WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) announced it will provide an initial $100,000 in response to U.S. Ambassador Brenda LaGrange Johnson’s disaster declaration after Hurricane Dean impacted the island on August 19. Included in this funding are aerial assessment flights that will allow Jamaica’s Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) and the USAID team to assess damage and plan for immediate needs.
In anticipation of Hurricane Dean, USAID pre-positioned a six-person assessment team based in Jamaica and provided $25,000 in preparedness assistance. Throughout the storm, the USAID team was in contact with ODPEM to assure a quick and timely response to the needs identified by the Jamaican government.
Preliminary reports from the Government of Jamaica include wind damage, downed trees and power lines, and flooding. USAID will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as appropriate.
Based on the assessed impact of Hurricane Dean, USAID is prepared to airlift emergency relief supplies, including blankets, hygiene kits, plastic sheeting, water containers, and/or water purification units, if requested by the Government of Jamaica.
Since 2000, USAID has provided more than $142 million in response to the devastating effects of hurricanes and tropical storms throughout the Caribbean and Central America.
