After Action Review of DREF Operation in Afghanistan Floods and Landslide (2014)

The Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS) has a long and rich history of response to natural and manmade emergencies. Afghanistan is prone to a variety of emergencies, including situations of violence and meteorological disasters. The North and North-East regions are particularly vulnerable to recurring floods and landslides. In 2014 heavy rains severely impacted over 90,000 individuals, beginning in March. The ARCS responded to the resulting flash floods by distributing its pre-positioned emergency relief items as well as dispatching mobile health teams (MHTs) to the affected areas. On May 2nd, 2014, a landslide occurred in the district of Argo, Badakshan province. The decision was namely taken to launch a DREF operation, mainly to replenish stocks used by ARCS in its ongoing response. The plan of action of this DREF requires the completion of an After Action Review (the Review).

This paper presents the findings of this review and concludes that the DREF allocation, although it was not required given the amount of resources available to the Red Crescent in country, and even if launched as a result of media pressure, with a view to capitalise on potential donor interest, and with little technical input from the ARCS, did leave the ARCS in a better position to cope with upcoming disasters. The review further concludes that the relief operation managed by the ARCS was timely (especially in its initial phases), appropriate in meeting the life-saving needs of the beneficiaries assisted and effective, in that it contributed to alleviating suffering and to the prevention of water-borne diseases. The health interventions, and namely interventions by the MHTs, were particularly effective. The distribution of relief items was overall more challenging. This report identifies opportunities for further strengthening of ARCS and IFRC response mechanisms, namely in areas of planning, coordination, and delivery of relief operations. The review proposes a number of recommendations to reinforce in these areas.