International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies help flood victims in Moldova

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has released €140,720 in emergency funding from its Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) to facilitate the immediate mobilisation of resources and relief for those affected by floods in Moldova. 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 bedlinen as well as the provision of adequate satiation, Info-Prim Neo reports, quoting a press release from the EU Delegation to Moldova. 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 €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. According to the press release, 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. Heavy and continued rains have lead to flooding in six regions in Moldova, affecting about 12,000 people.