This report covers the period 01 January 2010 to 30 June 2010

Programme purpose: Support five National Societies in the Southern Cone and Brazil to effectively operationalize Strategy 2020 and the Inter American Plan 2007-2011.

Programmes summary: During the first half of 2010, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies' (IFRC) Regional Representation for the Southern Cone and Brazil has coordinated with and supported the National Societies of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay to implement actions, based on the

This report covers the period 1 January 2010 to 30 June 2010.

In brief

Programme outcome: To increase the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Society (IFRC) capacity to assist National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies reduce the number of deaths, injuries and the impact of disasters through the timely and adequate financial support for disaster response from the DREF.

Programme(s) summary: At 30 June 2010, IFRC had made 73 allocations from the DREF to support 67 different operations for a total of 11,285,280 Swiss francs bringing assistance to over 3.5

This report covers the period 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2009.

In brief

Programme purpose: Support five National Societies in the Southern Cone and Brazil to effectively operationalize the Strategy 2010 and the Inter-American Plan 2007-2011.

Programme summary: The Regional Representation for the Southern Cone and Brazil has established closer relationships with the National Societies allowing for improved support to identify needs. An important part of this process has been the development of country support

GLIDE FL-2010-000067-BRA

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 and Red Crescent emergency response. 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.

Period covered by this update: 9 April to 20 April 2010.

Summary: On 9 April 2010, 20,000 Swiss

Brasília, April 16 - The United Nations Fund Children's Fund (UNICEF), in partnership with Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) started today a donations campaign for families who are suffering the consequences of landslides and floods triggered by heavy rain in Rio de Janeiro.

For those interested in contributing to the campaign, a deposit can be made to UNICEF's account in Banco do Brasil:

agency: 3382-0,
checking account number: 404700-1,
swift code: BRASBRRJSBO
UNICEF's CNPJ: 03.744.126/0001-69.

The funds will be used in emergency care

By ALEXEI BARRIONUEVO

RIO DE JANEIRO - The incessant rain that killed at least 251 people last week has raised lingering questions about this Olympic city's emergency readiness and revived a long-dormant debate over the poor squatter communities that have sprung up in areas at risk of flooding and landslides.

People living near Rio de Janeiro salvaged what they could Wednesday after the city razed homes threatened by landslides.

One of the worst storms in 40 years hit Rio last week, overflowing the banks of the Lagoon, crippling public transportation

HIGHLIGHTS

- BRAZIL: Heavy rains during the past week in Rio de Janeiro state killed at least 229 people.

- HAITI: To date 90 per cent - around 1.2 million people - have received some form of shelter assistance.

- GUATEMALA: The World Food Programme has appealed for a contribution of US$14 million.

By Mariana Granja (AFP)

NITEROI, Brazil - Rescuers raced against time Saturday amid fading hopes of finding survivors of a huge mudslide, with over 400 people now feared dead in some of the worst flooding to swamp Brazil in decades.

At dawn, rescuers pulled four more bodies from the thick mound of dirt and debris in the Niteroi shantytown of Morro do Bumba, bringing the updated death toll to 219, while another 200 people were believed to be buried alive in the slum, itself precariously perched atop a garbage dump.

Some 60 hours after the heaviest rains

20,000 Swiss francs (18,659 US dollars or 13,961 euro) has been allocated from the Federation's Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) to deploy the IFRC Regional Organizational Development Coordinator and a Regional Intervention Team (RIT) member to Brazil to perform initial damage and needs assessments and provide support to the Brazilian Red Cross (BRC) to respond to the floods. Un-earmarked funds to repay DREF are encouraged.

Summary: Since 4 April, the city of Rio de Janeiro has been affected with heavy rains. The Brazilian media has