WASHINGTON, May 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American people,
through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), are
providing an initial $250,000 for emergency relief assistance to help those
who have been affected by Tropical Cyclone Nargis. USAID has also
pre-positioned emergency response experts nearby and is prepared to deploy
a Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) to assist the people of Burma.
"We extend our deepest sympathies to the Burmese people and those who
lost loved ones in this major natural disaster," said USAID Administrator
Henrietta H. Fore. "The road to recovery will be long, but the United
States stands prepared to provide additional assistance should it be
requested by the Union of Burma government."
Tropical Cyclone Nargis made landfall at approximately 16:00 local time
Friday, May 2nd to the west of Rangoon in the Irrawaddy River Delta. At
landfall Nargis had winds of approximately 132 miles per hour, and the rain
and wind damage in the aftermath of the storm is of concern to relief
organizations.
To provide relief assistance to Burmese in need, the United States will
work with other donors and international relief organizations already
working in the disaster region.
For more information about USAID's emergency humanitarian assistance
programs, please visit:
http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/.
The American people, through the U.S. Agency for International
Development, have provided economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide
for nearly 50 years.
USAID Public Information: 202-712-4810
SOURCE U.S. Agency for International Development
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Related links:
http://www.usaid.gov
CONTACT:
U.S. Agency for International Development
Press Office, +1-202-712-4320
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