By Ethan Wong

In February and March 2024 , the Military Responses to Climate Hazards (MiRCH) documented 21 military deployments in response to floods, extreme precipitation, droughts, and wildfires in 12 countries, including Australia, Honduras, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, the United States, and elsewhere. 

In the Philippines, on February 6, a landslide triggered by torrential rainfall swept through the village of Masara in Davao de Oro province, killing more than 60 people. Personnel from the Philippine Army were part of the emergency crews conducting search and rescue operations after the landslide. The incident also prompted international support, with the United States Marine Corps assisting by delivering 4,800 family food packs to landslide-affected communities. Similarly, beginning on February 1, the United States Coast Guard Cutter Oliver Henry participated in an international mission to deliver essential supplies and equipment to drought-affected outer islands of Nukuoro and Kapingamarangi Atolls. The coast guard vessel transported rice, bottled water, solar panel kits, medical supplies, and reverse osmosis generator kits. 

Meanwhile, militaries around the world responded to wildfires. In the United States, a wildfire broke out on the grounds of the US Air Force Academy on February 25, with fire crews from the Academy deploying to contain the fire. Although operations continued and communities were not affected, the fire underscores the risks of climate hazards to military installations. Moreover, in early March the 146th Airlift Wing of the California National Guard deployed to Texas to aid firefighting in response to the devastating Panhandle Fires. Internationally, the Honduran Air Force also deployed on March 19 to support firefighters combating a wildfire in La Tigra National Park. 

Many incidents in the past two months also highlighted the key capability that military helicopters offer in the responses to climate hazards. Military helicopters were used for aerial firefighting in several wildfires including at the US Air Force Academy in February, in West Virginia and Wyoming in March, and in El Llanito, Colombia, also in March. Additionally, in Kazakhstan, on March 28, military personnel from the Air Defense Forces used  Mi-171Sh, Mi-17, and Mi-8 transport and combat helicopters for search and rescue operations in flood affected areas, evacuating more than 100 people. Finally, on March 7, two Black Hawk helicopters from the North Dakota National Guard helped break up an ice dam on the Missouri River near Bismarck by dropping water buckets. The operation reduced the risk of flooding to nearby communities and demonstrated how militaries are frequently being deployed for missions beyond their traditional roles.

To see the full MiRCH tracker with new updates for February and March, click here.