The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has released 140720 EUR in emergency funding from its Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) to facilitate the immediate mobilisation of resources and relief for those affected by this disaster.
The European Commission supports the DREF by reimbursing the fund for grants made to address localised, small-scale disasters under the current funding agreement of EUR 1.5 million. Through its support, the European Commission shows its solidarity with the International Federation's swift response and the people affected by the disaster.
Heavy and continued rains have lead to flooding in six regions in Moldova affecting some 12,000 people. Around 3,200 houses have been flooded and several thousands of people had to be evacuated.
The Moldovan Red Cross replied swiftly helping some 8,000 people in ten of the most affected villages with food, hygiene kits, water, blankets and bed linen as well as the provision of adequate satiation.
The Disaster Relief Emergency Fund was established in 1985 and is supported by contributions from donors. Each time a National Red Cross or Red Crescent Society needs immediate financial support to respond to a disaster, it can request funds from the DREF as a loan of start-up funding or as grant. For small-scale disasters, the IFRC allocates grants from the Fund, which can then be replenished by the donors. The contribution agreement between the IFRC and the European Commission enables the latter to replenish the DREF for agreed operations that fit in with its humanitarian mandate, up to a total of €1.5 million.
