DREF operation n=B0 MDRSB002
GLIDE n=B0 TC-2101-0060-SLB
21 September 2010
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 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 74,976 has been allocated from the International Federation's Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) to support the Solomon Islands Red Cross Society (SIRCS) in conducting rapid assessments and in delivering immediate assistance to beneficiaries through the distribution of non-food relief supplies at areas affected by Tropical Cyclone Ului. Unearmarked funds to repay DREF are encouraged.
Summary: Tropical Cyclone Ului formed west of Santo Island in Vanuatu around 1200 Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) on 12 March. The cyclone gained strength as it moved on a westerly course toward the Solomon Islands. By 15 March, the cyclone intensified into a category four cyclone and sat above the provinces of Makira and Rennell/Bellona bringing storm force winds and heavy rains. Overall, six provinces were affected by the cyclonic conditions which caused flooding, damage to food gardens and structural damage. The other Provinces affected were Isabel, Malaita, Guadalcanal and Temotu. Initial reports from affected communities suggested up to 3,000 beneficiaries would be in need of assistance. Communication during the cyclone was difficult, and these initial estimates came from a number of sources to SIRCS through affected community volunteers on the ground and through police and health outposts from the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) and the Ministry of Health.
The DREF allocation assisted with the deployment of aerial and rapid assessment teams in the immediate aftermath of the cyclone. These assessments determined that: The damage caused was not as bad as expected; and the numbers of people affected were less than initially anticipated.
During this period, the Solomon Islands experienced widespread power failure and communication network breakdowns. SIRCS also experienced near complete failure of its IT and communications systems, making the running of an emergency operations centre and deployment of assessment and distribution teams very difficult. To solve these issues SIRCS worked with partner national societies (PNSs) who, with the DREF allocation, supplied IT and communications specialists.
With DREF assistance, SIRCS was able to communicate more effectively with the field, donors and PNSs and successfully deployed a number of rapid assessment teams and relief items (tarpaulins, water containers, family and hygiene kits) to assist people who were affected. The operation was expected to be implemented over three months; whereupon, it was to be completed by 22 June 2010. However, with logistics support from the Solomon Islands Government and its donor partners, the response operation was shortened and completed by 30 April 2010. Procurement for re-stock of items was to be undertaken by the end of June, 2010. This deadline was not met, and SIRCS chose to return the funds for the procurement of re-stock items to the International Federation's DREF.
This report, is the final report. Because the national society is returning the funds for the procurement of re-stock items, implementation is essentially complete. Work advance acquittals will be closed by the end of September. As such, an interim financial report is attached to this document; but the end of October will show a final financial report.
The International Federation on behalf of the Solomon Islands Red Cross Society would like to thank all donors and partners for their generous support to DREF.