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U.S. Embassy Contributes to Hurricane Dean Relief Efforts - August 27, 2007

(L-R) U.S. Embassy Charge d' Affaires Leonard Hill presents check to NEMO Director George Lovell.

(L-R) OFDA Representative Beryl Armbrister, U.S. Embassy Charge d'Affaires Leonard Hill, Belize Red Cross President Karen Diaz and OFDA representative Eduardo Gutierrez

This morning, August 27, U.S. Embassy Belmopan Chargé d’Affaires Leonard Hill officially handed over emergency supplies to Belize Red Cross President Karen Diaz in response to the damage caused by Hurricane Dean.

The Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) coordinated and delivered this shipment of relief supplies -- including plastic sheeting, chainsaws, hygiene kits and blankets -- by chartered aircraft on August 24.  These supplies were turned over to the Belize Red Cross and delivered to people in the affected areas.  The U.S. government will also make a cash contribution of BZ$100,000 to NEMO for relief supply purchases in response to the Foreign Ministry's appeal to diplomatic missions in Belize.

The government and people of the United States have been following with concern the effects of Hurricane Dean in the Caribbean.  "Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Belize affected by the hurricane, especially in the northern districts," said Ambassador Robert Dieter.  "We are thankful that there was no loss of life or serious injury."

Disaster Risk Management Specialist Beryl Armbrister from the U.S. Agency for International Development, OFDA arrived in Belize the day before the hurricane hit and began working at NEMO headquarters to help coordinate the U.S. response to Hurricane Dean.  She worked with Belizean and international experts including from the Untied Nations to help provide effective relief as soon as possible after the hurricane.

In addition, three U.S. military helicopters based at Soto Cano, Honduras, were dispatched a few hours after Hurricane Dean passed to help with damage assessment and to transport military and civilian personnel of the Government of Belize to the affected areas.  They brought with them medical and engineering personnel to help with damage assessment.

The United States prepares for every hurricane season by stocking a warehouse in Miami with emergency supplies that can be sent on short notice to neighboring countries in the region hit by natural disaster.  In recent years the U.S. military's Humanitarian Assistance Program has funded construction of warehouses for NEMO emergency supplies in strategic locations in Belize, helping to prepare for hurricane disaster assistance.