Glide No. DR-2009-000104-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.Period covered by this update: 28 May to 15 June 2009.
Summary: CHF 237,515 (USD 218,944 or EUR 156,360) was allocated from the Federation's Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) on 26 May 2009 to support the Paraguayan Red Cross (PRC) in delivering immediate assistance to some 1,624 families (approximately 8,120 beneficiaries).
The Paraguayan Red Cross completed a plan of action and is currently implementing this to meet the needs of those affected in five departments in Paraguay. Priority has been given to five rural and fishing communities in the districts of Horqueta, Concepción (in the department of Concepción), and Tacuaras, Paso de Patria and Isla Umbu (in the department of Ñeembucú). This intervention will benefit 1,624 families, rather than the 1,100 initially planned, with food kits and rehabilitation of livelihoods, as the Paraguayan government is supporting the PRC with transport costs, which has enabled the PRC to reach a larger number of families.
This operation is expected to be implemented over three months, and will therefore be completed by 25 August 2009; a Final Report will be made available three months after the end of the operation (by 25 November 2009).
The situation
On 11 May 2009, the Paraguayan government declared a state of emergency due to the severe drought in the departments of Concepción, Ñeembucú, Presidente Hayes, Boquerón and Alto Paraguay. The state of emergency prompted the intervention of all Ministries, including the National Emergency Secretariat (Secretaría Nacional de Emergencia - SEN). Emergency measures were implemented and the SEN assisted the affected communities (indigenous, rural and others) through actions including livelihoods rehabilitation (focused on agriculture), social assistance and health.
The departments of Concepción and Ñeembucú are still being affected by the drought. Damage assessments performed by the SEN and reports from the departmental authorities of Concepción describe a lack of water and high risk of outbreaks of fires. There are between 30,000 to 50,000 families affected by the emergency. Nevertheless, records of the last rainfall show 60 millimetres of water in the department. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, people living in the area will be able to prepare the soil for the next sowing season.
In the department of Ñeembucú, there is lack of water and food items. There are approximately 25,000 people affected, according to the report from the SEN. The drastic climate changes experienced during the past years in the region and especially the yearly droughts have affected the agricultural sector. This situation is critical since agrarian workers have not been able to produce food and access to food items is scarce. The Ministry of Agriculture reports a decrease in the production levels of crops, including maize, beans and yucca over recent years. Cotton crops have been decreasing throughout the years and currently there are no more than 2,000 hectares with a production of less than 500 kilos per year. The local branch of the Rural Association of Paraguay informs that livestock farmers have also been affected due to the lack of rainfall.