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.

Rainfall deficits persist in eastern Kenya and southern Ethiopia

Significant rainfall deficits of between 100 to 200 mm persist across the northeastern pastoral areas of Kenya, covering the districts of Isiolo and Moyale, and large parts of Marsabit, Samburu, Tana River, and Wajir districts. These districts have received less than 10 percent of their average March‐April‐May (MAM) seasonal totals by the start of the second dekad of May. Similar significant deficits persist in the southern Ethiopia regions of Borena and Liban (Figure 1).