Cablegate: Disaster Declaration for Severe Flooding in Santa Catarina

O 251703Z NOV 08
FM AMEMBASSY BRASILIA
TO SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 2990
AMEMBASSY SAN JOSE IMMEDIATE
AMEMBASSY LIMA IMMEDIATE
INFO AMCONSUL RIO DE JANEIRO
AMCONSUL SAO PAULO

UNCLAS BRASILIA 001528

BT

USAID FOR LAC/SAM; SAN JOSE OFDA FOR TIM CALLAGHAN; LIMA FOR
USAID/FMO AND RCO

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID TBIO SENV BR

SUBJECT: DISASTER DECLARATION FOR SEVERE FLOODING IN SANTA CATARINA

1. This is an action request. See paragraph 4.

2. The Charge has determined, based upon information from
Brazil's Secretariat for Civil Defense and Santa Catarina State
Government, that the severe destruction due to recent record
rains, flooding, and mudslides is of sufficient magnitude to
warrant USG emergency assistance.

3. Continued heavy rains have caused serious flooding affecting
one-fourth of the state's population. Eight cities within the state
are isolated and over 40,000 citizens have been displaced. 65
deaths have been reported with landslides, mostly in the Itajai
Valley.

4. The Charge has requested USDOLS 50,000, which will be used to
purchase emergency supplies and support basic housing repair for
the most vulnerable families in the hardest-hit municipalities within
the state. Funds will be channeled through Caritas Brazil.

5. It is not known at this time if additional funds will be
required. Disaster Relief Officer (MDRO) will keep OFDA informed
if any additional requests might be forthcoming.

Kubiske

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