IRAQ

Kit distribution in Erbil

On August 19th, ACTED distributed kitchengardening and agricultural kits to 49 vulnerable IDP and local families in Makhmur district of Erbil Governorate to support their livelihoods. Kits contained potato tubers for planting, a variety of seeds and an assortment of key tools such as shovels, rakes and hoes. This distribution, supported by OFDA, is the first of a total distribution of 145 kitchengardening kits and 80 agriculture kits that will be distributed in Erbil.

CAR

Inauguration of six new schools

In brief

Programme purpose: The Central Asia programmes are aligned with the Global Agenda goals to reduce the number of deaths, injuries, and impact from disasters; to reduce the number of deaths, illnesses and impact from diseases and public health emergencies; to increase local community, civil society and Red Cross Red Crescent capacity to address the most urgent situations of vulnerability; and to reduce intolerance, discrimination and social exclusion and promote respect for diversity and human dignity.

"Haiti is dogged by bad luck". This is the sad reality that has been revealing itself in these last weeks after the subsequent passage of the cyclones Gustav and Ike and of the tropical storms Fay and Hannah over the lands and coasts of the is-land. The cyclones hit the South and the West, while the tropical storms stroke the North and the North West of the island.

According to the last rapports of the Haitian Civil Protection Direction, more than 400 people died during the

The International Federation's 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 100,000 was allocated from the Federation's Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) on 9 January,

The Regional Office held a two-day retreat on 2829 January in Dubai, which was attended by representatives from all OCHA field offices and presences within the region, as well as HQ (CRD, PICS, GCMS, AO and SPU) and the head of UNAMA's Humanitarian Affairs Unit. The Special Humanitarian Envoy, Mr. Abdul Aziz Arrukban, participated in the first day of the retreat, during which the following issues were discussed:  

- ROMENACA's role and coverage

- Humanitarian challenges across the region

- Special Humanitarian Envoy's support to regional humanitarian actors

According to the U.S. Embassy in Bishkek, four earthquakes, including one of magnitude 6.0 on December 26, 2007,

HIGHLIGHTS

- A total of 1031 families were affected and in need of humanitarian assistance (more than 5,500 people).

- Upon completion of distribution of relief items, in particular winterized tents, the primary emergency needs will have been met.

- There will soon be a shift of focus to reconstruction and rehabilitation.

Kyrgyzstan has again "celebrated" the New Year with a series of earthquakes, which have affected around 5,000 people in villages in the Osh and Jalal-Abad oblasts.

The Kyrgyzstan Red Crescent has been distributing relief supplies to those affected, and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has allocated 100,000 Swiss francs from its disaster relief emergency fund to support the National Society's response.

On December 26, 2007, people living on