What we’re watching: Weekly disaster update, August 25

Typhoon Kajiki – Vietnam: Typhoon Kajiki made landfall in Vietnam on Monday, Aug. 25, with winds of up to 82 mph. At least three people were killed across three provinces and 13 others were injured. The storm also damaged close to 7,000 homes and flooded 28,800 hectares of rice fields. Ahead of the storm, schools and public buildings were converted into shelters, at least 585,000 people were ordered to evacuate, and flights were canceled. More than 300,000 military personnel were mobilized on standby for rescue operations.

After moving over Vietnam, the storm moved into Thailand and Laos.

Extreme heat, drought – Iran: For the past month, Iran has ordered all public offices and schools to close every Wednesday to reduce energy and water use amid high temperatures and drought. The relentless heat has caused major blackouts and a severe water shortage.

Most Iranians experience daily cuts in power and water, meaning they cannot run air conditioners or use tap water to cool off in temperatures reaching 122° F. Rising frustration over these hardships has sparked protests, revealing how environmental collapse and infrastructure failures drive public unrest.

When a country experiences political conflict, climate shocks, famine, economic challenges or other conditions, it may suffer a complex humanitarian emergency (CHE). CDP maintains complete profiles on several CHEs. Every week, we highlight these and other CHEs, hoping to build awareness and increase philanthropic response.

The humanitarian situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is among the most severe globally, marked by escalating armed conflict, mass displacement, severe food insecurity, repeated disease outbreaks and critical shortages in aid.

Key facts:

• Armed clashes in North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri have intensified, causing the displacement of over 7.8 million people.
• Non-state armed groups, particularly M23 and AFC, have forcibly seized territory and targeted civilians, resulting in mass casualties.
• Nearly 28 million people—over a quarter of the DRC’s population—face acute food insecurity, with 4 million people experiencing emergency levels (IPC Phase 4).
• The DRC’s health system is near collapse, overburdened by outbreaks of cholera, Ebola, measles, malaria and mpox.
• At least 70% of health facilities in North Kivu are non-functional, having been destroyed or evacuated.
• Conflict-related sexual violence is rampant, with record levels of rape and sexual slavery, especially among women and girls in displacement sites, conflict zones and at the hands of armed groups.
• Child recruitment remains common. Thousands of children (both girls and boys) are forcibly conscripted as fighters, porters, spies, or subjected to sexual abuse and forced marriage.

Humanitarian workers face constant security threats, while evacuation routes and aid delivery have been hindered by fighting and logistical blockages, including the closure of Goma Airport.

Funding shortfalls are critical. The humanitarian plan is severely under-resourced, leaving millions without shelter, water, food and health care. Humanitarian efforts continue, but needs far exceed available resources.