DISASTER DECLARATION DUE TO FLOODING IN NORTHERN

UNCLAS CARACAS 000470 SIPDIS STATE FOR WHA/AND AIDAC USAID/OFDA DCHA FOR MPOPP NSC FOR CBARTON HQ USSOUTHCOM FOR POLAD SAN JOSE FOR USAID/OFDA TCALLAGHAN E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAID VE SUBJECT: DISASTER DECLARATION DUE TO FLOODING IN NORTHERN VENEZUELA ¶1. CORRECTED COPY - REPLACES CARACAS 458. ¶2. SUMMARY: Heavy rains have been falling throughout much of northern Venezuela for nearly three full days. Serious flooding has occurred in many parts of the country, primarily coastal areas, but also parts of the capital, Caracas. At least thirteen (13) people are reported dead, and upwards of 3,000 are reportedly homeless, and several roads, including the main artery for cargo transportation, are closed due to landslides. END SUMMARY. ¶3. Approximately 10.5 inches of rain fell on coastal Venezuela between February 7 and 9, and the rain continues to fall. The President of Venezuela, Hugo Chavez, signed a decree on February 9 declaring a state of emergency in 6 states (Aragua, Carabobo, Miranda, Vargas, Falcon and Yaracuy) and the capital district of Caracas. The central government has set up a committee to oversee all of the disaster relief in the country. Post believes that the GOV will not object to a donation directly to the Red Cross. ¶4. The Ambassador has determined that the flooding is of sufficient magnitude to warrant USG assistance, and is exercising his disaster assistance authority as per 2 FAM sections 060, 061 and 062. ¶5. Post therefore requests that OFDA provide $50,000, which will be provided to the Venezuelan chapter of the International Red Cross, which will be used to purchase oral rehydration equipment, hygiene kits, and drinkable water. ¶6. Given the magnitude of the situation, and the forecast for rain to continue intermittently for at least 24 more hours - some forecasts predict 6 more days - in the affected areas, it is possible that we may request additional funding. Even if the rain should stop or slow in those areas, continued rain in other areas could increase flooding in the already affected areas. We also anticipate that the number of homeless may be somewhat higher already. We will remain in contact with the OFDA office in San Jose. Brownfield NNNN 2005CARACA00470 - UNCLASSIFIED