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USAID Responds to Flooding in Central America and Mexico
October 28, 2005
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 separate storms across southern Mexico and Central America. The heavy rainfall associated with these storms caused widespread and severe flooding that has affected millions of people across Central America, including in Guatemala, El Salvador, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. 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.
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Total 2005 USAID/OFDA Assistance to Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Nicaragua | $6,431,066 |
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Total 2005 USAID Humanitarian Assistance to Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Nicaragua | 12,546,466 |
Further Information:
Situation Report #3 (FY06) - 11/23/05 (PDF)
Map #3 (FY06) - 11/23/05 (PDF)
CURRENT SITUATION
USAID/OFDA Team Deployment
- More than 25 USAID/OFDA staff, working closely with USAID Missions and U.S. Embassy staff, have deployed
to countries affected by tropical storms Stan and Gamma and hurricanes Wilma and Beta in the last six weeks-
including Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Mexico, and El Salvador-to assess damages, identify needs, and
coordinate assistance with local disaster officials.
- As of November 22, three USAID/OFDA staff remain in Honduras, including two regional advisors and a
USAID/OFDA consultant, coordinating the USG response to Tropical Storm Gamma.
Honduras
- Heavy rainfall caused by the convergence of two tropical systems-Tropical Storm Gamma and a low pressure
system that developed on November 16 near the Honduras/Nicaragua border-brought severe flooding to the
northern departments of Gracias a Dios, Colón, Atlántida, Cortés, Yoro, Santa Bárbara, and the Bay Islands.
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On November 22, the Government of Honduras Permanent Commission on Contingencies (COPECO) reported that
the flooding caused 32 deaths-with an additional 13 people missing-and forced the evacuation of 30,219 people,
including more than 21,827 housed in temporary shelters. COPECO reported that 530 homes have been damaged
or destroyed, as well as 42 roads and 56 bridges damaged.
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The heaviest rainfall occurred in the cities of El Progreso, La Ceiba, Olanchito, and San Pedro Sula, causing
damage to public infrastructure and communications systems. More than 30 inches of rain fell along the north
coast between Tela and La Ceiba, between November 16 and 19, which was similar to the rainfall accumulations
received during Hurricane Mitch in 1998.
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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 and initially displacing more than 11,000 people.
Nicaragua
- On November 3, the GON announced the final results of assessments conducted in areas affected by Hurricane
Beta. According to the GON, Beta displaced 2,580 persons and damaged or destroyed 506 homes in the
municipalities of Desembocadura del Rio Grande, Laguna de Perla, and Tortugero in Autonomous Region of the
South Atlantic (RAAS). The most affected communities are Karawala, Kara, La Barra, Sandy Bay Sirpe Sur, and
Walpa, in Desembocadura del Rio Grande Municipality.
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According to the GON, Beta caused extensive damage to public infrastructure, including 12 churches, 10 schools, 5
health centers, 194 latrines, 115 wells, and 2 water tanks. Communities' livelihoods were also impacted as
residents lost fishing equipment and 250 hectares of beans, maize, yucca, and plantains. The GON reported that
urgent needs include food, medicines, potable water, sanitation facilities, and shelter materials.
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In addition to the damage caused by Beta, above-normal winter rains along Nicaragua's Atlantic Coast overflowed
the Coco River in RAAN Department. On November 3, the GON reported that 4,780 persons from the RAAN
municipalities of Puerto Cabezas, Prinzapolka, and Waspan remained in 14 shelters.
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Tropical Storm Stan caused flooding and landslides in the departments of Esteli, Chinandega, and Jinotega, forcing
approximately 840 people to evacuate to shelters. In addition, 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. As of October 28, there were 296
shelters serving residents from 1,100 communities.
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On November 9, the Economic Commission for Latin America (CEPAL), in coordination with the GOG, released
the results of a comprehensive sector-by-sector evaluation of damages caused by Tropical Storm Stan. According
to the GOG, the economic damages caused by Stan totaled more than $985 million (or 7,472.7 Guatemalan
Quetzals). The CEPAL evaluation will be used as a framework for GOG and donor reconstruction efforts.
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.
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On October 25, OCHA reported that Hurricane Wilma caused severe flooding across Quintana Roo and Yucatan
states, killing 7 people, affecting more than 1 million, and displacing approximately 300,000 people in Cancún
alone, according to OCHA.
El Salvador
- Two simultaneous emergencies in the first week of October-the severe flooding caused by Tropical Storm Stan
and the eruption of the Santa Ana volcano-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.
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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.
Bahamas
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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 Bahamian National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the
hurricane displaced 1,500 people, damaged or destroyed more than 200 homes, and caused extensive damage to
public infrastructure.
Haiti
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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
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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.
USAID HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE
Honduras
- On November 18, U.S. Ambassador to Honduras Charles A. Ford declared a disaster due to the impact of the
flooding associated with Tropical Storm Gamma and heavy rainfall. In response, USAID/OFDA provided
$225,000 through USAID/Honduras to CARE for the purchase and distribution of emergency relief supplies to
affected families in Atlántida, Yoro, Cortés, and Colón departments. A USAID/OFDA airlift containing 5,000
blankets, 5,000 water containers, and 200 rolls of plastic sheeting is scheduled to arrive in the coming week. The
value of these commodities, excluding transport, is $180,000.
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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.
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In addition, USAID/OFDA utilized 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.
Guatemala
- On October 5, U.S. Ambassador James M. Derham issued a disaster declaration due to the impacts of Tropical
Storm Stan.
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In response, USAID/OFDA provided more than $4 million in humanitarian assistance to Guatemala. This funding
includes: $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 humanitarian aid organizations-including
Catholic Relief Services (CRS), World Vision, Project Hope, Save the Children/US (SC/US), Project Concern,
SHARE Guatemala, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-for health, water and sanitation,
and shelter activities. In addition, $200,000 was provided to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) for
emergency health and water and sanitation activities.
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Though three airlifts, USAID/OFDA provided the following relief supplies: 5,004 hygiene kits; 1,500 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. The value of these
supplies, including transport, is nearly $790,000.
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USAID's Office of Food for Peace (FFP) pledged $4 million in emergency food assistance to the U.N. World Food
Program's (WFP) emergency operations in Guatemala. This assistance will meet the immediate food needs of
285,000 people affected by Tropical Storm Stan.
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USAID/Guatemala redirected $1.1 million from longer-term food security and health programs to emergency relief
activities.
Nicaragua
- On October 28, U.S. Ambassador Paul A. Trivelli issued a disaster declaration due to the impacts of Hurricane
Beta. In response, USAID/OFDA provided $200,000 through USAID/Nicaragua to WFP and the Nicaraguan Red
Cross for the local purchase and distribution of emergency relief supplies and helicopter fuel. On November 10,
USAID/OFDA contributed $100,000 to PAHO for water and sanitation and health activities.
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On November 1, USAID/OFDA airlifted 200 rolls of plastic sheeting, 5,020 ten-liter water containers, and 2,736
hygiene kits, valued at $120,877, including transport. In addition, USAID/OFDA locally contracted an aircraft and
a Bell 205 helicopter to conduct aerial assessments of affected areas, valued at $22,000.
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On October 19, U.S. Ambassador Paul A. Trivelli declared a disaster due to the 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
- On October 6, U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Antonio O. Garza Jr. declared a disaster due to the flooding from
Tropical Storm Stan. On October 23, U.S. Chargé d'Affaires Stephen R. Kelly issued a disaster declaration due to
the impacts of Hurricane Wilma.
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In response to both storms, USAID/OFDA provided a total of $600,000. This funding included: $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.
El Salvador
- 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.
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In response, USAID/OFDA provided a total of $200,000, including: $100,000 through USAID/El Salvador to 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 35 rolls of plastic sheeting previously stockpiled.
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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 the Government of El Salvador's National Emergency Committee (COEN).
Costa Rica
- 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 Government of Costa Rica's National Commission for the
Prevention of Risks and Attention to Emergencies (CNE) for the local purchase of relief supplies, water, and food.
Cuba
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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 NGOs for the purchase and distribution of emergency relief supplies.
Bahamas
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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
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On July 15, the U.S. Chargé d'Affaires Douglas Griffiths declared a disaster due to the impacts of Hurricane
Dennis. In response, USAID/OFDA provided $50,000 to CRS for potable water and relief supplies.
Grenada
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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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