GLIDE TC-2009-000167-MEX
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: 18 September to 18 October 2009.
Summary: CHF 331,705 (USD 319,632 or EUR 219,302) was allocated on 15 September 2009 from the Federation's Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) to support the Mexican Red Cross (MRC) in delivering immediate assistance to some 3,000 families.
On 22 September 2009, as stated in the previous DREF Update n=B0 1 the budget was revised to CHF 193,476, due to the bilateral contribution from the American Red Cross to the Mexican Red Cross consisting of 3,000 kitchen kits and 1,840 hygiene kits.
This DREF Update n=B0 2 reports on the receipt by the Mexican Red Cross of essential relief items sent by the International Federation's Pan-American Disaster Response Unit (PADRU). Among the relief items sent were 3,000 kitchen sets, 3,000 hygiene kits and 6,000 mosquito nets. In addition, this update will focus on the activities accomplished by the Mexican Red Cross.
This operation is expected to be implemented over three months, and will therefore be completed by 14 December 2009; a Final Report will be made available by 14 March 2010 (three months after the end of the operation). Un-earmarked funds to repay DREF are encouraged.
The Canadian Red Cross generously contributed 48,314 Swiss francs (CAD 50,000) to replenish the DREF for this operation. The major donors to the DREF are the Irish, Italian, Netherlands and Norwegian governments and the European Commission Humanitarian Aid Office (ECHO). Details of all donors can be found on: http://www.ifrc.org/what/disasters/responding/drs/tools/dref/donors.asp
The situation
Hurricane Jimena made landfall on 3 September 2009 on the coast of Baja California in Mexico as a category two hurricane. The storm lasted for 80 hours over the area, causing major damages to homes and basic infrastructures located in the small cities along the coastline.
The heavy rain and strong winds damaged rooftops, while water levels of the Mulege River rose by 10 metres sweeping up everything in its way. Forty five per cent of the homes in CD Constitución, Puerto Lopez Mateos, Magadalena and Puerto Alcatraz, sustained roof top damages.
Hurricane Jimena generated 711 ml of rain in Guaymas and 360 ml in Empalme, both cities located in the state of Sonora. The main road located between San José del Cabo and Tijuana was affected due to several creeks that overflowed. The airports in los Cabos, La Paz and Loreto were temporarily closed, but are now functioning normally and did not sustain damages. Several ports were also temporarily closed and are currently operating.
The major sectors affected by Jimena were the electric and water systems, especially in Santa Rosalia. Seventy per cent of the electricity network between the cities of Constitución and Santa Rosalia was affected due to damaged power lines and conduction towers. There are still electricity shortages at night. The MRC local branches in CD Constitución and Santa Rosalia sustained infrastructural damages.
The most affected municipality is Mulege, located in the northern region of the state of Baja California. The second most affected municipality is Santa Rosalia City, the capital of the state of Baja California. A total of 72,000 people were affected, and 4 were reported dead due to the effects of Hurricane Jimena.
The Federal government through the local State authorities of the affected regions coordinated activities with the Mexican army, the National Electricity Commission and the National Water Commission.