Strategies (1997-2002)

Humanitarian Assistance (1999-2002)

Special Objective (SpO): Hurricane Georges Recovery and Reconstruction

Reduce Health Risks

Hurricane Georges seriously worsened the health of vulnerable populations living along its destructive path in the Dominican Republic. The hurricane practically wiped out potable water and sanitation facilities in over 100 rural communities and poor urban centers and critically reduced the local capability to provide basic health services.

In response, USAID/Dominican Republic (USAID/DR) is providing grants to 15 U.S. and local non-governmental organizations who are working in the hardest-hit communities of the Dominican Republic to provide potable water systems, sanitation and primary health care services. While these grants represent the bulk of activities in the health sector, other activities include a grant to the Cooperative Housing Foundation to provide access to water and sanitation systems in newly constructed housing sites as well as technical assistance in hygiene and nutrition education to these communities.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are also implementing a hurricane reconstruction project in the Dominican Republic to strengthened epidemiological surveillance systems.

Restore Shelter

According to the Dominican National Institute for Housing (INVI), Hurricane Georges destroyed or damaged 170,000 houses, a total that represents nearly 10 percent of an already inadequate housing stock. Of these, 121,000 units were damaged and 49,000 units were destroyed completely by wind and flooding. Most of this damage and destruction affected the poorest segment of the population in both urban and rural areas.

In response, USAID/DR, through the Cooperative Housing Foundation, has repaired 154 units and is reconstructing 2,339 units, some of which are in-situ or rebuilt on the same lot and some of which will be built in new urbanizations with basic services provided (water, sanitation, electricity). Repairs and in-situ housing has been completed and 5 new urbanizations will be completed by the end of October 2001.

Increase Food Availability

Aside from the damages to public and private properties, Hurricane Georges greatly reduced the country's short and medium term capacity to produce basic foods in sufficient quantities to feed the population. Approximately 90 percent of crops were damaged in some areas, affecting large numbers of poor farmers and families who depend on their land for their livelihood.

It was estimated that immediately following Hurricane Georges, over 600,000 people needed some food assistance. The most vulnerable groups included about 200,000 people who were facing a very critical food shortage and qualified for emergency food aid. Included in this group were some 80,000 children under five years of age that needed special attention to avoid malnutrition.

In response, USAID provided a total of 16,750 metric tons (MTs) of P.L. 480 Title II Emergency Food Aid, worth $10.5 million to 330,000 Dominican disaster victims. This program was implemented through the World Food Programme and the Dominican and American Red Cross between March 1999 and January 2000.

Reactivate Economic Activities

Hurricane Georges also affected economic activities throughout the country. Approximately 90 percent of the agricultural sector's production prospects were damaged. Serious food shortages ensued as basic food crops, such as plantain, rice, bean and cassava harvests were lost. Ninety percent of the chicken production was destroyed, dairy production fell off, fruits and vegetables disappeared from the market, and food prices soared. The hurricane also damaged all parts of the electric system which further exacerbated provisions of already scarce rural electric services. The estimated damage in the electric system alone was in excess of $300 million. Furthermore, many microentrepreneurs were severely affected. In the wake of Hurricane Georges, thousands of Dominicans faced the plight of income disruption and a deteriorated living standards, which compounded their already difficult economic situation.

USAID is collaborating with the National Rural Electrification Cooperative Associate (NRECA) to restore power and facilitate the formation of service cooperatives for 12,000 people. Additionally, USAID is training 3,000 microentreprenuers, more than half are women, to restore their productive capacity and to protect their small businesses from future disaster.

USAID/DR is also working closely with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help the GODR manage a $16 million small farmer recovery program through the sale of U.S. donated wheat. Approximately 60,000 farmers are benefiting through USDA's 416(b) Program.

Mitigate Disasters

Hurricane Georges severely harmed nearly 50 percent of the planted and natural forests. Steep hillsides, vulnerable from inappropriate land use, had little protection against the force of rains and landslide joined flooding in destroying homes, roads and entire neighborhoods. The hurricane damaged mangrove stands, upset watersheds and caused wind shear and wind throw of dry forest species in the East. Proceeding in its westward course along the southern edge of the Cordillera Central, the eye of hurricane destroyed pine and broadleaf tree plantations. Rivers swelled well beyond normal bounds. Water released suddenly from dams compounded the impact, inundating communities with water and mud. Riverbanks could not support the load, spilling into low-lying areas and depositing tons of mud and gravel over arable land and towns.

In response, USAID/DR is supporting eight U.S. and local NGOs in improved soil conservation and management practices to stabilize and reduce erosion on 6,300 hectares of land. USAID/DR has also signed agreements with U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide workshops on watershed management to NGOs and the Government of the Dominican Republic and training on forest fire prevention. USAID is also collaborating with the Peace Corps to support projects focused on environmental issues. To improve early warning and flood control systems, USAID is working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Another of the lessons learned, as a result of Hurricane Georges, is the need to develop more capable and effective rapid response mechanisms and to increase the disaster preparedness of individuals, communities and the Dominican Republic as a whole.

In response, USAID/DR is working with the International Resources Group to offer technical assistance and training to communities to reduce vulnerability and with John Snow, Inc. to design and establish a disaster-management logistics system. As the USG coordinating agency, USAID is collaborating with Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance, Federal Emergency and Management Agency, National Institute of Standards and Technology, National Oceanographic Atmospheric Administration, and US Geological Service to strengthen GODR institutions responsible for prevention, mitigation and response.

Last updated on May 20, 2005