Most Recent Disaster Declaration:
Floods and Landslides, 11-08-2010
Since November 3, above-average and sustained heavy rainfall resulted in flooding throughout Guanacaste and Puntarenas provinces along the Pacific coast and San José Province in the Central Valley of Costa Rica. The flooding affected an estimated 20,000 people, including one death, and caused landslides that killed 25 people, according to the Government of Costa Rica National Emergency Commission (CNE). More than 980 houses sustained partial or significant flood-related damage, and floods displaced approximately 3,860 people to an estimated 70 temporary shelters.
On November 8, U.S. Ambassador Anne S. Andrew declared a disaster due to the effects of the flooding. In response, USAID/OFDA provided $50,000 through the U.S. Embassy in San José to the CNE for air support and fuel to reach isolated communities with relief assistance. In addition, USAID/OFDA airlifted emergency relief supplies, including 100 rolls of plastic sheeting, 2,000 water containers, and 2,016 hygiene kits, from the USAID/OFDA warehouse in Miami, Florida.
Additional Disaster Declaration:
Earthquake, 01-09-2009
On January 8, a magnitude 6.1 earthquake occurred approximately 20 miles northwest of San José, particularly affecting the Central Valley. As of January 9, the Costa Rican Red Cross reported that the earthquake affected 2,377 people, including 1,078 displaced individuals and 4 deaths. According to the Costa Rica National Emergency Commission (CNE) the earthquake caused significant infrastructure damage in the areas of Heredia and Alajuela cities. Aftershocks and subsequent landslides occurred in Vara Blanca and along the Sarapiqui River, impeding humanitarian access. CNE established an air bridge to evacuate populations in the Vara Blanca—Sarapiqui River corridor.
On January 9, U.S. Ambassador Peter E. Cianchette declared a disaster due to the effects of the earthquake. In response, USAID/OFDA provided an initial $50,000 through the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica for local air support to evacuate affected populations.
For information on USAID's hurricane recovery and reconstruction programs, please see here.
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