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USAID Responds to Flooding in Central America and Mexico
November 7, 2005
The 2005 hurricane season brought an unprecedented 13 hurricanes to date, of which three—Stan, Wilma, and Beta—caused devastation in parts of Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Mexico, Cuba, and the Bahamas. - In July, hurricanes Dennis and Emily impacted Cuba, Haiti, and Grenada.
- On July 8, Hurricane Dennis made landfall in central Cuba bringing sustained winds of up to 150 mph and triggering sea surges, floods, landslides, and heavy rains which affected Haiti as well.
- On July 14, Hurricane Emily passed near Grenada as a category one hurricane with 90 mile per hour winds.
- On October 4, Hurricane Stan made landfall south of Veracruz, Mexico, with sustained winds of 80 miles per hour, before weakening to a tropical storm and generating severe flooding across southern Mexico and Central America.
- Hurricane Wilma hovered for more than 24 hours near the Yucatan Peninsula before making landfall in Cozumel, Mexico, on October 22, as a category four hurricane.
- Hurricane Beta made landfall on October 30, near Karabal and Sandy Bay, Nicaragua, as a category two hurricane.
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Total FY 2005 Hurricane Season Assistance to
Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean | $5,904,066 |
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Total FY 2005 Hurricane Season Assistance to
Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean | $8,919,466 |
Further Information:
Situation Report #5 - 10/28/05 (PDF)
Map #2 - 10/28/05 (PDF)
CURRENT SITUATION
USAID/OFDA Team Deployment
- More than 22 USAID/OFDA staff, working closely with USAID Missions and U.S. Embassy staff, have deployed to countries affected by Tropical Storm Stan, Hurricane Wilma, and Hurricane Beta over the last three weeks—including Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, the Bahamas, Nicaragua, and Honduras—to assess damages, identify needs, and coordinate assistance with local disaster officials.7 As of November 3, a seven-member USAID/OFDA team remains in Nicaragua, and a two-member USAID/OFDA team is in Honduras, augmenting the ongoing efforts of USAID/OFDA’s Latin America- and Caribbean-based consultants.
Nicaragua
- In anticipation of Hurricane Beta, the Government of Nicaragua (GON) evacuated more than 17,800 people to 44 shelters in the departments of the Autonomous Region of the North Atlantic (RAAN), the Autonomous Region of the South Atlantic (RAAS), and Matagalpa. As of October 31, 5,675 people remain in 27 shelters.
- According to the GON, the total number of residents in shelters in RAAN and RAAS departments has decreased from 5,675 on October 31 to 3,030 on November 2, as residents return home to the less-affected departments of RAAN and Matagalpa. In RAAS Department, 2,658 people in RAAS Department are residing with relatives and friends. In addition, 1,615 people in coastal communities in Prinzapolka Municipality, Region Autonoma Atlantico Norte (RAAN) Department, remain in shelters. In addition, 75 people have been evacuated from the community of Wiwili, Jinotega Department, due to the rising water levels of Rio Coco.
- On November 3, USAID and U.S. Embassy personnel, accompanied by U.N. and GON representatives, conducted the first aerial assessment flight of affected areas, using USAID/OFDA’s locally contracted Bell 205 helicopter.
- Heavy rainfall from Tropical Storm Stan caused flooding and landslides in the Departments of Esteli, Chinandega, and Jinotega, forcing approximately 840 people to evacuate to temporary shelters. The GON reported that Stan caused approximately $16 million in damage to roads and affected 3,500 hectares of agricultural land, including the destruction of approximately 875 hectares. Extensive rainfall destroyed crops and food supplies in 14 communities in the Municipality of Waspam, RAAN Department, severely affecting 4,450 people.
Guatemala
- On October 28, CONRED reported that Tropical Storm Stan caused 669 deaths, with an additional 844 missing; directly affected 474,928 people; and damaged or destroyed 34,968 homes.
- According to CONRED, the number of displaced residents living in shelters has decreased from 120,000 on October 13 to 32,000 on October 28. Currently, 296 shelters are serving residents from 1,100 communities.
Mexico
- In early October, Tropical Storm Stan flooded the states of Veracruz, Chiapas, Oaxaca, Tabasco, Puebla, Hidalgo, and Guerrero, killing 15 people, displacing 370,000, and affected approximately 1.5 million, according to OCHA.
- On October 25, Hurricane Wilma caused severe flooding across Quintana Roo and Yucatan states, displacing approximately 300,000 people in Cancún alone and severely damaging the homes of another 700,000 residents, according to OCHA. In addition, the hurricane killed 7 people and affected more than 1 million people.
Honduras
- From October 29 to 31, the outer bands of Hurricane Beta passed over northeastern Honduras, flooding the departments of Gracias a Dios, Atlántida, and Colón. According to the Government of Honduras, the flooding displaced more than 11,000 people, of which 7,700 people are currently residing in 32 shelters. International media sources reported damaged roads and bridges have isolated more than 50 communities from assistance.
El Salvador
- Two simultaneous emergencies—the severe flooding caused by Tropical Storm Stan and the eruption of the Santa Ana volcano on October 1 in the first week of October—caused 69 deaths and affected roughly half of the country. Flood damage to housing and public infrastructure was particularly severe in the departments of San Miguel, Usulután, San Salvador, and Sansonate.
Costa Rica
- Extensive rainfall in late September flooded areas in the provinces of Alajuela, Cartago, Guanacaste, Heredia, Puntarenas, and San José, forcing more than 1,000 residents of 459 communities to evacuate to local shelters.
Cuba
- The Cuban National Civil Defense reported that Hurricane Dennis made landfall in central Cuba on July 8, killing 16 people, damaging or destroying more than 58,000 homes, and leaving an estimated 73,000 people homeless.
- On October 22, the outer bands of Hurricane Wilma passed over western Cuba, bringing 10 consecutive days of rainfall that flooded 11 out of 14 provinces and resulted in 700,000 evacuations. Concurrently, rains from Tropical Storm Alpha flooded the eastern provinces.
- According to the U.S. Interests Section in Havana, the Municipality of Havana was severely flooded, including several low lying areas of the Havana Province that suffered five to six feet of flooding. On October 28, OCHA reported that priority needs include mattresses, bedding, food, and water containers.
Bahamas
- On October 24, Hurricane Wilma passed through the northern islands of the Bahamas with 100 mile per hour winds and 15 foot storm surges. According to NEMA, the hurricane displaced 1,500 people, damaged or destroyed more than 200 homes, and caused extensive damage to public infrastructure.
Haiti
- According to the Government of Haiti, flooding from Hurricane Dennis in early July killed 40 people and affected 15,000 residents in the southern peninsula of Haiti.
Grenada
- Strong wind and heavy rains from Hurricane Emily impacted the northern parishes of St. Andrew's and St. Patrick's and the outer islands of Carriacou and Petit Martinique, forcing more than 1,650 people to seek refuge in shelters.
USG HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE
Guatemala
USAID
- On October 5, U.S. Ambassador James M. Derham issued a disaster declaration due to the magnitude of the damage caused by the flooding and landslides caused by Tropical Storm Stan.
- In response, USAID/OFDA provided nearly $4 million in humanitarian assistance to Guatemala, including: $150,000 to USAID/Guatemala for the local purchase of emergency relief supplies and for helicopter support; $3 million to USAID/Guatemala for emergency grants to non-governmental organization (NGO) partners for health, water and sanitation, and shelter activities; and $200,000 to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) in partnership for emergency health and water and sanitation activities.
- Though three airlifts, USAID/OFDA provided the following relief supplies: 5,004 hygiene kits; 1,000 rolls of plastic sheeting; 5,000 blankets; 2,502 hygiene kits; 9,200 5-gallon water containers; 1,120 water containers with a 10 liter capacity; 6 water bladders with a 12,000 liter capacity; and 2 water treatment units. An additional 500 rolls of plastic sheeting is en route by sea. The value of these supplies, including transport, is nearly $790,000.
- USAID’s Office of Food for Peace (FFP) pledged approximately $2 million in emergency food assistance to support the U.N. World Food Program’s (WFP) emergency operations in Guatemala.
Department of Defense (DOD)
- SOUTHCOM deployed a 58-person team from Joint Task Force-Bravo in Honduras to Guatemala City to assist with ongoing disaster relief efforts. Joint Task Force-Bravo provided a total of 134 U.S. military personnel, one C-130 aircraft, one P3 aircraft, and 10 helicopters for relief operations. U.S. helicopters flew more than 400 hours; delivered more than 300 tons of supplies; evacuated more than 50 personnel; and transported host nation firefighters and emergency aid workers. A Navy P3 surveillance aircraft and three fixed wing assets and personnel from the National Geospatial Agency provided imagery support for assessments.
Nicaragua
USAID
- On October 29, U.S. Ambassador Paul A. Trivelli issued a disaster declaration due to the damage caused by Hurricane Beta. In response, USAID/OFDA provided $200,000 through USAID/Nicaragua for the purchase and distribution of emergency relief supplies and helicopter fuel.
- On November 1, USAID/OFDA airlifted 200 rolls of plastic sheeting, 5,020 ten-liter water containers, and 2,736 hygiene kits, valued at $118,877, including transport. In addition, USAID/OFDA has locally contracted a Bell 205 helicopter to conduct aerial assessments of affected areas, valued at $30,000.
- On October 19, U.S. Ambassador Paul A. Trivelli declared a disaster due to flooding caused by Tropical Storm Stan that led to the destruction of crops and food supplies. In response, USAID/OFDA provided $50,000 to WFP for the transport of 224 metric tons (MT) of P.L. 480 Title II emergency food assistance for 4,450 beneficiaries.
Mexico
USAID
- On October 23, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Stephen R. Kelly issued a disaster declaration due to the magnitude of the damage caused by Hurricane Wilma. On October 6, U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Antonio O. Garza Jr. declared a disaster due to the flooding from Tropical Storm Stan.
- To date, USAID/OFDA has provided a total of $600,000 in response to flooding caused by Tropical Storm Stan and Hurricane Wilma, including: $300,000 to the American Red Cross as part of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) flash appeal; and $300,000 through USAID/Mexico for the local purchase of relief items—$200,000 to the Mexican Red Cross and $100,000 to the Nature Conservancy.
Honduras
USAID
- On October 31, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires James G. Williard issued a disaster declaration due to the impact of Hurricane Beta. In response, USAID/OFDA provided $50,000 through USAID/Honduras for the local purchase and distribution of emergency relief items, including blankets, foam mattresses, and hygiene kits, as well as for helicopter lubricants and fuel for transport of relief items to isolated communities in Gracias a Dios.
- In addition, USAID/OFDA is utilizing two locally contracted Fokker 27 aircrafts for transport of relief items to affected areas near Puerto Lempira. On November 1 and 2, eight flights transported 18,000 pounds of relief items. The flights are valued at approximately $40,000.
U.S. Embassy/Honduras
- The U.S. Embassy in Honduras provided a C-12 to transport 3,000 pounds of relief supplies to Puerto Lempira.
El Salvador
USAID
- On October 4, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Michael A. Butler issued a disaster declaration due to the effects of the flooding from Tropical Storm Stan and the eruption of the Santa Ana volcano.
- USAID/OFDA has provided a total of $200,000 in humanitarian assistance to El Salvador, including: $100,000 through USAID/El Salvador to Catholic Relief Services (CRS) for the local purchase of emergency relief supplies, including sleeping mats, blankets, and hygiene kits; and $100,000 to PAHO for emergency health and water and sanitation activities as part of the U.N. joint appeal. USAID/OFDA also donated 85 rolls of plastic sheeting previously stockpiled.
- On October 19, USAID/El Salvador pledged $1 million to support recovery efforts, in consultation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. USAID/El Salvador also provided 55 rolls of plastic sheeting, valued at more than $15,000 to COEN.
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
- On October 17, a scientist from the USGS Volcano Disaster Assistance Program (USGS/VDAP) traveled to El Salvador to assess volcanic activity and damage following the eruption of Ilamatepec. USGS/VDAP provided approximately $12,000 in assessments and monitoring equipment to the local Servicio Nacional de Estudios Territoriales (National Service of Land Studies or SNET) for monitoring of seismic activity in the region.
Costa Rica
USAID
- On September 30, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Russell L. Frisbie declared a disaster due to the impact of the flooding. In response, USAID/OFDA provided $50,000 to CNE for the local purchase of relief supplies, water, and food.
Cuba
USAID
- On July 11, the U.S. Interests Section in Havana issued a disaster declaration due to the impact of Hurricane Dennis. On October 27, the U.S. Interests Section in Havana declared a disaster due to the damage caused by Hurricane Wilma. In response, USAID/OFDA provided a total of $200,000—$100,000 for each disaster—to independent non-government organizations (NGOs) for purchase and distribution of emergency relief supplies.
Bahamas
USAID
- On October 28, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Brent Hardt declared a disaster due to the damage caused by Hurricane Wilma. In response, USAID/OFDA provided $50,000 to NEMA for the local purchase and distribution of emergency relief supplies and an additional $9,000 for locally contracted helicopter assessments of affected areas.
Haiti
USAID
- On July 15, the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Douglas Griffiths declared a disaster due to the damage caused by the Hurricane Dennis. In response, USAID/OFDA provided $50,000 to CRS for potable water and relief supplies.
Grenada
USAID
- On July 15, the U.S. Ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Mary E. Kramer declared a disaster due to the effects of Hurricane Emily. In response, USAID provided $50,000 to PAHO for the emergency repair of health facilities. In addition, USAID/OFDA airlifted 504 hygiene kits, 150 rolls of plastic sheeting and 500 10-liter water containers, valued at $91,000, including transport.
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