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SUMMARY OF THE EARLY ACTION PROTOCOL
The IFRC Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) has allocated CHF 460,521 for the implementation of anticipatory actions to reduce and mitigate the impact of the Dispersion and Fall of Volcanic Ash in Ecuador. This allocation is divided into: CHF CHF 296,404 for annual readiness activities and prepositioning supplies, and CHF 164,117 for early actions that will be implemented only if the triggers established are met. The early actions to be conducted have been pre-agreed with the National Society and are described in the Early Action Protocol summary.
This report summarizes the annual readiness and prepositioning activities implemented in year 1 covering the period: 09/10/2023 to 31/12/2024. The report also includes any changes or updates done to the initially agreed plan.
Summary
During the first year of implementation of the Volcanic Ash EAP, the Ecuadorian Red Cross, in close coordination with the IFRC, successfully prepositioned essential items in strategic warehouses located at the National Headquarters and in Zone 1 (Esmeraldas, Carchi, Imbabura y Sucumbíos). This included the prepositioning of 2,070 tarpaulins and 2,000 toolkits for livelihoods protection, along with 878 toolkits for the protection of water sources, and 4,170 10-liter jerrycans to guarantee access to safe water at the household level.
In response to the flooding and oil spill emergencies that occurred between February and April 2024, a portion of these prepositioned supplies was deployed to coastal provinces, enabling a swift and effective humanitarian response. In total, 2,000 tarpaulins, 1,540 toolkits, and 4,170 jerrycans were distributed to affected communities. Replenishment of these items is currently underway through the Emergency Appeal (MDREC027: Ecuador – Floods).
Institutional capacities were further strengthened through the National Meeting of Provincial Risk Management Coordinators held in January 2025, which served as a key platform to disseminate the EAP, outline its scope and proposed actions, and foster coordination with national and local stakeholders.
Despite these achievements, the implementation schedule required adjustments due to multiple overlapping emergencies, including severe and seasonal flooding and drought-induced water shortages, that affected several regions of the country.