As
the floodwaters receded, USAID began extending
grants to local non-governmental organizations
that had been in place before Hurricane Mitch
and thus could rapidly get help to the tens of
thousands of Hondurans who desperately need it.
The NGOs responded with food, clothing, household
items, medical attention and supplies. They set
up emergency shelters and water and sanitation
systems. And they aided in the cleanup, removing
mud and debris and taking measures that quelled
the very real threat of large-scale epidemics.
Approximately
20 percent of Honduran families could not get
enough food when the storm had passed. Many of
these people were also facing homelessness. They
needed food assistance in order to re-establish
their means of economic survival and begin the
search for permanent housing.
To
address food needs and the reconstruction effort,
a USAID financed Food-For-Work program was implemented
to support the clean-up and reconstruction effort
immediately following the disaster.
The
projects included rehabilitation of the local
infrastructure including roads, public buildings,
and water and sanitation systems. Food-for-Work
programs not only benefited those receiving food
assistance, but also the thousands more who benefited
from the improved infrastructure.
$42
million in USAID funding for emergency food assistance
and transportation was provided, primarily through
three NGOs — CARE, Catholic Relief Services, and
the World Food Program. These organizations divided
up the country to avoid duplication of effort
and worked closely with each municipality assigned
to them. Each NGO collaborated with local leaders
to determine priority needs and develop Food-for-Work
programs that responded to those needs. They partnered
with other NGOs that have experience working in
local communities.
In
the first month after the hurricane, existing
Title II food stocks were redirected from the
regular food security program, thus preventing
hunger throughout Honduras. USAID organized the
largest airlift since Berlin, bringing in 1,200
metric tons of food commodities.
The
USAID funded NGOs went into action in more than
2,000 communities, clearing mud and debris from
roads, streets, and cemeteries, building drainage
canals and aiding with basic repairs of schools,
community centers, churches and clinics. Over
3,500 kilometers of access roads and streets were
cleared and repaired.
USAID
provided $27.8 million in immediate disaster and
recovery assistance, including the repair of damaged
water and sanitation systems to prevent an outbreak
of disease.
USAID
also redirected $33 million in program funding
and food assistance to initiate reconstruction
activities prior to the United States Congress’
passage of the Supplemental Reconstruction Appropriation.
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