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
$40,000 to the U.S. Embassy in San Jose, Costa Rica, 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, Santa
Cruz, Islona, Corralillo, Bolson, and La Guinea, as well as the cantons of
Montes de Oro and Puntarenas. According to the Government of Costa Rica's
(COCR) 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, according to the
GOCR Ministry of Public Works. The CNE requested air support to transport
medical supplies and personnel to flood-affected communities until flood
waters recede and roads re-open.



USAID will continue to monitor the situation and will provide
additional support as needed.



For more information about USAID's emergency humanitarian assistance
programs, please visit:
usaid/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance.



The American people, through the U.S. Agency for International
Development, have provided economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide
for nearly 50 years.


U.S. Agency for International Development

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