The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC) 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.
CHF 178,494 has been allocated from the IFRC's Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) to support the National Society in delivering immediate assistance to some 12,000 beneficiaries and to replenish emergency stocks. Unearmarked funds to repay DREF are encouraged.
Summary: Heavy rains at the end of June and the start of July 2010 caused flooding in the north-east and north of Romania, damaging 4,384 households and affecting more than 12,237 people. The Red Cross of Romania provided basic non-food items to 350 families amounting to some 1,200 people as well as adequate sanitation and drinking water to another 11,000 people.
The Red Cross of Romania branches joined the response efforts in all the municipalities, working closely with local authorities, helping with assessment, relief and early rehabilitation. Branches like Giurgiu Ialomita, Cluj, Olt, Satu Mare, Dambovita and other branches of Romanian Red Cross created campaigns to raise bottled water, clothes and hygiene items in communities not affected by floods. Through Red Cross efforts, safe water, food and hygiene items were provided for the 12,000 most affected people from Botosani, Tulcea, Bacau, Neamt and Suceava county. The Romanian Red Cross volunteers provided psychosocial support and advice about hygiene and water borne diseases to the evacuated people in the provisional camps, thus reducing the risk of an epidemic breaking out.