USAID - $50,000 Emergency Assistance to Venezuela

USAID Provides $50,000 in Emergency Assistance to Venezuela

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Washington, D.C. - In response to heavy rains, landslides and persistent flooding in the north-central region of Venezuela that began on February 7, the U.S. Agency for International Development's Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (USAID/OFDA) is providing $50,000 through the U.S. Embassy in Caracas to the Venezuelan Red Cross for the purchase and distribution of emergency relief items. These items include hygiene kits, oral rehydration supplies and potable water. In addition, a USAID/OFDA consultant based in Venezuela is working closely with the U.S. Embassy in Caracas and local officials to better assess the situation.

On February 9, the President of Venezuela declared a state of emergency for the capital district of Caracas and six states: Aragua, Carabobo, Miranda, Vargas, Falcon and Yaracuy. On February 10, U.S. Ambassador to Venezuela William R. Brownfield issued a disaster declaration due to the magnitude of damage caused by the flooding. There have been 15 reported deaths, more than 3,700 houses have been destroyed and approximately 14,800 people have been forced to evacuate their homes. If the rains persist, conditions could worsen rapidly and more areas could become inaccessible. Currently, there are widespread power outages and damage to highways and roads.

USAID will continue to work closely with the government of Venezuela and other non-governmental organizations to help flood victims. For additional information on the Venezuelan floods, please visit our website: http://www.usaid.gov/.

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