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 256,996 (USD 250,515 or EUR 170,100) has been allocated from the Federation's Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) to support the Paraguayan Red Cross (PRC) in delivering immediate assistance to some 10,680 beneficiaries. Unearmarked funds to repay DREF are encouraged.
Summary: As of 22 September, continuous rainfall has caused flooding of the Paraná River affecting communities in the central region, particularly communities in the departments of Misiones - Ayolas and Itap=FAa - Encarnación, Ñeembucú and Alto Paraná. On 23 of October, continuous rain caused the water level to rise well above the height of the river banks. Besides heavy rain falls the over flow of Yacyreta and Itaipú dam had a major effect to the floods. Another cause of the flooding is the retention of water in the floodplains which has also contributed to make the situation even worse.
The emergency is due to the floods affecting the departments of Misiones, Ñeembucú, and Alto Parana. As of today in these three departments approximately 2,136 families are affected by lack of basic resources. This DREF operation will provide 2,136 families in the areas of Misiones, Alto Paraná and Ñeembucú with mosquito nets, hygiene kits, shelter kits and seeds for rehabilitation of crops. This operation is expected to be implemented over three months, and will therefore be completed by 3 February 2010; a Final Report will be made available three months after the end of the operation (by 3 May 2010.