Ambassador Garza Announces Additional Aid For Flood-stricken Areas
Statement by Ambassador Antonio O. Garza
Mexico City, November 8, 2007 - "We continue to work closely with Mexico to provide relief to those stricken by flooding in Tabasco and Chiapas. The United States Embassy's Agency for International Development (USAID), through the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance, announced today it would provide an additional $120,000 dollars in material support to relief efforts. This money will provide 2,000 cots and 95 water pumps to assist people in clearing the water from their homes and businesses. These funds are in addition to $250,000 dollars provided by the American people to the Mexican Red Cross, and $50,000 dollars to Mexican civil authorities to provide temporary shelters for those affected by flooding.
"A team from USAID is working in close collaboration with the General Directorate of Civil Protection, the Secretariat of Foreign Affairs, the Mexican Red Cross, and other donors to coordinate the distribution of emergency relief supplies to flood-affected populations. These experts will also assist in damage assessment and determining what further assistance we can provide to the flood victims.
"In addition to the $420,000 dollars provided by the United States government, thousands of private citizens and residents of the United States continue to contribute money and goods through Mexican consulates and U.S. and international relief organizations. Individual states are supporting relief efforts, with the state of California donating Zodiak-style boats for water rescue.
"The people of the United States stand in solidarity with Mexico in this time of crisis. We will continue to do everything we can to assist as Tabasco and Chiapas begin the long process of recovering from these calamitous floods."