WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Ambassador
to Mexico Tony Garza today issued a disaster declaration due to the damage
caused by the earthquake that occurred in Mexico, Tuesday, January 21.
In response, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is providing
$100,000 to the American Red Cross for the local purchase of emergency
shelter supplies, food, blankets, hygiene items, and other relief supplies.
"President Bush is committed to
helping our neighbors in Mexico deal with this difficult situation. The
United States will do its part to provide relief to the victims of this
terrible tragedy," said Andrew S. Natsios, Administrator of USAID.
On January 21, at 8:07 p.m. local time, an earthquake occurred with a magnitude of 7.8 on the Richter Scale with its epicenter in coastal Colima, in west-central Mexico. The earthquake was also felt in the states of Jalisco, Puebla, and Tlaxcala, and Mexico City, but the most severe damage was in the state of Colima. According to preliminary reports, the earthquake killed at least 23 people, wounded at least 350 people, affected approximately 30,000 people, damaged or destroyed nearly 9,000 homes, and disrupted electricity and telecommunications services. At least 15 tremors ranging in magnitude from 3.9 to 5.8 have followed the earthquake. The Governor of Colima has declared a state of emergency in six municipalities in and around Colima.
A three-person USAID team has conducted damage assessments and coordinated with the U.S. Embassy and USAID Mission in Mexico and the local disaster office. A USAID-trained Mexican search and rescue team from Guadalajara was also sent to Colima. USAID will continue to monitor the situation and provide additional updates as necessary.
Contact: USAID Press Office
WASHINGTON, DC 20523
(202) 712-4320