Attachments
Overview
The regional representation for the Andean countries (regional representation) of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) provided a diversity of support to the Peruvian Red Cross (PRC) in 2012 so that the National Society could better fulfill its humanitarian mission. Particular reinforcement was given to the PRC in the areas of disaster management, health and care, and organizational development. These joint actions were done in alignment with International Movement strategies and standards, including Strategy 2020 and the Inter-American Framework for Action 2012-2016.
During 2012, the PRC showed visible results of the long-term process to remove the National Society from the judicial oversight by the Peruvian government and to rebuild it into an independent and functioning institution. The PRC has created a stable management structure and established a road map for 2013-2014 in order to resolve existing conflicts and build consensus in the governance body.
In March, the hydro-meteorological conditions off the Pacific Ocean and the La Niña weather phenomenon caused increased precipitation levels, which led to the rising of the Amazon River and subsequent flooding along its banks and tributaries. The severe flooding led to the government declared 18 of the 24 departments in emergency. The PRC started a three-month (later extended to four) DREF operation to respond to the extremely serious flooding in the northern Amazonian department of Loreto.
Through this DREF operation, and with support from the American Red Cross, German Red Cross and Spanish Red Cross, the National Society reached 3,376 affected families (16,880 persons) through a plan of action that effectively integrated health campaigns, psychosocial support, vector control activities, cleaning of homes and communities, and distribution of relief items and safe water.
The PRC initiated another DREF operation in late November. In epidemiological week 45, government health authorities reported over 20,000 cases of dengue, including eleven deaths in October and November. The PRC embarked on a three-month operation to reach over 20,000 people with information and provide support to the overloaded health system with treatment.