ReliefWeb

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.

Summary: CHF 51,535 (USD 41,228 or EUR 31,811) was allocated from the Federation's Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) in early February 2007 to support Baphalali Swaziland Red Cross Society (BSRCS) in delivering assistance to some 500 households (or 2,500 beneficiaries) and replenishing relief stocks, following a series of heavy hail and rain storms.

Early and heavy seasonal rains, accompanied by hailstorms affected three of the main regions in Swaziland during the first months of 2007. BSRCS undertook relief distributions of non-food items to the most affected households, as identified following detailed house-to-house damage and needs assessments. A total of 883 households (3,344 beneficiaries) were provided with a combination of tents, tarpaulins, blankets and clothing according to their specific needs. The BSRCS youth volunteers also assisted in the reconstruction of four severely damaged houses.

The National Society was able to respond quickly and more broadly than anticipated, thanks to existing relief stock, supplemented by resource mobilization within the country. DREF funds were used to assist with transport and operational needs, procure additional relief items and replenish stock.

The situation

During the first two months of 2007, Swaziland experienced a series of heavy rainstorms, accompanied by strong winds and hail storms, affecting the regions of Nhlangano and Lubombo. The region of Northern Hhohho was subsequently affected in April 2007.

The storms caused extensive damage to housing and infrastructure, leading to frequent telephone and electricity black-outs. In addition, many hectares of crops were destroyed, raising concerns over possible food insecurity in the months ahead. It was estimated that some 500 households had been affected.

How we work

All International Federation assistance seeks to adhere to the Code of Conduct for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO's) in Disaster Relief and is committed to the Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Disaster Response (Sphere) in delivering assistance to the most vulnerable.

The International Federation's activities are aligned with its Global Agenda, which sets out four broad goals to meet the Federation's mission to "improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity".

Global Agenda Goals:

- Reduce the numbers of deaths, injuries and impact from disasters.

- Reduce the number of deaths, illnesses and impact from diseases and public health emergencies.

- Increase local community, civil society and Red Cross Red Crescent capacity to address the most urgent situations of vulnerability.

- Reduce intolerance, discrimination and social exclusion and promote respect for diversity and human dignity.

Contact information

For further information specifically related to this operation please contact:

In Swaziland: Nathi Gumede, Secretary General, Email; nathigumede@yahoo.com; Phone: Tel: +268.404.2532; Fax: 268.404.6108

In Southern Africa Zone: Françoise Le Goff, Head of Zone Office, Johannesburg; Email francoise.legoff@ifrc.org; Phone: Tel: +27.11.303.9700; +27.11.303.9711; Fax: +27.11.884.3809; +27.11.884.0230

In South Africa Zone: Disaster Management Department: Farid Aiywar; Email farid.aiywar@ifrc.org; Phone: Mobile: +27.83.440.0564 Tel: +27.11.303.9700; +27.11.303.9721; Fax: +27.11.884.3809; +27.11.884.0230

In Geneva: John Roche, Operations Coordinator, Email: john.roche@ifrc.org; Phone: +41.22.730.4400, Fax: +41.22.733.03.95