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USAID Expedites Disaster Aid to Caribbean Nations Affected by Hurricanes
WASHINGTON, DC 20523
PRESS OFFICE
http://www.usaid.gov/
Press: (202) 712-4320
Public Information: (202) 712-4810
2004-031
September 28, 2004
Contact: USAID Press Office
WASHINGTON, DC - Throughout this time of increased hurricane activity, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) stands firm by its Caribbean neighbors to alleviate the human suffering caused by Tropical Storm Jeanne, and Hurricanes Ivan and Frances. To date, USAID, through its Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) has provided $3.8 million to Haiti, Grenada, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas for vital humanitarian relief and emergency resources, such as water, food and shelter.
USAID has provided $2 million for the humanitarian response to Haiti.
- On September 23, U.S. Ambassador James Foley announced approximately $2 million in disaster relief assistance to Haiti, provided through USAID. The announcement comes just two days after the Ambassador's disaster declaration due to the damage caused by Tropical Storm Jeanne. This disaster declaration allowed an automatic release of $50,000 to begin the immediate funding and distribution of hygiene kits, cooking sets, blankets, water containers and other relief supplies to those most affected by the floods.
- On September 23, USAID airlifted 300 rolls of plastic sheeting for shelter; more than 5,000 ten-liter water jugs; and 3,660 hygiene kits to Port au Prince.
- USAID has dispatched an expert disaster team from OFDA to help coordinate the U.S. relief efforts with local disaster officials.
- USAID has secured an aircraft through Air Serv International to provide aerial assessments and transport of personnel and relief supplies.
USAID has provided more than $900,000 for the humanitarian response to Grenada.
- As of September 24, USAID has funded four flights of emergency relief supplies to Grenada, carrying plastic sheeting for shelter, hygiene kits and emergency water supplies.
- USAID has provided $100,000 to the U.S. Embassy in Bridgetown to support the local purchase and distribution of emergency relief supplies, in-country air transport and aerial assessments of affected areas.
- USAID has provided $50,000 to fund assessments of the island's electrical system.
- USAID has secured an aircraft through Air Serv International to assist in the humanitarian response.
USAID has provided more than $694,000 for the humanitarian response to Jamaica.
- On September 12, U.S. Ambassador Sue M. Cobb issued a disaster declaration allowing for the automatic release of $50,000 used for the immediate funding of shelter operation costs and initial relief activities.
- USAID has funded two flights of emergency relief supplies, including special boats for search and rescue efforts, life vests, hygiene kits, jerry cans and plastic sheeting for shelter.
- Through partners, USAID has provided nearly $400,000 for the purchase and transportation of medical supplies, hygiene kits and plastic sheeting for shelter.
- The USAID Mission in Jamaica has purchased $25,000 in water tanks.
USAID has provided more than $284,000 for the humanitarian response in the Bahamas.
- On September 5, U.S. Ambassador John D. Rood issued a disaster declaration due to the effects of Hurricane Frances.
- USAID has provided $100,000 to support the local purchase and distribution of emergency relief supplies, in-country air transport and aerial assessments of affected areas.
- USAID has funded three airlifts of emergency relief supplies from Miami to the Bahamas, carrying blankets, hygiene kits, jerry cans, plastic sheeting for shelter and a water purification unit.
- USAID has secured an aircraft through Air Serv International to assist in the humanitarian response.
USAID has provided $50,000 for the humanitarian assistance in the Dominican Republic.
- USAID has provided $50,000 for the purchase and distribution of emergency relief supplies, including hygiene kits, mosquito nets, kitchen sets, blankets, bedding, water containers and plastic sheeting for shelter.
The USAID Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance
Now celebrating its 40th year, the U.S. Agency for International Development Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) is responsible for providing humanitarian assistance in response to international crises and disaster. USAID Administrator Andrew S. Natsios serves as the President's Special Coordinator for International Disaster Assistance. In 2004, with a budget of more than $300 million, OFDA Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DARTs) have responded to 69 disaster declarations in 58 countries.
USAID OFDA provides humanitarian assistance in response to a declaration of a foreign disaster made by the U.S. Ambassador or the U.S. Department of State. Once a declaration is made, USAID can immediately provide up to $50,000 to the U.S. Embassy or USAID Mission to purchase relief supplies locally, or give a contribution to a relief organization in the affected country. USAID also deploys experts to the field, and in some cases, dispatches a DART.
The Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance is housed in USAID's Bureau for Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Assistance.
The U.S. Agency for International Development has provided economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide for more than 40 years.
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