The International Federation's Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) is a source of unearmarked 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 177,163 (USD 165,418 or EUR 123,717) has been allocated from the Federation's Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) to support the Rwanda Red Cross National Society (RRCS) in delivering immediate assistance to some 5,920 beneficiaries.
Summary: Following the unusually extended and widespread rains (in Rubavu, Musanze, Gakenke, Muhanga and Nyamagabe districts of western, northern and southern provinces) that started in January 2010, more than 12,000 people were affected, and more than 21 lives were lost as a result of subsequent floods. The district of Rubavu was severely affected by the floods which caused a landslide on Mt Rubavu, on 26th March 2010, where 14 lives were lost.
Communities in two cells of Rubavu Sector (Mahoro and Rubavu cells) were among the most affected by landslides. As a consequence of heavy rains along Rubavu hills in Western Province, 5,920 people (1,184 families) were made homeless as their houses were destroyed.
Infrastructure was also damaged including roads connecting to villages and latrines. A significant number of water wells which serve as major sources of water for family use were ruined leaving thousands of families without access to clean, safe water. The damaged water system rose in contamination leaving the communities to seek alternative water sources for domestic use.
The majority of the affected people were accommodated in three identified sites (Murambi, Karukogo and Kanembwe in Rubavu Sector). The local Government authorities worked together with the Army, Police, Rwanda Red Cross (RRCS) and disaster management stakeholders in establishing temporary living settlements for the displaced population.
The RRCS volunteers were mobilized to distribute health and shelter relief items as well as food items, targeting beneficiaries in landslide hit area of Rubavu Sector.
The major donors to the DREF are the Irish, Italian, Netherlands and Norwegian governments and ECHO. Details of all donors can be found on: http://www.ifrc.org/what/disasters/responding/drs/tools/dref/donors.asp
