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Latin America and the Caribbean Hurricane Season 2010 |
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Disaster Declaration:
El Salvador Tropical Storm,
5-30-2010
Since May 26, heavy rains associated with Tropical Storm Agatha have affected all 14 departments of El Salvador, with damage centralized in the departments of San Salvador and Sonsonate. As of June 1, associated flooding and mudslides had killed at least 12 people and resulted in the evacuation of approximately 11,650 individuals, according to the Government of El Salvador Civil Protection agency. As of May 31, the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that approximately 8,000 people were housed in nearly 200 emergency shelters, located in schools, churches, and community centers. The Government of El Salvador Civil Protection agency reported that flooding and mudslides damaged or destroyed transportation infrastructure, approximately 100 houses, and at least 15 community health centers.
On May 30, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Robert I. Blau declared a disaster due to the effects of Tropical Storm Agatha. In response, USAID/OFDA provided $100,000 through USAID/El Salvador for the local purchase and distribution of emergency relief supplies, including fuel for emergency response vehicles, shelter materials, and hygiene kits. In addition, a three-person USAID/OFDA assessment team, including an El Salvador-based disaster risk management specialist, conducted on-the-ground damage assessments to determine if additional U.S. Government humanitarian assistance was needed.
Disaster Declaration:
Guatemala Tropical Storm and Volcano,
5-30-2010
Since May 26, heavy rains associated with Tropical Storm Agatha have caused flooding and mudslides in Sololá, Quetzaltenango, Retalhuleu, Suchitepéquez, Sacatepéque, Escuintla, Totonicapán, Huethuetenango, and Quiché departments in Guatemala. On May 27, the Pacaya Volcano—located 25 miles south of Guatemala City—erupted, covering the capital in a layer of ash and causing the closure of La Aurora International Airport. As of June 1, the Government of Guatemala reported that the volcano and tropical storm had resulted in at least 152 deaths, with more than 100 people reported missing. Additionally, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies reported that authorities evacuated nearly 150,000 people from their homes. According to the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala City, heavy rains and flooding also damaged electrical, communication, and transportation infrastructure, further impeding evacuation efforts and search and rescue operations.
On May 30, U.S. Ambassador Stephen G. McFarland issued a disaster declaration due to the combined effects of Tropical Storm Agatha and the eruption of the Pacaya volcano. In response, USAID/OFDA provided $100,000 through USAID/Guatemala for the local purchase of emergency relief supplies, including blankets and shelter materials, for flood- and volcano-affected communities. USAID/OFDA also activated a nine-person assessment team in Guatemala, including a regional advisor, a military liaison officer, and a Guatemala-based disaster risk management specialist. The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) deployed a team through U.S. Southern Command to augment the U.S. Military Group at the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala City, along with a helicopter detachment from Joint Task Force-Bravo to assist with emergency operations. USAID/OFDA continued to work closely with U.S. Embassy officials, DoD personnel, and GoG emergency officials to monitor humanitarian conditions in affected areas.
Disaster Declaration:
Honduras Tropical Storm,
5-31-2010
Since May 26, heavy rains associated with Tropical Storm Agatha have caused extensive flooding in Honduras, particularly affecting Choluteca, Valle, Cortés, and Francisco Morazán departments. On May 31, the Government of Honduras (GoH) declared a state of emergency due to the effects of the tropical storm. As of June 1, the GoH Commission for Emergencies reported that the rains had resulted in the deaths of at least 16 people and displaced more than 11,000 others. In addition, the GoH reported that heavy rains and floods had damaged or destroyed more than 850 houses, approximately 34 water distribution systems, and nearly 14,000 acres of farmland.
On May 30, U.S. Ambassador Hugo Llorens issued a disaster declaration due to the effects of Tropical Storm Agatha. In response, USAID/OFDA provided $50,000 through USAID/Honduras for the local purchase of emergency relief supplies, including blankets and shelter materials, for at least 3,500 flood evacuees. The USAID/OFDA regional office in San José, Costa Rica, continued to work closely with U.S. Embassy officials and GoH emergency officials to monitor humanitarian conditions in affected areas.
For information on USAID's hurricane recovery and reconstruction programs, please see here.
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