El-Deweka

El- Deweka rockslide disaster of September 6th was a turning point in the lives of an underprivileged slum community. At the onset of the disaster, the ERC immediately mobilized its intervention teams and volunteers who were deployed on site, soon after the collapse to assist the authorized during the rescue works. ERC erected a temporary camp managed by the national Society's volunteers to gather the affected families.

ERC staff and volunteers provided first aid and psychological support to the victims and families. EUR 156,260 has been allocated from the International Federation's DREF to support the ERC in delivering immediate assistance to around 14000 beneficiaries who have been resettled and re-housed during the past four months; each family consisting of an average of 4-7 members has been given a new housing unit. An emergency Appeal was considered and discussed to continue to support the affected community in the recovery phase.

Emergency Disaster Management

ERC , handled the emergency phase well. Immediate food and shelter were provided for all affected citizens. Medical casualties received the necessary health support, with the help of the Ministry of Health.

Disaster Preparedness

Disaster mitigation and preparedness planning took place on two levels:
The macro level ; involving governmental bodies namely the Ministry of Social Solidarity, Health and Local Development ( represented by Cairo Governorate ) , and ERC at the level of country or district and community based mitigation and preparedness planning with a focus on the population planning for its own safety and development.

The micro level ; ten local NGOs under the umbrella of ERC and civil society represented by the National Democratic Party, NDP.

Response

ERC managed the resettlement of affected citizens. The Egyptian Government provided new buildings with the housing capacity of 4000 units, accommodating more than 14000 inhabitants; females, males and children. Furnishing and household items were provided by the ERC for the most vulnerable groups who lost all their household belongings.

Transportation to the housing was provided until public transportation service began. The area has a Police Station, schools and fully equipped Medical center.

Recovery

Capacity building is conducted on two avenues; People and Tools. Establish a training unit to provide training on income generating occupations for females. Provide youth with IT and Internet training. Run illiteracy classes.

Community Health Promotion and Awareness

Conduct awareness sessions in the areas of health, culture and the environmental coordination and cooperation with the media center. Focus on risk reduction especially in the areas of drug abuse and infection diseases such as HIV/AIDS. Establish nurseries. Establish a youth club. Provide assistance for the disabled.

ERC Partnership with the Ministry of Social Solidarity

The following projects will be partially funded by the Ministry as part of its investment plan: Nurseries, Kids club, Cultural and Social club, Women's club.