Supporting London’s communities after emergencies outside of the capital

November 6, 2025

Emergencies
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When emergencies occur outside of London, whether across the UK or internationally, many Londoners want to know how they can help or where to find support. Drawing on past experience, the London Communities Emergencies Partnership (LCEP) has created this guide to help you support your communities, access the resources you need, and ensure your generosity has the greatest impact.

A wide range of resources are available to assist in different types of emergencies. Please visit our resource page for guidance on areas such as mental health, community cohesion and safety, and emergency response support.

See support and resources here

For each disaster listed below, you’ll find links to trusted organisations and funds that you and your community can use to direct your support effectively.

Recent international disasters 

What happened:

On 5 September 2026, hundreds of protesters in Dover blocked access roads to the port in opposition to small boat arrivals; and thenext day, around 200 anti-migrant protesters in Portsmouth attempted to block coaches transporting approximately 120 migrants who had been brought ashore after being rescued in the English Channel. Following the protests, police investigated reports of disorder and harassment, while the RNLI reported abuse and intimidation of volunteers involved in the rescue operation and temporarily suspended services at its Portsmouth lifeboat station to review staff safety and wellbeing.

What we’re doing:

Messages of solidarity with migrants, organisations supporting them, and the RNLI have been highest priority. Also we are checking with targeted groups to ask about their concerns and requests, knowing that targeted acts towards one group cause feelings of fear in other targeted, marginalised groups. Also we have been sharing resources listed below. 

Our EP Co-Chair, Robyn Knox, posted: 

“We are deeply saddened by the events linked to the protests in Portsmouth and Dover. Our thoughts are with everyone directly impacted, the wider communities affected, and our partner, the RNLI, whose crews and volunteers have faced online abuse for their efforts to save lives. If you have useful resources, guidance or information that could support communities or partners, please do share them with us at info@lcep.london”.

Resources:

What happened

On 26th August 2026, a massive glacial collapse caused catastrophic flash floods in the Himalayan border region of Nepal and Tibet. The collapse registered a magnitude of 5.2 earthquake. Floods down the river valley wiped out communities completely, and as of 2nd September 2026, More than 5,000 people are reported missing and over 1,000 fatalities confirmed. 

‘Researchers in Kathmandu found earlier this year that glaciers across the Hindu Kush Himalaya region were melting faster, with ice loss rates doubling since 2000.’ Experts say the lives of millions are at risk in coming years due to similar events.

What we’re doing

Our LBFN, Equalities Partnership, London Resilience and Emergency Response colleagues are checking with partners among our Hindu, Nepalese and Tibetan communities to understand what support is needed among our London diaspora communities and British nationals who are missing loved ones. We are considering increased collaboration with our Mental Health partners for future international disasters like these. 

Resources

  • Mental health resources in emergencies
  • British Red Cross have an international family tracing service that can help find missing family here
  • Nepalese Hindu Forum UK, has launched an emergency appeal where 100% of donations go towards the relief mission, you can donate here
  • Tewa, Nepal’s women’s fund, has an emergency fund to quickly disburse flexible funding to local, women-led groups on the ground, you can donate here

What happened?

On 10 August 2026, a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia, with its epicentre near San José del Palmar in Chocó, killing over 200 people*. London is home to an estimated 4,000+ of the Colombian community. 

*as of 11th August 

 

Resources and Actions 

If you know anyone with family or friends in Colombia who are looking for mental health support, use our Mental Health Support resources.

If you would like to donate, use these official, verified organisations already responding to the emergency:

Teams are deployed in affected areas. Donations support emergency healthcare, safe drinking water, rescue operations, food, emergency kits, psychosocial care and family reunification.

Teams are deployed in Colombia supporting search-and-rescue crews and displaced families with equipment, protective gear and emergency supplies.

A dedicated earthquake campaign mobilising resources for affected Colombian families and communities and their recovery.

What happened?

On the evening of 25 July 2026, during Berlin’s Christopher Street Day Pride celebrations, a man drove a vehicle into pedestrians in central Berlin, near the conclusion of one of Europe’s largest LGBTQ+ Pride events. The vehicle struck multiple people before crashing into a tree. A 65-year-old woman was killed, and 29 people were injured.

We are deeply saddened by this attack on an open and free society and forcefully condemn such acts of hate. Our thoughts are with the families, friends, and communities affected.

Hateful attacks like these, no matter where they are, trigger worries among all minorities who experience targeted hate, especially a concern for safety. We have asked our colleagues at Protection Approaches, through the Equalities Partnership, what their partners in the LGBTQIA+ communities need us to know, and what we can do. They rightfully pointed at event and venue security, as well as mental health.

Communities are increasingly worried about the safety of gatherings and the visibility of their venues in relation to attacks, vandalism. We are talking with the London Resilience Unit (LRU) and Equalities Partnership, among other partners, about exploring what protection and guidance is available, either through statutory colleagues in the London Resilience partnership, and/or through safety training. 

Equalities partners also reported a very high demand for mental health support related to the attacks as well as adverse legal changes impacting their rights. Groups said they are struggling to meet the increased demand. We are discussing Mental Health First Aid training opportunities with Protection Approaches, London Resilience Unit and our network.

 

Useful resources for London’s communities:

In late July 2026, several major wildfires began in southern Europe, with the most severe fires occurring in France and Spain following multiple heatwaves that have seen temperatures above 40C. As of 25th July, wildfires burned nearly 104,000 acres in France. By 28th July, the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS) estimates 360,000 people in France and Spain forced to leave their homes. 

We reminded partners that the Natural Hazards Partnership elevated the wildfire warning to a Severe Wildfire Risk late July due to very below average precipitation in June and zero in July. In the last weekend of July, the LFB attended to 1300 incidents during the hot spell. 

 

Useful resources for London’s communities: 

 

On 24th June 2026, two powerful earthquakes (M7.2 and M7.5) struck north‑central Venezuela, killing at least 1500 people, injuring over 4,000, and leaving thousands missing as rescue operations continue. 

The impact is nationwide: entire neighbourhoods in Caracas and the coastal state of La Guaira have been reduced to rubble, hundreds of buildings collapsed, and major infrastructure, including the main international airport, was damaged or shut down. 

Overall, millions were exposed to strong shaking (including ~590,000 in severe zones), prompting a state of emergency and a large international humanitarian response amid what could become one of Venezuela’s worst crises in decades. 

  • The Coalition of Latin Americans in the UK have a useful directory of organisations who support Latin Americans in the UK: Members – CLAUK
  • Voces Amigas de Esperanza (VOADES) have a helpline for Latin Americans/Spanish- and Portuguese-speakers, their details are as follows:

 

Terremoto en Venezuela, junio 2026

El 24 de junio de 2026, dos potentes terremotos (de magnitudes 7,2 y 7,5) sacudieron la región centro-norte de Venezuela, causando la muerte de al menos 1.500 personas, más de 4.000 heridos y miles de desaparecidos. Las labores de rescate continúan.

El impacto ha sido de alcance nacional: barrios enteros de Caracas y del estado costero de La Guaira han quedado reducidos a escombros, cientos de edificios se han derrumbado y diversas infraestructuras clave- incluido el principal aeropuerto internacional- han sufrido graves daños o han quedado fuera de servicio.

En total, millones de personas se han visto expuestas a fuertes sacudidas (incluidas unas 590.000 en zonas de intensidad severa). Se ha declarado el estado de emergencia y se ha desplegado una amplia respuesta humanitaria internacional ante lo que podría convertirse en una de las peores crisis de Venezuela en las últimas décadas.

  • La Coalición de Latinoamericanos en el Reino Unido cuenta con un directorio útil de organizaciones que apoyan a los latinoamericanos en el Reino Unido: Miembros – CLAUK: Members – CLAUK
  • Voces Amigas de Esperanza (VOADES Voades United Kingdom) cuenta con una línea de ayuda para latinoamericanos/hablantes de español y portugués. Sus datos son los siguientes:

Para obtener apoyo general, visite nuestra página que proporciona información sobre áreas como salud mental, cohesión y seguridad comunitaria, y apoyo en emergencias: LCEP: Resource Hub – London Plus

Cases of invasive meningococcal disease (meningitis) have been notified in Kent, including two casualties. Meningitis is a serious condition where the protective layers (meninges) around the brain and spinal cord become inflamed.

Children and young adults are particularly at risk, settings such as universities can cause the disease to spread quickly. Antibiotic treatment is being rolled out to control the outbreak, and a targeted vaccination programme is also being introduced for longer term protection.

For more information on the disease and how to prevent it, please see the resources below. 

Resources

What’s happened: 

Widespread attacks across the Middle East this week have caused severe destruction, with explosions reported for days in Iran, Israel, and several neighbouring countries, including Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. The confirmed death toll includes at least 700 people, along with extensive damage to buildings, infrastructure, and civilian areas across the region.

What are we doing about it:

With the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, we know that Londoners will be deeply impacted, especially those who are concerned about friends and family. At LCEP we are maintaining monitoring, sharing intel, and supporting partners to stay coordinated. 

Resources to support you and your community:

  • British Red Cross are sharing updates of their response, including links to useful websites such as travel advice here.
  • Guidance and statement for charities on the evolving situation from the Charity Commission here
  • We also have a list of mental health resources available to Londoners here.

If you’re hearing concerns from your community, please let us know, especially around safety, reactions, and any resources we can help signpost or raise with statutory colleagues: info@lcep.london

In January 2026, U.S. targeted attacks on Venezuela caused over 40 fatalities and ended with the Venezuelan President’s capture. These events have heightened political uncertainty, halted function of their local supply chains, and impacted many groups, including Venezuela’s civilians locally and their communities worldwide. 

LCEP supports our Latin American communities affected by this event. We are working with the GLA, London Boroughs Faiths Network and Protection Approaches to ensure consistent support across Latin American groups in London. As our partners share updated guidance, we will continue to post specific resources and information here to keep you informed.

 

En enero de 2026, los ataques selectivos de Estados Unidos contra Venezuela causaron más de 40 muertes y culminaron con la captura del presidente venezolano. Estos eventos han aumentado la incertidumbre política, interrumpido el funcionamiento de las cadenas de suministro locales y afectado a numerosos grupos, incluyendo a la población civil venezolana local y a sus comunidades en  el mundo.

La Asociación de Emergencias de las Comunidades de Londres (LCEP por sus siglas en inglés) apoya a nuestras comunidades latinoamericanas afectadas por este evento. Trabajamos con el ayuntamiento  de Londres (GLA por sus siglas en inglés), London Boroughs Faiths Network (la Red de Fe de los Distritos de Londres) y Protection Approaches para garantizar un apoyo constante a los grupos latinoamericanos en Londres. A medida que nuestros colaboradores compartan más información s, los publicaremos en esta página. 

  • La Coalición de Latinoamericanos en el Reino Unido cuenta con un directorio útil de organizaciones que apoyan a los latinoamericanos en el Reino Unido: Miembros – CLAUK: Members – CLAUK
  • Voces Amigas de Esperanza (VOADES Voades United Kingdom) cuenta con una línea de ayuda para latinoamericanos/hablantes de español y portugués. Sus datos son los siguientes:

Para obtener apoyo general, visite nuestra página que proporciona información sobre áreas como salud mental, cohesión y seguridad comunitaria, y apoyo en emergencias: LCEP: Resource Hub – London Plus

We are deeply saddened by the tragic news that sixteen people have lost their lives following a terrorist attack during a Jewish Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach in Sydney, on 14th December. 

 Our thoughts are with the families, friends, and communities affected. At a time meant for joy and light, this devastating act of violence is felt across the world. 

Police forces in England and Scotland have confirmed they are working closely with event organisers to ensure the safety of Hanukkah celebrations.  

LCEP is working with the London Boroughs Faiths Network and co-chairs London Plus and VCSEP to support communities. 

In November 2025, there was a tragic fire at Wang Fuk Court in the Tai Po district of Hong Kong. If Hong Kongers who are currently living in London are feeling emotionally affected by this incident The following organisations may be able to provide mental health and wellbeing support:

  • Hong Kong Well offers counselling in Cantonese and English for young people. 
  • Open Up: An online text service from Hong Kong that offers emotional support. (Please note this service is based in Hong Kong). 
  • Cyber Youth: A text-based counselling and support service for young people, provided by St James’ Settlement. 
  • Southeast and East Asian Centre (SEEAC) provides mental health support, such as one-on-one counselling and peer-group activities, to Southeast and East Asian communities in the UK. Contact SEEAC via info@seeac.org.uk if you need assistance. Additionally, SEEAC has an online directory of cultural-specific/ language-specific mental health service providers for Southeast and East Asian communities in the UK. The listed service providers include peer support groups, mutual aid groups, community groups, and more specialist/professional mental health support, such as therapists. 

In early November, Typhoon Fung Wong hit the Philippines which affected nearly 1 million people, causing hundreds to lose their lives. With over 200,000 Filipinos living and working in the UK, the effects of such a huge disaster are being felt here in our communities. 

  • Contact Kanlungan, a UK charity consisting of several Filipino and other Southeast and East Asian community groups, to learn more about how you can help: https://www.kanlungan.org.uk/ 
  • Southeast and East Asian Centre (SEEAC) provides mental health support, such as one-on-one counselling and peer-group activities, to Southeast and East Asian communities in the UK. Contact SEEAC via info@seeac.org.uk if you need assistance. Additionally, SEEAC has an online directory of cultural-specific/ language-specific mental health service providers for Southeast and East Asian communities in the UK. The listed service providers include peer support groups, mutual aid groups, community groups, and more specialist/professional mental health support, such as therapists. 

On 1st November, Hurricane Melissa devastated parts of the Caribbean. One of the most powerful ever recorded, it has left communities in urgent need of support. London’s Caribbean communities are coping with the impact on family and friends, and some have recently returned home to the city.  

Additional resources and opportunities have also been shared by our partner, London Boroughs Faiths Network, in their recent LinkedIn posts. 

If you’d like to give financially, here are two trusted options: 

Your contribution will help provide urgent supplies and support recovery efforts. 

We are deeply saddened by the tragic attack at Heaton Park Synagogue in Manchester on 2nd October. Our thoughts are with everyone affected, and with the wider community during this incredibly difficult time.  

At LCEP we stand with our Jewish friends, neighbours, and colleagues and to uphold the values of resilience, compassion, and solidarity that define London. 
 
We’re seeing incredible work from partners across sectors and faiths, responding with compassion, practical support, and solidarity. These efforts remind us of the power of bridge-building and the importance of unity in times of crisis.  

VCSEP statement

Independent Public Advocate

Please note: In the case of live emergencies this list will not be complete and will be updated regularly.  

​​This information has been collated by the team at LCEP, London Plus, and our partners. Whilst we have systems in place to ensure that as much as possible, we are sharing trusted and legitimate organisations, they have not been officially verified or approved by ourselves. This document is for signposting and information only. 

We cannot list every emergency that may occur outside London. This page is focused on major international disasters and other significant incidents. We have a monitoring process in place to identify when updates are needed. If you are looking for or offering support and cannot find the incident referenced here, please get in touch with us directly: info@lcep.london  

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