GLIDE n° FL-2011-000122-NER
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC) 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 emergency response. 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 250,491 was allocated from the IFRC’s Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) to support the Red Cross Society of Niger (RCSN) in delivering immediate assistance to some 1,600 families. Unearmarked funds to repay DREF are encouraged.
Summary: Torrential rains in Niger in August 2011 caused heavy flooding in the regions of Dosso, Tillabéry, Tahoua and Maradi. As a result, nine people died, and 1,750 houses were destroyed. More than 1,920 hectares of crops were flooded and herds of livestock decimated.
With support from IFRC’s Sahel regional representation, the National Society activated its floods contingency plan at the onset of the disaster. RCSN proceeded to assist a targeted total of 1,600 affected families with non-food relief items as well as emergency health, water, sanitation and hygiene promotion activities and emergency shelter in the four affected regions.