U.S. Government ( USG ) Humanitarian Assistance to Bolivia - Floods February 2008

Current Situation: Since November 2007, heavy rainfall due to the "La Niña" phenomenon has significantly affected the departments of Beni, Cochabamba , Chuquisaca, La Paz , and Santa Cruz . On February 12, the Government of Bolivia (GOB) declared a national disaster due to damage caused by rains and floods in 57 municipalities. Since November, 56,986 families in 57 municipalities have been affected, 24,373 of which have received assistance, according to Civil Defense. To date, the "La Niña" phenomenon has resulted in 52 deaths and 5 people missing.

USG Response: On January 27, U.S. Ambassador Philip S. Goldberg determined that the emergency in Bolivia warranted USG assistance. USAID deployed a seven-member field assessment team to Beni, Cochabamba, La Paz, and Santa Cruz to assess damages, identify needs, and plan for the delivery of emergency assistance, in close coordination with local disaster relief experts from the U.S., Bolivia, and the United Nations.

USAID contributed an initial $100,000 for the purchase and distribution of emergency relief supplies and health services to affected families in Beni Department. USAID has set up 210 tents and a health center in Trinidad for approximately 250 families, using pre-positioned supplies.

The U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) provided $50,000 for the local purchase and distribution of relief commodities to affected households in Cochabamba and Santa Cruz departments through the GOB's Civil Defense. On January 24, SOUTHCOM deployed three military liaison officers to provide assistance.

USAID has provided relief assistance to affected families in the Chapare Region of the Cochabamba Department, including Puerto Villaroel and several indigenous communities. USAID is also supporting epidemiological surveillance activities and funding control of mosquito focus areas, in coordination with Bolivian health authorities.

On February 1, in the community of San Pedro, Santa Cruz Department, USAID delivered 1,000 hygiene kits and 1,000 10-liter water containers, benefiting 5,000 persons.

On February 10, USAID airlifted 310 rolls of plastic sheeting, 1,000 10-liter water containers, 1,536 hygiene kits, 48 water purification units, and 148 water testing kits from Miami to the Beni Department. On February 11, the U.S. Ambassador publicly delivered the relief supplies to Bolivian counterparts in Trinidad . The emergency relief supplies will benefit nearly 2,000 families.

Upcoming USG Humanitarian Activities: The Embassy is pre-positioning additional emergency supplies in the community of El Puente, Santa Cruz Department, in the event that ongoing rains result in the relocation of lowland neighboring communities. We are also providing about 100 tents and a health post in the community of Santa Ana de Yacuma, Beni Department. In coordination with Civil Defense and the GOB Joint Command, the USG plans to set up an additional temporary shelter camp in Trinidad .

USAID is also providing 7,700 mosquito nets and 3 medical kits. The shipment is expected to arrive soon. The medical kits will benefit 30,000 persons for a period of three months to families living in temporary shelter camps and other affected communities.

To date, the USG has provided an estimated $500,000 in humanitarian assistance to affected communities in Bolivia .