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 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. 120,035 Swiss francs have been allocated from the IFRC’s Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) to support the Chilean Red Cross (CRCh) in delivering immediate assistance to some 1,000 families. Un-earmarked funds to repay DREF are encouraged.
Summary:
A cold weather front has impacted the Bio-bío and Araucanía regions, bringing snowstorms and low temperatures above yearly averages.
Approximately 25,000 persons have been affected, and thousands of Mapuches and Pehuenhue indigenous families are completely isolated. Due to this isolation, additional snowstorms and delays in clearing secondary roads, the CRCh in its auxiliary role to the Chilean government will be distributing emergency relief items that include blankets, jerry cans and tools to 1,000 families.
This operation is expected to be implemented over three months, and will therefore be completed by October 2011; a Final Report will be made available three months after the end of the operation (by January 2011).