With the Atlantic hurricane
season underway, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is
prepared to respond to storms in Latin America and the Caribbean.
"USAID works with local officials and international first responders to
help mitigate the impact of international disasters worldwide. In addition,
we stand prepared to respond after a disaster strikes," said Ky Luu,
Director of USAID's Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA). "The
emergency relief supplies stored at our Miami warehouse will allow us to
quickly respond in the aftermath of a disaster."
Today, USAID held a press conference concerning hurricane preparations
for the 2008 Atlantic hurricane season. Luu and Tim Callaghan, Senior
Regional Advisor for OFDA, were on hand to provide an update on USAID's
ongoing preparations and disaster response capacities.
USAID has replenished relief commodities stored at its warehouse in
Miami and is prepared to provide assistance as necessary. A team of USAID
disaster experts based in the San Jose, Costa Rica regional office remains
available for immediate deployment throughout the region. In addition,
USAID manages a network of Latin American and Caribbean-based disaster
experts who serve as direct links to the countries in the hemisphere,
increasing the Agency's ability to prepare for and quickly respond to
natural disasters.
For major disasters, a USAID Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART)
may be deployed to provide life-saving emergency humanitarian assistance,
including short-term disaster relief items and support with humanitarian
coordination. Relief commodities such as medical supplies, hygiene kits,
plastic sheeting, water containers, and blankets are stockpiled in Miami
for quick disbursement, if requested by the government of the respective
country.
In the event of an impending disaster such as a powerful hurricane,
USAID may pre-position personnel and relief supplies in order to provide
immediate assistance and conduct humanitarian assessments.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather
Service forecast for the current Atlantic hurricane season, June 1 -
November 30, indicates that normal to above-average tropical activity is
expected. In 2007, USAID responded to the effects of two major hurricanes
and one tropical storm in eight Latin American and Caribbean countries and
provided life-saving humanitarian relief to disaster affected communities.
SOURCE U.S. Agency for International Development
Digg
Reddit
Slashdot