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 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.
Summary: CHF 253,527 (USD 235,418 or EUR 202,822) has been allocated from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies’ (IFRC) Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) to support the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) in delivering immediate assistance to some 100,000 beneficiaries.
A severe cold wave with dense fog had swept through all over Bangladesh in the early winter of 2011. According to the Meteorological Department, the temperature was recorded as low as two to five degrees Celsius less than the normal average temperature. More than 50 people, most of whom were children and the elderly, died due to the severe cold and cold related diseases. At that time, many people – mostly infants and the elderly – were also hospitalized because of cold related illnesses.
BDRCS and IFRC responded quickly to address the adverse situation and a DREF operation was launched on 14 January 2011. With the support from IFRC, BDRCS assisted 20,000 severely affected families (approximately 100,000 people) with the distribution of warm clothing and blankets.
This operation was planned to be implemented over three months, and was scheduled to be completed by 15 April 2011 as per the standard time. The distribution of warm clothing and blankets was completed well in advance and by 14 February 2011, each family had received a package which comprised of two blankets, one shawl and one woollen cap. Impact monitoring was carried out within the operational period in the targeted communities to assess the effectiveness of the support package among the beneficiaries and found that all beneficiaries were happy as the package helped them to ward off the bitter winter.
Of the allocated DREF of CHF 253,527, CHF 230,261 was spent. The remaining balance of CHF 23,266 has been returned to DREF.
The major donors to the DREF are the Irish, Italian, Netherlands and Norwegian governments and ECHO.
The IFRC, on behalf of the BDRCS, would like to thank all donors and partners for their generous support to this DREF.