U.S. Provides US$ 190,000 in Direct Humanitarian Assistance to Flood Victims

November 1, 2011

U.S. assistance distributed to flood victims in Paso de Vela, Nacaome. (State Dept. Photo)

TEGUCIGALPA, M.D.C. – Since October 15, the U.S. Government has provided US$ 190,000 (approximately 3.6 million Lempiras) in direct humanitarian assistance to flood victims in Honduras.  Within 24 hours of the emergency, the U.S. Government -through partner organizations Save the Children and Plan International- began distributing hygiene kits, kitchen sets, mattresses, blankets and drinking water to evacuees in temporary shelters in the Choluteca and Valle departments, and provided fuel to Honduran authorities for the emergency airlift of relief supplies.  The U.S. also deployed a total of four disaster specialists to monitor flooding and damage, and to assist in the delivery of humanitarian aid.  These specialists work directly with Honduras’ Permanent Commission of Contingencies (COPECO) to coordinate assistance in order to help the largest number of people to the greatest extent possible.

The U.S. has also provided assistance to flood victims in Honduras through our voluntary contributions to United Nations organizations like the World Food Programme (WFP), UNICEF, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).  The WFP has provided 98.6 tons of food, or rations for 31,500 individuals, UNICEF has donated water purification systems and hygiene kits, UNFPA has distributed emergency supplies to victims in temporary lodging, and UNDP has provided technical and analytical support to Honduran emergency response authorities.

The U.S. Embassy continues to monitor the situation in the affected areas and work with the Honduran government to identify pressing needs.  We join other members of the Red Humanitaria (Humanitarian Network) and national and international private companies who have donated goods and services to help alleviate the suffering caused by the flooding.