Real-time evaluation of World Vision Honduras' response to Hurricanes Eta & Iota

On 3 October 2020, Eta entered Honduras bringing winds of up to 275 km/h and 635mm of torrential rains during its slow three-day trip; all departments were under Red Alert. On 5 November the Standing Committee on Contingencies (COPECO) declared a national emergency and requested humanitarian assistance at the global level. On 7 November, World Vision declared a category 2 national response in Honduras and Category 1 in Nicaragua, Guatemala and El Salvador. On October 18 hurricane Iota struck Honduras and the next day World Vision scaled up the national responses to category 3 in Honduras, category 2 in Nicaragua and Guatemala, while the response in El Salvador remained in category 1.

In Honduras, COPECO estimated that more than 4.7 million people were affected, 2.8 million people were in need, 98 people died, 562,274 people evacuated, and 93,988 people, including 11,700 children, were located in 994 shelters. Approximately 85% of affected households have children. These needs resulting from Hurricanes Eta and Iota were in addition to the humanitarian needs of COVID-19, a dengue epidemic, and forced displacement in an already complex context.

The goal of WV Honduras’ response was to save lives and alleviate human suffering for those affected by Hurricanes Eta and Iota and to reduce the impact on the most vulnerable girls, boys and families. It aimed to reach 630,000 affected people with assistance in WASH, food assistance, child protection, education and health. WV Honduras’ response supported approximately 162,789 affected people (25.8% of the target). In addition, WV Honduras earned US $6,847,289 (62.2% of the target) through April 14, 2021.

The Real-Time Evaluation of WV Honduras’ response to Hurricanes Eta and Iota was planned in January and February and implemented in March and April of 2021. The purpose was to assess the response against four criteria (organisational efficiency, relevance, coordination and influence, and programme effectiveness) and culminated in a workshop comprising World Vision staff and partners. Participants validated the findings, refined and prioritised recommendations, and developed action plans for the five prioritised recommendations for immediate improvement.