USAID Assists Colombian Flood Victims
WASHINGTON, DC 20523
PRESS OFFICE
http://www.usaid.gov/
Press: (202) 712-4320
Public Information: (202) 712-4810
2004-104
November 18, 2004
Contact: USAID Press Office
The U.S. Agency for International Development's (USAID) Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance is announcing a contribution of $250,000 to help approximately 10,000 people affected by flooding in northern Colombia. USAID is acting in response to a call for assistance by the Colombian Red Cross and the Internnational Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Funds will be channeled through an agreement between USAID/Colombia and the Colombian Red Cross and will cover the basic needs (food, blankets, hygiene items, and other such relief supplies) of affected and vulnerable families to help them to reestablish their lives.
Colombia has suffered uncharacteristically heavy and sustained rainfall over the past two months, causing severe flooding in 24 of its 32 departments. Colombian and international relief agencies report that more than 200,000 people have been victimized by the floods. Nineteen deaths have been reported and over 300 homes were completely destroyed, with another 17,000 severely damaged. USAID's $250,000 contribution is helping victims in the hardest hit region of the country known as "La Mojana" in the Department of Sucre. These funds will be used to meet the most immediate needs of affected and vulnerable families and to assist local authorities in their broader, ongoing relief efforts.
The U.S. Agency for International Development has provided economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide for more than 40 years.
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