GLIDE n° FL-2012-000013-ECU

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.

CHF 62,760 has been allocated from the IFRC’s Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) to support the Ecuadorian Red Cross (ERC) in delivering immediate assistance to some 450 families (2,250 beneficiaries). Un-earmarked funds to repay DREF are encouraged.
Summary: The continuous rainfall since January 2012 has caused floods and landslides across Ecuador, particularly in the foothills of the western mountain range and the coastal provinces. The provinces of Manabí, Guayas, Los Ríos, El Oro and Loja were declared in state of emergency after severe floods affected some 71,800 families. By 14 March, 5,032 persons had evacuated their homes, 65 were injured and 20 had lost their lives as per official reports.