CHF 286,454 has been allocated from the IFRC’s Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) to support the National Society in delivering immediate assistance to some 3,500 beneficiaries (700 families). Unearmarked funds to repay DREF are encouraged.

Summary:

The earthquake measuring 5.6 on Richter scale struck the south-western part of the country in Zaqatala and Gakh, on 7th May 2012. As a result 3,124 houses and public buildings were either destroyed or damaged. Following this earthquake strong and regular aftershocks were again registered in both Zagatala and Gakh regions. On 18th May another earthquake hit the region with a magnitude 4.8. Due to the aftershocks and the latest earthquake the number of destroyed and damaged buildings has been increased.

So far only in Zagatala more than 6,500 houses and public objects suffered from the earthquake; 680 houses were completely destroyed and inhabitant’s property was buried under the debris. 6,949 families were evacuated and settled either in tents or nearby houses. The Azerbaijan Red Crescent aims to provide food and non-food items to the most vulnerable 3,500 persons (700 families) in Zaqatala whose houses and property was completely damaged, to support them coping with the consequences of the disaster.

This operation is expected to be implemented for four months, and will therefore be completed by 23 September, 2012; a Final Report will be made available three months after the end of the operation (by 23 December, 2012).