Summary: CHF 68,799 was allocated from the IFRC’s Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) on 11 January 2012 to support the Chilean Red Cross (ChRC) in delivering immediate assistance to 250 families (1,000 persons) affected by the wildfires that spread through the regions of Biobío, La Araucanía, Magallanes and Maule, in Chile.
Keeping close coordination with local authorities and other organizations operating in the region, the National Society is assisting the affected families with essential relief items, access to safe water, first aid care and psychosocial support.
During the period covered by this update 231 families (924 persons) received first aid kits, kitchen sets, hygiene kits and tarpaulins from the Chilean Red Cross. The ChRC remaining distributions will be complete between February and March.
In addition, with the support of the DREF, the ChRC volunteers were able to provide information to families about the adequate use of their first aid kits, and offer psychosocial support and first aid to families sheltered in collective centres. Volunteers who participated since the onset of the wildfires also received protective gear procured through this DREF operation.
This operation is expected to be implemented over three months, and will therefore be completed by April 2012; a Final Report will be made available three months after the end of the operation (by July 2012).
The IFRC, on behalf of the Chilean Red Cross, would like to extend their gratitude to the Canadian Red Cross for their generous contribution to replenishing the allocation made for this operation.
Details of all donors can be found on: http://www.ifrc.org/en/what-we-do/disaster-management/responding/disasterresponse-system/financial-instruments/disaster-relief-emergency-fund-dref/