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 59,960 has been allocated from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) on 25th of June 2011 to support the Georgia National Society in delivering immediate assistance to some 1,750 beneficiaries for a period of three months. Unearmarked funds to repay DREF are encouraged In Western and Eastern Georgia many regions were affected by unceasing rains from 12 to 22 June 2011 with landslides that followed. Seven people lost their lives. Over 3,000 houses have been affected, with 1,500 of them badly damaged. The ground floors of 350 houses were made unsuitable for living due to water/ damage. Additionally, the mudslides and the water have damaged/ polluted farming soil, roads, bridges, canals, and water supply system and communication network. The residents of affected regions amounting to 70000 people have been cut off from the water and gas utility system. The water has swept away several roads, leaving many settlements isolated. At many farms, cattle and poultry drowned.
The Georgia Red Cross Society assisted 350 most vulnerable families approximately 1,750 people, who were residing in the upper floors of their flooded and damaged houses, or living in their relatives houses, with mattresses, blankets and hygiene parcels in Shida Kartli Region (Surami, Khashuri) which is situated 145 km from Tbilisi to the west, and Dusheti Municipality 65 km from Tbilisi to the north. This operation was implemented in 3 months, and was completed by 24th of September 2011.
The Georgia Red Cross Society through this operation provided relief to the affected population in the target regions, where families lost their homes and/or possessions as a result of the disaster.
The assistance helped to improve living and sanitary conditions in the affected households and contributed to the reduction of social and economic hardships in the affected region.