USAID Provides Flood
Assistance to Costa Rica
In response to the
effects of Tropical
Storm Hanna, the U.S.
government, through the
U.S. Agency for
International
Development (USAID), is
providing an initial
us$40,000 to the U.S.
Embassy in San José
for air support to
transport relief
commodities and
personnel to affected
communities.
On September 5, U.S.
Ambassador Peter
Cianchette issued a
disaster declaration in
response to the flooding
in Costa Rica.
From September 2 - 5,
the passage of Tropical
Storm Hanna caused heavy
rains and serious
flooding in the western
part of the country. The
flooding particularly
affected Guanacaste
Province, including the
communities of Carrillo
and Santa Cruz, as well
as the cantons of Montes
de Oro and Puntarenas.
According to the
Comisión Nacional de
Emergencias - National
Emergency Commission - (CNE),
the flooding affected an
estimated 38,000 people
and caused 1,000
individuals to evacuate
residences.
Flood-related landslides
resulted in the closure
of roads and the
destruction of the water
system in Puntarenas
Canton. The CNE
requested air support to
transport medical
supplies and personnel
to flood-affected
communities until flood
waters recede and roads
re-open. |
