By Katie Robinson, Canadian Red Cross

As in other countries across the Sahel, the lack of rainfall during 2011 left parts of Senegal facing food insecurity. This was particularly detrimental for livestock in the lean period just before the rains. In this West African country, it is estimated that some 850,000 people were directly affected by the lack of food, and 2.5 million people were affected indirectly.

Introduction

Investing in National Societies’ volunteers and partnerships: the road to strengthening community resilience in East Africa Imagine that the communities in which we work are on a road, and that groups within a community can agree on desirable development destinations.

Period covered by this Operation Update: 1 February to 15 May 2013

Appeal target (current): CHF 1,753,139

Appeal coverage: To date, the appeal is 81 per cent covered in cash and kind. The IFRC DREF allocation has been replenished.

Appeal history:

Period covered by this Ops Update: 22 April to 22 May 2013.

Appeal target (current): CHF 3,538,548 in cash, kind or services to support Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) to assist an estimated 52,183 beneficiaries for a period of 6 months.

Appeal history:

• This Emergency Appeal was initially launched on 22 April 2013 for CHF 3,538,548 for 6 months to assist 52,183 beneficiaries.

This Revised Emergency Appeal revises the budget upwards to CHF 3,923,663 (from CHF 3,453,527) and extends the operation timeframe for an additional 3 months to 31 December 2013 to support the Nigerian Red Cross Society to respond to the remaining needs of communities affected by the floods. This operation will be completed by the end of December 2013 and a final report made available by end March 2014.

Appeal target (current): CHF 3,923,663.

Appeal target (current): 503,659 Swiss francs

Appeal coverage: 51 per cent;

Appeal history:

 This Emergency Appeal was launched on 14 March 2012 for 503,659 Swiss francs to assist 2,000 families (10,000 beneficiaries) for 6 months.

 Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF): 116,138 Swiss francs were initially allocated from the Federation’s DREF to support the Bolivian Red Cross (BRC) to respond.

With this Revised Emergency Appeal, the budget has been revised down from CHF 92.6 million to CHF 88.2 million, assisting 900,000 people (130,000 families) beneficiaries for 36 months, and will be completed by 31 July 2013. This revision is based on the actual expected outcomes at the end of the appeal period and in addition includes a relocation of CHF 1,650,377 in support of the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) for its relief activities to assist communities affected by the floods in 2012. An unspent balance of CHF 4.4 million remains as a result of the revised budget and plans.

By Kevin Xia, IFRC, in Mianzhu

The province of Sichuan in south-western China hit the headlines in April with a 7-magnitude earthquake, which killed nearly 200 people and made thousands more homeless.

Period covered by this Final Report: 26 October 2011 to 14 November 2012

Appeal target: CHF 9,402,445

Appeal coverage: Up to 31st January 2013 the level of the appeal coverage has reached 84 per cent through cash and in-kind contributions.

A final financial report is now available and is to the Final report for Turkey: Van Earthquake operation (MDRTR002). There is a final balance of CHF 64,581 which would be allocated to the DM project. Please note that the final balance is pending the clearing of audit fees.