The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies' (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 and Red Crescent emergency response. The DREF is a vital part of IFRC's disaster response system and increases the ability of national societies to respond in disasters.
CHF 125,874 (USD 113,575 or EUR 91,697) was allocated from IFRC's DREF on 22 June 2010 to support the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) in delivering immediate assistance to 1,300 families (approximately 6,500 people). Un-earmarked funds to repay DREF are encouraged.
Period covered by this update: 23-29 June 2010
Summary:
On 15 June 2010, heavy rainfall caused devastating landslides and floods took place in two south-eastern districts of Bangladesh: Cox's Bazaar and Bandarban. At least 55 people were killed and thousands of houses collapsed due to the mudslides and flash floods triggered by the excessive rainfall. Heavy rain also damaged standing crops and shrimp cultivation farms. Roads and communication systems in Cox's Bazaar were disrupted as most of the roads were flooded.
The BDRCS branch in Cox's Bazaar immediately responded to the disaster. Staff members and volunteers helped the respective local authorities in the search and rescue operation. The branch office also distributed dry food and drinking water among the affected people. BDRCS and IFRC's DIPECHO programme staff jointly conducted a rapid assessment. Following the assessment findings, BDRCS and IFRC completed the distribution of non-food item (NFI) packages along with shelter materials among the 1,300 families of Teknaf and Ukhia upazilas of the Cox's Beneficiaries with identification in hand at the Ukhia upazila waiting in queue for the distribution of non-food items (Photo: IFRC) Bazaar district by 29 June 2010. According to planned activities under the DREF operation, supplementary food packages will be distributed among the selected families with distribution starting from the second week of July 2010.