GLIDE no. FL-2009-000235-HTI
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 105,656 (USD 103,918 or EUR 69,950) has been allocated from the Federation's Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) to support the Haitian National Red Cross Society (HNRCS) in its initial damage and need assessment costs. It will also provide non-food items and water provision to approximately 500 families. Unearmarked funds to repay DREF are encouraged.
Summary: On 20 October 2009 six communities in Haiti were deeply affected by mudslides caused by heavy rainfall. This DREF operation is focused on providing support to the Haitian National Red Cross Society in order to provide relief assistance to the most affected people.
This operation is expected to be implemented in three months, and will therefore be completed by 6 February 2010; a final report will be made available three months after the end of the operation (by 6 May 2010).
The situation
On the night of 20 October 2009, heavy rainfall from the normal seasonal rains caused flooding in the communities of Bergamothe, Bois Thioute, Cite Thema, Ti Kajou, Bizoton as well as the smaller communities along the railway in the department of Carrefour. The floods caused extensive damage to household belongings and properties. The Haitian National Red Cross Society has carried a quick assessment in the affected region and reported that 500 families have been severely affected by the floods. Unfortunately four people were found dead and six disappeared of which two appeared later after. Most of the affected families have had their homes completely flooded. Some families are still living in collective shelters in nearby communities while others are staying with family members. Some families have started to clean their homes to prepare for their return. Nonetheless, even when these families return to their homes they will need basic items, especially safe drinking water which is not available to these families as their wells have been contaminated.
