GLIDE n=B0 TC-2010-000053-MDG
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 280,171 (USD 264,562 or EUR 195,787) was allocated from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC's") Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) to support the Malagasy Red Cross Society (MRCS) in delivering immediate assistance to some 5,000 families.
The National Society carried out detailed assessments to identify the needs of the population affected by cyclone Hubert in seven districts. MRCS provided affected families with non-food items (NFIs) and water and sanitation kits so that they could regain their normal daily lives. In addition, the NS volunteers distributed potable water and conducted hygiene promotion immediately following the cyclone-caused floods.
This contributed to reduced risk of water-borne diseases. MRCS disinfected and rehabilitated wells in the affected communities. Local Management Committees were established to empower community members with respect to continued maintenance of the wells. Access to some areas was difficult, and MRCS volunteers often had to access these areas on foot.
The IFRC and the French Red Cross led, Indian Ocean Regional Intervention Platform (PIROI1) supported MRCS in Manakara District in terms of reporting and general coordination. The IFRC's Indian Ocean Islands (IOI) Regional Representation office in Mauritius, and PIROI office in La Réunion, facilitated the deployment of two regional disaster response team (RDRT) members, who provided technical support to MRCS through carrying out detail assessments, coaching and training of volunteers as well as reporting.
PIROI provided technical support through its disaster management coordinator, and assisted through airlifting water and sanitation (WatSan) kits and equipment to the affected area.
MRCS local branches have a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with other stakeholders on disaster response operations including cooperation in food distribution and food-for-work projects. For this operation, MRCS coordinated with local authorities in providing food items and with UNICEF in WatSan.
The Spanish Red Cross financially supported the MRCS in rehabilitation of wells in the affected areas.