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This is an archived USAID document retained on this web site as a matter of public record.
U.S. AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
PRESS RELEASE
WASHINGTON, DC 20523
PRESS OFFICE
http://www.usaid.gov
(202) 712-432000-284
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, October 3, 2000Contact: Chris Madison
Washington, D.C. - Five members of a U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) assessment team arrived in Belize City at 1 p.m. today from Costa Rica. The remaining seven members of the USAID "Go Team" is expected to land in Belize early Wednesday to begin distributing emergency supplies. Their arrival was delayed one day because of conditions at the Belize City airport.
A pre-packaged module of relief commodities, including blankets, plastic sheeting, water jugs, and a health kit designed to assist 1,000 individuals, will be deployed with the team from Miami.
In addition, USAID officials announced tonight that the U.S. ambassador in Nicaragua had declared that country a disaster due to the effects of Hurricane Keith. This decision will enable the agency to make available $25,000 immediately to help Nicaragua cope with the storms effects.
Current conditions:
- Heavy rains are currently affecting portions of the Yucatan Peninsula, Belize, and Northern Guatemala. These rains could produce life-threatening flash floods and mud slides. Recent ham radio reports indicate that more than 22 inches of rain have fallen to the west of Belize City since Saturday, September 30. Additional rainfall accumulations resulting from Keith could exceed 10 to 15 inches.
- Damage in Belize is reported to be concentrated in the northernmost islands and the northern tip of the mainland, particularly in San Pedro, a tourist resort on Ambergris Caye off the coast, and Caye Caulker, a tiny island 19 miles east of Belize City.
- Structural damage from wind and water is said to be extensive.
- Evacuations are underway in the northern part of the country. The population of Belize City was also advised to evacuate to the capital city of Belmopan.
- No deaths have been reported in Belize yet.
Local Relief Efforts
- The Belize Red Cross Society is working closely with the Belize National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) who will have the lead in national disaster response.
USAID is the agency that manages the U.S. foreign assistance program and coordinates the United States response to international disasters.
This is an archived USAID document retained on this web site as a matter of public record.
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