000 families and 15,000 children have been affected by the flooding and landslides in the 12 districts/cities in West Sumatra. The current number of casualties is 32 as a result of the flooding and landslides. 5 of the affected regions have declared Emergency Response Status with dozens of schools, bridges, roads and houses damaged.

It is probable that consistent damage to houses and infrastructure will slow down relief efforts, leading to an increase of people being uprooted from their homes and livelihoods.

3. Haiti | Human caused Hazard Exposure  

• Date Released: 18 Mar 24 [Correct as at: 14 Mar 24]

• Information Requirements Addressed: Human Caused Hazard Exposure | Vulnerable Groups

On 3 March, Haiti declared a state of emergency (SOE), following gang violence, political and civil unrest. The SOE is on-going in the capital, Port-au-Prince, amidst extreme violence and major prison breaks. Reports indicate authorities are unable to contain the situation across the country.

Severe political instability is likely to allow for gang violence to continue to grow and for vulnerable groups to become more affected. Given the current state of Haiti, displacement is likely to worsen.

💻 Intelligence Essentials: Source Evaluation

In the dynamic world of humanitarian and disaster response, discerning reliable information is crucial.

The below infographic offers some key principles to help combat misinformation and guide decisions by evaluating the reliability of the source of information. Reliable information is essential to credible intelligence reporting and effective response.

If your organisation could benefit from developing these capabilities, or augmenting existing capabilities, contact [email protected]. We work with non-profits, government agencies and international development organisations.

To learn more about our intelligence essentials course, follow the link below:

💡Quick Lesson: Personal Security

In a world where humanitarian and development challenges are increasingly complex, understanding Human Security offers a fresh perspective by focusing on individuals rather than nations.

Let's delve into one critical layer of Human Security: Personal Security.

Personal Security is about safeguarding individuals from physical violence and harm in all its forms. It encompasses protection from state-imposed harm, war, ethnic tensions, street violence, gender-based violence, and the vulnerabilities faced by children, along with addressing self-harm issues like suicide and substance abuse.

This holistic approach reminds us that true security extends beyond borders and armies, reaching into the very lives of people, ensuring their safety and dignity against a multitude of threats. As professionals, it's crucial to integrate this understanding into our strategies and policies, recognizing that at the heart of all our efforts are individuals whose well-being is the ultimate benchmark of security and progress.

If you are a non-profit, international development organisation or an agency tackling complex problems and need more analytical or research capacity, get in touch to find out how we can enhance your operations:

👩‍🚒 How HADRI can help you/your organization

The HADR Institute has a broad number of contributors, with over 40 active members of diverse backgrounds and expertise. We can provide a range of services and analyses to on-the-ground organizations, NGOs and governments.

Access and read our capability statement here.

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