Glide No. DR-2008-000157-PRY
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.
CHF 93,000 (USD 84,545 or EUR 57,585) has been allocated from the Federation's Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) to support the National Society in delivering immediate assistance to some 4,500 beneficiaries. Unearmarked funds to repay DREF are encouraged.
Summary: The Chaco region in Paraguay is suffering from cyclical drought which has been affecting the zone for the past six months. This DREF operation will be focused on providing basic emergency relief to the most affected.
This operation is expected to be implemented over three months, and will therefore be completed by 16 December, 2008; a Final Report will be made available three months after the end of the operation (by 16 March, 2009).
The situation
The Central Region of Chaco (60 percent of the country) which includes the departments of Alto Paraguay, Boqueron and Presidente Hayes has been suffering from cyclical drought, gravely affecting the area for the past six months. Although it is a yearly phenomenon, this time the impact is bigger due to increasing population, poverty of indigenous people and existence of agro-industries. Noticeably, more than 60 percent of the people in this region lives below the poverty line. The extended drought has affected many basic livelihoods as human, environmental and economical capital is deteriorating, unchaining even greater problems to the population including food security and safe water.
According to the National Emergency Secretary (Secretaria Nacional de Emergencia - SNE), the reports on sanitary conditions indicate many cases of people suffering from respiratory problems, flu symptoms as well as diarrhoea due to the sudden changes in the weather and strong winds. Four children are reported dead and many are showing low performance in school due to malnutrition.
The government declared an emergency situation for a period of 90 days on 10 September 2008 in the departments of Alto Paraguay, Boqueron and Presidente Hayes. The departmental government of Boqueron reports that 6,500 families have been affected in 124 communities in the entire department. There is lack of water since the wind mill water systems are in poor conditions and hand made water wells with motors are not functioning because the motors are not working.
The Secretary also mentions that the indigenous community of Mistolar is currently without water. The people in this community have been forced to seek water in neighbouring communities in order to survive.
Other communities in Boqueron are reported to have the same problem and they do not have any type of water reserves.
The municipality of Filadelfia, located in the department of Boqueron, reports that lack of water is not as urgent as the lack of food and medicines. People are suffering from diarrhoea, fever, and flu related symptoms. A total of eight communities with approximately 1,500 families living in the most vulnerable rural area located 40 to 90 km north from Filadelfia.
The indigenous communities located in urban areas are in stable condition since most of them are skilled workers that have their own workshops, co-ops, commerce or work in construction. These communities have rainwater tanks and community wells, but will eventually need water provision due to the lack of rain.
In the department of Alto Paraguay local authorities have reported similar situations as in Boqueron, but forest fires have started in the northern region of the Fuerte Olimpo city. A local commissary reported six cattle ranches had been affected in the zone of Toro Pampa and San Carlos.