GLIDE n=B0 ST-2008-000083-GMB
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 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 34,000 (USD 30,294 or EUR 22,844 was allocated from the Federation's Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) on June 2008 to support the national society in delivering assistance to 113 beneficiaries.
Following the receipt of funds, 56 out of the 113 households assisted have rehabilitated their houses with corrugated iron sheets, assorted nails, and wood. Ten (10) most vulnerable households were also supported with rice as a food supplement. Additionally, 20 Western Region Branch volunteers were trained on mechanism of relief distribution mechanisms. Volunteers were also trained in community sensitization on risk reduction during emergencies and three communities around Darsilameh were sensitized on risk reduction.
The situation
On June 2, 2008 around 2pm a squall of 25-30 nautical miles struck the area around Darsilameh village in the Western Region of The Gambia. The hydro meteorological department reported that the squall came in from the south and damaged approximately 15 compounds within 15 minutes, and affected 300 persons and 113 households in Darsilameh.
The Gambia Red Cross Society assisted the fifty six (56) most vulnerable affected households. Even though not all the materials needed by the victims can be provided by the national society, the provision of relief materials improved living conditions of victims, and 56 households have rehabilitated their houses. The intervention has also improved the risk reduction capacities of the community.