DECLARATION OF DISASTER FOR HONDURAS

UNCLAS TEGUCIGALPA 002352

SIPDIS

AIDAC FOR SAN JOSE FOR USAID/OFDA, TIM CALLAGHAN
DEPARTMENT FOR USAID/OFDA, ROBERT THAYER


E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID
SUBJECT: DECLARATION OF DISASTER FOR HONDURAS



1. As a result of excessive flooding in Northern
Honduras from the remnants of Tropical Depression 27
and a new low pressure system, which has produced
rainfall of 18 to 20 inches during the past 48 hours,
the Chief of Mission has determined that the disaster
is of sufficient magnitude to warrant US government
assistance. The disaster is beyond the capacity of the
GOH to effectively respond, and the GOH has officially
requested USG disaster assistance. The Chief of
Mission is therefore exercising the disaster assistance
authority, as per 2 FAM 061-062.


2. The Ambassador's authority of $125,000 will be used
for the purchase of humanitarian assistance in the form
of personal hygiene and kitchen kits for displaced
persons relocated in shelters in the departments of
Yoro, Atlantida and Colon.


3. A request has been made by GOH Permanent Emergency
Commission Commissioner Luis Gomez on November 18.


4. Host country agencies involved in relief operations
are COPECO, which is coordinating relief operations,
ministry of health, which is addressing health concerns
in shelters, and SOPTRAVI, which is carrying out
repairs to damaged and closed secondary roads.


5. Preliminary assessment by COPECO indicates that
approximately 2,500 persons have been displaced, of
which over 1,800 are in temporary shelters. Given the
forecast of additional rains over the next 48 hours,
these numbers are expected to rise significantly. No
deaths have been reported.


6. We do not have information on U.S. citizens in the
affected areas.


7. Advisor Phil Gelman is already in country and will
continue to monitor the situation in coordination with
the MDRO and local authorities. Regards.


Ford