United States Responds to Global Disasters with Over Two Million Dollars in Relief

Today, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), has announced it is giving over $2 million towards funding emergency assistance in Mexico and Papua New Guinea. The Mexican states of Chiapas and Tabasco will use these funds to help victims of flooding which occurred in October. Papua New Guinea will assist people affected by Tropical Cyclone Guba.

During late October 2007, Chiapas and Tabasco were hit by heavy rains which caused rivers, streams and dams to overflow. In addition, the massive rains have caused over 200 landslides, which have damaged roads and bridges. The number of homes severely damaged by flood waters in both regions total approximately 487,000. The heavy flooding affected more than 1.2 million people in the region. Approximately 13 people have been killed and 129,000 people have been displaced.

Initially, the USAID provided $300,000 in flooding assistance. Today, with the announcement of an additional $1.7 million, the amount sent by the United States agency will total $2 million. The money goes towards emergency relief supplies, temporary shelters, cots, and water pumps. In addition to monetary assistance, the USAID sent a five person assessment team to identify the immediate needs of the region.

High winds and heavy rain from Tropical Cyclone Guba affected the Oro and Milne Bay provinces in eastern Papua New Guinea. A state of emergency was declared in Oro province on November 19. The floods have damaged the water supply, roads, and electrical system of Popondetta, the provincial capital of Oro. Throughout the Oro and Milne Bay provinces home, roads, bridges and crops have all been affected. More than 70 people have died and 13,000 people have been displaced due to the cyclone and subsequent flooding in the region. The $50,000 being donated today by the USAID will go towards the purchase and distribution of emergency relief supplies. Regional USAID advisors will monitor the situation to determine whether further aid will be needed.

The USAID is an independent federal government agency which advances United States foreign policy by supporting economic growth, global health, democracy, conflict prevention, and humanitarian assistance. This agency was created in 1961 as part of the Foreign Assistance Act. Since then, it has been the principal U.S. government emergency resource agency for countries trying to recover from disaster. The USAID works closely with the Red Cross, international agencies, private organizations, and businesses to secure the needs of disaster stricken nations.

Sources:

U.S. Agency for International Development, "USAID Provides Emergency Assistance to Papua New Guinea." PR NewsWire.

U.S. Agency for International Development,"USAID Provides $2 Million in Flood Aid for Mexico." PR NewsWire.

This is USAID, U.S. Agency for International Development.

Fact Sheet, Mexico Floods, U.S. Agency for International Development.

Ongoing Responses - Papua New Guinea, U.S. Agency for International Development.

Ongoing Responses - Mexico, U.S. Agency for International Development.