WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), announced has provided $250,000 through the American Red Cross to the Mexican Red Cross for the local purchase and transport shelter materials to assist Mexicans affected by Hurricane Dean.
"After a hurricane, providing shelter in the affected areas is always a priority. In this case, experts from the U.S. Agency for International Development and the Mexican Red Cross have identified roofing materials as among the most critical needs," said U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, Antonio O. Garza.
On August 21, Hurricane Dean struck the states of Campeche, Quintana Roo, and Yucatan as a category five hurricane. After passing over the Bay of Campeche, Hurricane Dean re-entered Mexican territory through Tecolutla, Veracruz State, as a category two hurricane on August 22. Dean continued through Central Mexico as a tropical storm, affecting Hidalgo, Jalisco, Colima, Michoacan, and Puebla states.
A six-person USAID assessment team was pre-positioned in Mexico in advance of Hurricane Dean. After the hurricane passed, the team conducted field assessments in coordination with the Mexican government.
USAID, in conjunction with the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City, continues to closely monitor the situation to determine if additional assistance is needed.
For more information about USAID's emergency humanitarian assistance programs, please visit: http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance