By Pauline Heitmann | T1 2026 - report
During the first quarter of 2026, the French Red Cross was strongly mobilized to respond to two major crises: flooding across several regions and the conflict in the Middle East, while continuing its daily social support for the most vulnerable people.
This complementarity between emergency response and long-term social action lies at the heart of our commitment: being present at every stage, both to respond to crises and to provide ongoing support in everyday life.
Flooding across several regions — responding as close as possible to affected communities
At the beginning of 2026, severe weather conditions caused major flooding across France. These climate events, which are becoming increasingly frequent and intense, led to evacuations, significant material losses, and situations of great distress for affected populations.
In response to this emergency, the French Red Cross quickly mobilized to act as close as possible to those impacted. On the ground, our volunteers were deployed to the most affected areas—sometimes by boat or equipped with boots—to reach isolated homes and assess needs. This proximity is essential to provide immediate and appropriate assistance.
From the onset of the floods, Emergency Accommodation Centres (CHU) and Reception Centres for those affected (CAI) were set up in several cities. People impacted by the floods found shelter there, were able to have a hot drink, eat, recharge their phones, and contact their loved ones. Our teams then implemented additional concrete actions: distribution of essential items, logistical support, assistance for evacuated individuals, as well as listening and psychosocial support. Beyond material aid, the objective is also to rebuild connections, provide reassurance, and support people through this period of vulnerability.
These interventions demonstrate the French Red Cross’s ability to respond effectively to the consequences of flooding, while remaining true to its mission: to protect and support people affected by crises.
Support for French Citizens in the world, following Middle East Crisis
Activated following the escalation of hostilities in the Middle East since February 28, a dedicated call center offers advice and assistance to French citizens stranded abroad, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Though little known to the general public, the Crisis and Support Center (CDCS) of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (MEAE) is specifically responsible for assisting French nationals in difficulty abroad. For over 20 years, through our status as an auxiliary to public authorities, we have supported their teams by mobilizing our volunteers. Their mission? To staff this emergency hotline. They serve as the "voice and ears" for all those calling for help.
According to the MEAE, more than 42,000 French citizens registered on the Fil d’Ariane (Ariane thread) are currently in the Gulf countries, and 7,500 have officially requested assistance. "The goal is to be reachable by everyone," explains Marion Flavier, Head of the Emergency Operations Center. "Our role is to provide reliable information, organizational and logistical advice, and to streamline procedures with airlines and embassies." In certain cases, the CDCS also conducts outbound call campaigns to offer concrete solutions, such as when an embassy manages to set up a bus transport system. In front of their computers, headsets on, about fifteen volunteers are on duty today. Occasionally, they stand up to seek guidance from a supervisor or to check the maps of the Middle East posted on the walls.
As the situation begins to resolve in certain countries, the nature of the calls is shifting. Indeed, air corridors between Europe and Asia have been narrowed down to two bottlenecks: one north of Iran via Azerbaijan, and one to the south via Saudi Arabia. Volunteers are now increasingly contacted by French citizens facing difficulties during transit—for example, travelers in Asia or Africa whose layovers have been canceled.
Thanks to the combined efforts of the Red Cross teams and the CDCS, 2,444 people have
Continuity of Social Action — Supporting Alzheimer’s Patients and Their Loved Ones
Beyond emergency situations, the French Red Cross continues its daily social initiatives to support those weakened by illness, loss of autonomy, or isolation.
In Angers, for instance, an Alzheimer’s Respite Care Center (Halte Répit Alzheimer) welcomes individuals living with the disease to provide tailored support within a caring and secure environment. This program addresses a dual challenge: offering a much-needed break to often-exhausted caregivers and allowing patients to maintain social ties and engage in stimulating activities.
Within this facility, teams offer activities adapted to each person's abilities, promoting cognitive stimulation, well-being, and dignity. Simultaneously, caregivers can benefit from a period of rest, which is essential for maintaining their own balance and preventing burnout.
This initiative illustrates the long-term commitment of the French Red Cross: providing unconditional support, helping the most vulnerable, and acting at the heart of local communities to meet needs that are often invisible yet essential.
By Pauline Heitmann | Partership manager
Project reports on GlobalGiving are posted directly to globalgiving.org by Project Leaders as they are completed, generally every 3-4 months. To protect the integrity of these documents, GlobalGiving does not alter them; therefore you may find some language or formatting issues.
If you donate to this project or have donated to this project, you can receive an email when this project posts a report. You can also subscribe for reports without donating.
Support this important cause by creating a personalized fundraising page.
Start a Fundraiser
