Attachments
CHF 171,996 has been allocated from the IFRC’s Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) to support the Red Cross Society of Moldova in delivering immediate assistance to some 5,800 beneficiaries (2,240 families). Unearmarked funds to repay DREF are encouraged.
Summary: In 2012, Moldova suffered the combined impacts of poor rainfall and extremely high temperatures. The State Hydro-Meteo Service (SHS) reported temperatures in June-July that were 3.7-5.1 C° higher than annual averages and the number of days with max. air temperature higher than 30 degrees was 39-62 days (the norm being 8-27 days) and the precipitation in the same period was only 15-60 % of the multiannual average, with soil temperatures reaching record heights and soil moisture being only 1/3 of the multiannual average. The surface water flow reduced by 30-50 % compared to the multiannual average in the substantial catchments areas (Nistru and Prut rivers) and by 20-40 % in smaller catchments areas and rivers. These combined impacts resulted in major losses in the national crop production.
The 2012 drought in Moldova is part of a regional phenomenon, which affected large parts of the Black Sea region from Romania to Moldova, Ukraine and southwest Russia, the Balkans and Central Europe with all these countries reporting major reduction in crop production, particularly for summer crops.
On 06 August 2012, in a letter to all representatives of diplomatic corps and international organizations, the Prime Minister announced that Moldova’s agrarian sector is in an acute need of international aid to mitigate the effects of the prolonged unfavourable weather conditions.
Based on the situation, this DREF operation is focusing on providing support and assistance to the most affected population in 11 regions. Food assistance is urgently needed for the identified 2,240 families (5,800 beneficiaries spread in 11 regions).
This operation is expected to be implemented over four months, and will therefore be completed by 29th March 2013. A Final Report will be made available three months after the end of the operation, by 29th June 2013.