DISASTER DECLARATION FOR SEVERE FLOODING IN SANTA CATARINA

UNCLAS BRASILIA 001528 BT USAID FOR LAC/SAM; SAN JOSE OFDA FOR TIM CALLAGHAN; LIMA FOR USAID/FMO AND RCO E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAID TBIO SENV BR SUBJECT: DISASTER DECLARATION FOR SEVERE FLOODING IN SANTA CATARINA ¶1. This is an action request. See paragraph 4. ¶2. The Charge has determined, based upon information from Brazil's Secretariat for Civil Defense and Santa Catarina State Government, that the severe destruction due to recent record rains, flooding, and mudslides is of sufficient magnitude to warrant USG emergency assistance. ¶3. Continued heavy rains have caused serious flooding affecting one-fourth of the state's population. Eight cities within the state are isolated and over 40,000 citizens have been displaced. 65 deaths have been reported with landslides, mostly in the Itajai Valley. ¶4. The Charge has requested USDOLS 50,000, which will be used to purchase emergency supplies and support basic housing repair for the most vulnerable families in the hardest-hit municipalities within the state. Funds will be channeled through Caritas Brazil. ¶5. It is not known at this time if additional funds will be required. Disaster Relief Officer (MDRO) will keep OFDA informed if any additional requests might be forthcoming. Kubiske