U.S. Provides Assistance to Flood Victims in Indonesia
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 28, 2006
Press Office: 202-712-4320
Public Information: 202-712-4810
www.usaid.gov
Washington, D.C. — The U.S. Government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), has provided $100,000 to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to support the Indonesian Red Cross’ ongoing emergency flood response efforts on Sumatra Island. On December 26, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires, John Heffern issued a disaster declaration due to the impact of flooding caused by heavy rains in the country.
Heavy rains throughout the month of December led to widespread flooding in Aceh, North Sumatra, and Riau provinces on Indonesia’s Sumatra Island. According to UN and U.S. Embassy reports, the flooding has killed more than 120 people and affected as many as 250,000 in several districts throughout the area, particularly in Aceh Province, where numerous non-governmental and international organizations continue to work on the recovery from the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.
Flooding and landslides have blocked several roads leading to affected areas, limiting humanitarian access and hampering rescue and relief efforts. The Government of Indonesia has identified food, safe drinking water, plastic sheeting, tarpaulins, and general relief supplies as priority needs and has provided assistance in the aerial transport of emergency relief items. Although water levels in many affected areas have reportedly begun to recede, weather forecasts anticipate additional rain in the coming days.
USAID will continue to monitor the situation through its mission in Indonesia and its regional office in Thailand and provide updates as necessary.
For more information about USAID’s emergency humanitarian assistance programs, visit: http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/
The U.S. Agency for International Development has provided economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide for more than 40 years.
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