USAID announces assistance to Mexico flooding
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator J. Brady Anderson announced today the provision of $100,000 in disaster assistance funding to assist relief efforts related to extensive flooding in Mexico. Unprecedented torrential rainfall has resulted in flash floods and mudslides in nine Mexican states, including Puebla, Hidalgo, Veracruz, Tabasco, Oaxaca and Chiapas. Thus far, over 300,000 people have been left homeless or cut off from power and communication.
USAID will channel the assistance, in consultation with the Government of Mexico, through the USAID Mission in Mexico. Additionally, USAID will deploy a Disaster Operations Specialist from its regional field office in San Jose, Costa Rica to assist ongoing assessment efforts.
Mexican authorities have done an exemplary job in managing the emergency phase given the difficulties in access to affected areas. The Government of Mexico, working in conjunction with the Mexican Red Cross and other agencies, has carried out initial needs assessments identifying resources and services for immediate emergency relief.
Private individuals wishing to contribute to relief efforts are encouraged to send cash contributions. Information on how to make a contribution may be obtained from the American Red Cross and the Mexican Embassy.
USAID continues to monitor the situation in Mexico very closely and will continue to provide additional assistance as necessary. USAID is the lead international disaster assistance agency for the United States Government.
USAID Press Officer
Phone: 202-712-4320
E-mail: lgross@usaid.gov