DUSHANBE, July 14, 2014, Asia-Plus -- Responding to flash flooding triggered by heavy rainfall in early May, the European Commission is contributing €88 871 to disaster relief for the more than 5000 people affected, the Delegation of the European Union to Tajikistan reported on July 14.

More than one thousand families have reportedly been severely affected by the floods, many of whom lost their homes and have been temporarily sheltered in schools, mosques or with relatives.

The European Commission’s Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection department (ECHO) is contributing to the disaster relief emergency fund of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent, following a funding appeal by the organization to provide immediate assistance.  This was based on a thorough needs assessment, which was conducted in coordination with government agencies responsible for emergency response.

The funds, channeled through the Red Crescent Society of Tajikistan, will ensure that all affected families receive clothing materials, mattresses, hygiene kits and cooking utensils.

Tajikistan is a mountainous country extremely vulnerable to natural disasters and floods, with landslides an almost annual occurrence. The European Commission, through its disaster preparedness program, DIPECHO, has been working in Tajikistan for over a decade to strengthen the disaster management capacities of hazard-prone communities.

For 2014, the European Commission’s Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection department (ECHO) has signed a €3 million humanitarian contribution agreement with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to support the Federation''s Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF).  Funds from the DREF are mainly allocated to “small-scale” disasters – those that do not give rise to a formal international appeal.

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.  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.