Gambia: Local storm DREF Operation No. MDRGM005 Update No. 01
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.
Period covered by this update: 2 to 19 July 2009.
Summary: CHF 75,305 was allocated from the Federation's Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) on July 2009 to support the National Society in delivering assistance to 327 families representing 1,635, beneficiaries in Western Region, Lower Region, Central River Region and Upper River Regions of the Gambia. Out of this allocation CHF 50,000 was sent to start the operation. This wind storm destroyed more than 150 houses. Gambia Red Cross Society (GRCS) ensured that the victims were supported to re-roof their houses in order to move back with dignity. Forty volunteers were also trained to support the community in the reroofing process and sensitization on risk reduction initiatives.
The situation
On 02 July a serious wind storm affected almost the entire country of the Gambia causing a wide spread destruction of houses with families displaced and some hospitalized due to the falling block. A field mission was conducted for a rapid assessment of the situation by the Red Cross regional office and the national disaster management committee to ascertain the damages caused by the disaster. The same team after having realized the seriousness of the situation, started to support populations in various regions of the country distributing the materials needed to re-roof the houses. The distribution exercise was done according to the level of damages and involved the verification of affected households, registration of affected victims and preparation of beneficiary lists.