USAID provides assistance for victims of flooding in Brazil
Washington, D.C. - The Administrator
of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Andrew S. Natsios
today announced that USAID is providing $50,000 to Servico Voluntario de
Assistencia Social (SERVAS), the primary Brazilian non-governmental organization
in the state of Minas Gerais, for the local purchase of relief supplies
for the victims of the recent flooding in the state. The funding will be
provided in response to the disaster declaration issued yesterday by U.S.
Ambassador Donna Hrinak and the request for assistance from the government
of Minas Gerais. Supplies to be purchased include emergency food, blankets,
and other relief supplies.
"President Bush is concerned about
the victims and their families. USAID will provide assistance to meet the
immediate needs of those who have been affected by the flooding,"
said Administrator Natsios.
Since January 16, heavy rains have caused extensive flooding throughout the southeastern states of Rio de Janeiro, Espirito Santo, Sao Paulo, and especially Minas Gerais. A "state of public calamity" has been declared by the state government of Minas Gerais for 33 state municipalities. According to Minas Gerais officials, the flooding has killed 45 people, injured 98 people, damaged or destroyed more than 8,500 homes, and displaced 16,129 people.
During the week of January 27, three USAID experts conducted a damage assessment in the affected areas. USAID will continue to monitor the situation and provide additional updates as necessary.
Contact: USAID Press Office
WASHINGTON, DC 20523
(202) 712-4320