The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC) Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) is a source of un-earmarked money created by the Federation in 1985 to ensure that immediate financial support is available for Red Cross Red Crescent response to emergencies. The DREF is a vital part of the International Federation’s disaster response system and increases the ability of National Societies to respond to disasters.
Summary: CHF 253,865 has been allocated from the IFRC’s Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) to support Mali Red Cross in delivering immediate assistance to some 1,168 families severely affected by floods. Un-earmarked funds to repay DREF are encouraged.
During the night of 11 to 12 August 2010, Timbuktu experienced heavy flooding, affecting over 16,000 persons. Residential areas were flooded, as well as latrines, wells, and a cemetery located in the community of Faleme. The floods covered nine regions across the country. Families whose houses were destroyed were relocated. The situation posed risks of waterborne and other potentially communicable diseases.
In collaboration with its partners, the National Society assessed the flood-affected victims and provided relief assistance to 1,168 affected families in six regions, including essential non-food items, transitional shelter, 2,350 mosquito nets, health and hygiene promotion, and improved access to safe water and sanitation.
The Belgian Government and the Canadian Red Cross made contributions to the DREF in replenishment of the allocation made for this operation.
The major donors and partners of DREF include the Australian, American and Belgian governments, the Austrian Red Cross, the Canadian Red Cross and government, Danish Red Cross and government, the European Commission Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection (ECHO), the Irish and the Italian governments, the Japanese Red Cross Society, the Luxembourg government, the Monaco Red Cross and government, the Netherlands Red Cross and government, the Norwegian Red Cross and government, the Spanish Government, the Swedish Red Cross and government, the United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID), the Medtronic and Z Zurich Foundations, and other corporate and private donors. The IFRC, on behalf of the National Society, would like to extend thanks to all for their generous contributions.
The situation
Mali suffered from series of torrential rains that resulted to floods from 11 to 12 August in Timbuktu. The last torrential rains that took place on 21 September flooded nine regions. Populations were deeply affected and damage was significant. The floods affected over 16,000 people, destroyed 390 houses and displaced 1,168 families. They also caused extensive damage including death, food shortage and loss of cattle. The disaster led also to a dire humanitarian situation in all affected communities. The floods exacerbated vulnerability to diseases and jeopardized their existence. The affected families stayed outdoors because their houses were destroyed. In some areas, displaced families were relocated in public and private schools. Women, children and the elderly people were exposed to potential risks related to unclean water, flooding of a cemetery, food insecurity, proliferation of mosquitoes and other vectors harmful to human health. The exposure to diseases such as malaria, diarrheal, and skin diseases was also real. Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI), promiscuity, and separation of family members were as well of concern for the relocated families.
The Mali Red Cross (MRC) supported the beneficiaries with non-food items (NFI), integrated health, water and sanitation, transitional shelter, and sensitization activities.
