People experiencing the same disaster can be impacted in very different ways. Plan International’s AHP response to Typhoons Bualoi and Matmo in northern Viet Nam show how localise and targeted responses can meet different needs in neighbouring communities.

In Fiji, Oxfam’s Disaster READY partner is strengthening women’s role in preparedness through integrated training in community-based disaster risk management.

In PNG, CARE International has used AHP Anticipatory Action initiatives as a way to protect communities, by bringing together weather forecasts and locally agreed trigger points to activate preparedness measures before the worst impacts occur.

In Solomon Islands, Oxfam’s Disaster READY partner, WARA has helped women to combine traditional knowledge, community-based disaster risk management, and financial preparedness, to help mitigate the impacts of disasters and climate change on their communities.

In PNG, AHP has enabled rapid support to be mobilised through trusted local networks, helping ensure assistance is delivered quickly, safely and in line with community priorities. Plan International has been responding in coordination with the Autonomous Bougainville Government, through their established Emergency Command Centres in North, Central and South Bougainville, local leaders, community representatives, the Australian Government, and other humanitarian actors.

“Never before had the water risen so quickly. We couldn’t keep up. Watching everything get ruined was heartbreaking.” With support from the Australian Government, Save the Children helped families move on from last year’s floods in Vietnam with cash and voucher assistance.

As climate change brings increasingly unpredictable weather patterns to Timor-Leste, communities like Fatudere are taking their safety into their own hands. With continued support from the Disaster READY via CARE and the local government, they stand ready to face whatever challenges come their way.

Through the Australian Humanitarian Partnership and World Vision, resilience-building and climate change adaptation programs have supported Mr Hamilton’s community to adapt and protect vital natural ecosystems.

With support from the AHP El-Nino response fund, provided by the Australian Government to impacted communities, coastal regions in PNG’s Central Province now have ongoing access to clean water.

When Laila began working on infrastructure-related activities in her camp, such as the construction and repair of slope stabilisers, pathways, and stairs, she gained new skills and confidence, and was better able to meet her family’s basic needs.

Disaster READY training helped Guilermina and friends transform some abandoned land into productive gardens. By mastering soil management and irrigation, these farmers aren't just growing vegetables—they’re growing economic security in the heart of Bobonaro.

Toha built his skills and confidence through AHP-supported programs for Rohingya adolescents in his camp in Cox’s Bazar. Now he is a teacher at an AHP-supported learning centre, encouraging and educating children to access their rights.

Samir’s family were worried when a Save the Children Rohingya teaching volunteer teacher suggested their son with Down syndrome come to the local learning centre. But inclusive education approaches have built Samir’s confidence and skills.

“My favourite part about all this is learning about management. I learned how to manage money, how to build a house, how to mix and cook a cement block, and I’m just so grateful for this life-changing workshop.” Read how women like Lenny are learning new skills and protecting their families from disasters in Vanuatu.

In the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, PNG, Junior has gone from a participant of Disaster Risk Reduction training to a workshop facilitator, supporting youth with skills and knowledge on food processing.

After a series of hard knocks to her family’s financial stability, training in handicrafts through the AHP response in Bangladesh has supported Kulsuma to turn things around, while injecting beauty and colour into her community.

“If we had undergone Disaster preparedness training before Winston, we would not have panicked and lost lives.” Head of the Women’s Group for Mualevu District, Maraia is thankful for opportunities and knowledge that she is now determine to pass down through the generations.

After surviving drought and family violence, Elizabeth decided to restart her farm and plant nutritious vegetables after accessing training and farm tools through the AHP response in Kenya. Now she has an income, more knowledge and feels secure.

In Timor-Leste, early warning systems need to be informed by local knowledge to ensure they are fit for purpose and as effective in mitigating the impact of disasters.

Margareta Arasio is a champion of good sanitation practices and hygiene in her community: and she is passionate about it. After learning about community-led total sanitation through the AHP response in Kenya, and seeing the difference it has made to child health, she is encouraging other villages to get on board.