June 2, 2010
Ottawa, Ontario ? The Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation, announced today that the Government of Canada will provide humanitarian assistance to support the Guatemalan Red Cross in responding to the needs of the populations impacted by Tropical Storm Agatha.
"Through this contribution, Canada is responding to the emergency relief needs of the people directly affected by the storm," said Minister Oda. "We will continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure that Canada's contribution is making a difference in the lives of those affected."
The $100,000 in funds will be provided by the Canadian International Development Agency in response to a preliminary emergency appeal launched yesterday by the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The contribution will provide basic relief items, emergency shelter, and water and sanitation services to 7,500 people in need.
Tropical Depression Agatha is the first tropical storm in 2010 in the Pacific Ocean region. It has brought strong winds and torrential rains to Guatemala, resulting in the most rainfall since 1949.
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Information:
Jessica Fletcher
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Cooperation
Telephone: 819-953-6238
Media Relations Office
Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
Telephone: 819-953-6534
E-mail: media@acdi-cida.gc.ca