Period covered by this Operations Update: 20 February 2008 to 30 June 2008

Appeal target: CHF 740,642 (USD 672,146 or EUR 452,390) in cash, kind or services.

Appeal coverage: 76%;

Appeal history:

This Emergency Appeal was initially launched on 26 November 2007 for CHF 740,642 (USD 672,146 or EUR 452,390) for 3 months to assist 13,000 beneficiaries.

Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF): CHF 25,000 (USD 22,400 or EUR 15,260) was initially allocated from the Federation's DREF to support the national society to respond.

This operations update seeks to further extend the operations timeframe for an additional two months, until the end of September 2008, as additional time is needed to complete recovery activities outlined in the plan of action. In line with International Federation reporting standards, a Final Report will be made available by the end of December 2008 (three months after the end of the operation).

Summary:

The formal emergency to Cyclone Guba flooding in November 2007 was completed in February 2008. In March, the Papua New Guinea Red Cross Society (PNGRCS), with the assistance of the International Federation, focused their activities on recovery. Up to seven activity areas were identified, including resettlement, infrastructure, agriculture, health, welfare and coordination and recovery management. Disaster management training and 'lessons learnt' workshops were held for volunteers and members of the newly-established interim branch in Popondetta. These workshops were facilitated by the PNGRCS Oro interim branch and the International Federation's regional disaster management coordinator and a disaster management delegate. While most recovery efforts has ceased, additional time is required to complete the procurement of stocks and remaining capacity building efforts within the national society as outlined by the plan of action.

The Red Cross Red Crescent operation is supported by AusAID, NZAID, USAID, the Swedish International Development Coordination Agency (SIDA), the British High Commission, and the American, Australian, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Swedish and the United Arab Emirates Red Cross/ Red Crescent Societies.

Since the launch of the Appeal, international response has been positive. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of those who have contributed or pledged to this appeal.