Weekly
highlights
Every week, we publish new highlights on recent humanitarian developments to enable crisis responders to prioritise based on the needs of affected populations.
12/03/2025
Syria
Between 7–10 March 2025, clashes erupted between forces of the Syrian caretaker government and supporters of the previous regime of Bashar Al Assad in Northwest Syria. The violence killed an estimated 1,000 people in the affected areas of Latakkie and Tartous governorates and displaced at least 45,000, who need shelter, food, medical aid, and protection. Insecurity restricts humanitarian access to the conflict area as aid workers fear abduction and physical threats. The fighting damaged six hospitals, several ambulances, and power lines. Many people have crossed to Akkar and Tripoli governorates in Lebanon, including at least 10,000 to Akkar. They take informal routes, as Israeli air strikes damaged the official border crossing during the escalation with Hezbollah in 2024. Issues include a lack of formal registration among new arrivals, a lack of organised aid, and heavy reliance on individual initiatives to provide aid for the new arrivals. (UN 10/03/2025, Sari Global 10/03/2025, TNA 09/03/3035)
11/03/2025
Peru
Since the end of January 2025, Peru has been experiencing landslides and river overflow from heavy rain, causing widespread destruction. By 10 March, the regions most affected included Huancavelica, Ica, Puno, and Tumbes. The impact has killed at least seven people and damaged or destroyed more than 27,000 houses. Until 7 March, heavy rainfall, landslides, and floods affected around 128,000 individuals, including over 38,000 children. This figure is likely to rise given a forecast of continued rain until April. In Tumbes region alone, severe weather has damaged or destroyed 21 health centres, 18 schools, 167km of roads, and 15,000 hectares of crops. Road destruction or damage significantly disrupts transportation and communication, while the destruction of crops increases the risk of food insecurity for those whose livelihoods depend on agriculture. The people affected require assistance with shelter, food, education, and healthcare. (OCHA 07/03/2025, ERCC accessed 11/03/2025, Plan International 06/03/2025)
11/03/2025
Mozambique
On 10 March 2025, Tropical Cyclone Jude made landfall in Mossuril district, Nampula province, with strong winds and heavy rainfall. It caused widespread destruction, leaving many people homeless, without power, and with limited access to services given damaged infrastructure. Preliminary assessments are underway. Approximately 780,000 people are at risk from the strong winds and heavy rains expected from the cyclone, particularly in Nampula and Zambezia. The current rainy season and cyclone season may lead to a rise in cholera cases in these two provinces. Jude is the third cyclone to hit Mozambique since December 2024, adding to the complexities of the humanitarian response in the affected regions. The impact of the two cyclones is placing a significant strain on response efforts, aggravated by conflict, political tensions, and a decline in humanitarian funding. Those affected by the cyclone will likely require shelter, food and NFIs, health services, and protection. (OCHA 10/03/2025, MISAU 11/03/2025, AimNews 11/03/2025)