Glide No. FL-2007-000231-BOL
The International Federation's 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 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.
Period covered by this update: 28 January to 13 February 2008.
Summary: CHF 125,000 (USD 110,132 or EUR 75,758) was allocated from the Federation's Disaster Relief Fund (DREF) on 28 January 2008 to support the Bolivian Red Cross in delivering humanitarian assistance to 6,500 beneficiaries affected by the floods.
Since November 2007, continuous rain in Bolivia has caused floods that have severely affected communities in various departments, an approximate of 56,986 families. This DREF operation is focused on distributing humanitarian assistance to those affected.
This operation is expected to be implemented over 3 months, and will therefore be completed by 28 April 2008; a Final Report will be made available three months after the end of the operation (by 28 July 2008).
The Situation
Since November 2007, continuous rainfall has affected several departments in Bolivia due to the climatic phenomena known as La Niña. Latest reports from the Civil Defense indicate to date 52 deaths, four missing and more than 56,986 affected families. The most affected departments are Santa Cruz, Beni, Cochabamba, Chuquisaca and La Paz.
At this time, Beni is the second most affected department, but has suffered the most serious impact on its territory. On 9 February, the Emergency Operative Centre (EOC) reported approximately 11,087 families are affected in some nine municipalities (300 communities). More than 30 camps have been established so far, housing more than 3,400 families. The accumulated water level - which has increased due to rain and the overflowing of rivers surrounding the city of Trinidad - has reached the maximum security level (30 cm. above the protection ring). Evacuation of people already in temporary shelters has started due to infiltrations reported in some areas of El Pantanal. Areas have been identified outside Trinidad - on the way to Santa Cruz - in order to relocate evacuated people. Camps are being set up in urban areas; however, in rural sectors the population has sought refuge mainly in schools.
The health situation is rapidly deteriorating as some people have contracted dengue and other water-borne diseases (diarrhea, respiratory infections, etc.). Therefore, the immediate needs for this emergency are emergency shelter, health and water, and sanitation. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is preparing a proposal for the UN's Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) in order to assist the affected people with support from the Bolivian Ministry of Health and the United Nations system.
Livelihoods have become affected due to the loss of crops and livestock, which will require medium-term action in order to recover the affected people's means of subsistence.
The World Food Programme (WFP) as well as the Red Cross and other organisations, are guaranteeing the provision of food items to the affected population. UNICEF will provide specific portions of food for children under two years of age.
In addition, the Civil Defense and the Joint Command for Natural Disasters (Comando conjunto para desastres naturales) have developed a coordinated method for identifying and fulfilling the basic needs of the affected population, thus avoiding duplication of efforts.
On 12 February, the government issued a country-wide disaster alert, under decree No.29438, due to the prevailing critical condition in the country.
How we work
All International Federation assistance seeks to adhere to the Code of Conduct for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO's) in Disaster Relief and is committed to the Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Disaster Response (Sphere) in delivering assistance to the most vulnerable.
The International Federation's activities are aligned with its Global Agenda, which sets out four broad goals to meet the Federation's mission to "improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity".
Global Agenda Goals:
- Reduce the numbers of deaths, injuries and impact from disasters.
- Reduce the number of deaths, illnesses and impact from diseases and public health emergencies.
- Increase local community, civil society and Red Cross Red Crescent capacity to address the most urgent situations of vulnerability.
- Reduce intolerance, discrimination and social exclusion and promote respect for diversity and human dignity.
For further information specifically related to this operation please contact:
In Bolivia: Dr. Abel Peña y Lillo, President of the Bolivian Red Cross; phone + 5912 220 2934 or 212 9225; fax + 5912 235 9102; email cruzrobo@caoba.entelnet.bo
In Lima: Giorgio Ferrario, Regional Representative, Lima Regional Representation Office; phone: + 511 221 8151; fax: + 511 441 3607; email: giorgio.ferrario@ifrc.org
In Panama: Dario Alvarez, Acting Head, Pan American Disaster Response Unit, Panama; phone: + 507 316 1001; fax + 507 316 1082; email: dario.alvarez@ifrc.org
In Bolivia: Ruben Romero, Disaster Management Delegate, Pan American Disaster Response Unit; cell phone + 591 725 12880; email ruben.romero@ifrc.org
In Panama: Maria Alcazar, Resource Mobilization Coordinator, Americas; phone: + 507 380 0250; fax: + 507 317 1304; email: maria.alcazar@ifrc.org
In Geneva: Pablo Medina, Operations Coordinator for the Americas; phone: phone + 41 79 2173376; fax: + 41 22 730 0395; email pablo.medina@ifrc.org