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 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.

CHF 83,930 (USD 82,400 or EUR 56,870) has been allocated from the Federation's Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) to support the Montenegro Red Cross in delivering immediate assistance to some 1,100 beneficiaries. Unearmarked funds to repay DREF are encouraged.

Summary: Extreme rainfall, which began in December last year and has continued up to 10 January 2010, has caused serious material damage. A great number of houses in the area surrounding Lake Skadar, the municipalities of Ulcinj, the vicinity of River Bojana, the municipality of Golubovci, Zeta, the municipality of Cetinje, Rijeka Crnojevica, -abljak Crnojevica, Bjolopavlici plain and the municipality of Niksici have been flooded. Some 1,100 persons, or 245 households, have had to beevacuated.

This operation is expected to be implemented over three months, and will therefore be completed by 14 April 2010; a Final Report will be made available three months after the end of the operation (by 14 July, 2010).