This bulletin is being issued for information only, and reflects the current situation and details available at this time. The Macedonian Red Cross, with the support of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), has determined that external assistance is not required at this point, and is therefore not seeking funding or other assistance from donors at this time until needs assessments are finalised.

02/26/2013 20:53 GMT

SKOPJE, Feb 26, 2013 (AFP) - One person was killed and several hundred people were evacuated as floods caused by heavy rains hit north and east Macedonia, a government spokesman said Tuesday.

The victim, a 51-year-old man, was swept away as he tried to cross a river near the northern town of Kumanovo, Aleksandar Gjorgjijev said.

Summary: CHF 92,668 had been allocated originally from the IFRC’s Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) on 9th February 2012 to support the Macedonian Red Cross in delivering assistance to some 1,300 beneficiaries, and to replenish the disaster preparedness stocks. However, the National Society revised its operational plan in view of the evolving situation with a budget increase of CHF 71,079 (Update n°1, 24th February 2012). The revised budget for this operation amounted to a total of CHF 163,747, reaching 5,100 beneficiaries.

With the support of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and Global Water Partnership-Mediterranean, the first meeting of the Drin Core Group took place on 30 May 2012 in Ohrid, former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. This was the first meeting of the Core Group as the official joint body according to the memorandum of understanding signed on 25 November 2011 in Tirana by the five Drin River Riparians — Albania, Greece, Kosovo (United Nations administered region under security council resolution 1244), Montenegro and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

This report covers the period 01 January 2011 to 31 December 2011.

In brief

Programme outcome

In line with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies’ (IFRC) Strategy 2020, the aim of the Federation-supported programmes in Macedonia is to save lives, protect livelihoods, and strengthen recovery from disasters and crises; to enable healthy and safe living; and to promote social inclusion and a culture of non-violence and peace.

03/08/2012 19:51 GMT

SKOPJE, March 8, 2012 (AFP) - Ten people were injured in a series of violent attacks in the Macedonian capital, raising fears of rising tensions between ethnic Macedonian and Albanian communities, officials said Thursday.

Interior Minister Gordana Jankulovska strongly condemned the violence in the former Yugoslav republic, which took place overnight Wednesday-Thursday.

"It can not be excluded that someone wants inter-ethnic relations to deteriorate" he said. "The violence will not be tolerated."

MRC as a member of the national crisis management coordination body is actively involved in all the activities for coping with the emergency situation. Macedonian Red Cross receives daily updates for the situation in the country by its partners, as well as guidelines for solving certain problems.

CHF 92,668 has been allocated from the IFRC’s Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) to support the Macedonian Red Cross in delivering immediate assistance to 1,300 beneficiaries. Unearmarked funds to repay DREF are encouraged.

Summary: Extreme cold and snowfall in the past two weeks have caused many problems in nine regions in Macedonia. On 8th February, more than 80 villages were reported to be totally isolated because of the snow. Governmental institutions are working on clearing the roads.

This report covers the period from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2010

In brief

Programme outcome: In line with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies’ (IFRC) Strategy 2020 the aim of the Federation supported programmes in Albania is to save lives, protect livelihoods, and strengthen recovery from disasters and crises; to enable healthy and safe living; and to promote social inclusion and a culture of non-violence and peace.