US embassy cable - 05TEGUCIGALPA2234

UNCLAS TEGUCIGALPA 002234 
 
SIPDIS 
 
AIDAC 
FOR SAN JOSE FOR USAID/OFDA, TIM CALLAGHAN 
 
DEPARTMENT FOR USAID/OFDA, ROBERT THAYER 
 
 
E.O. 12958:  N/A 
TAGS: EAID 
SUBJECT: DECLARATION OF DISASTER FOR HONDURAS 
 
 
1. As a result of the excessive flooding in 
Northeastern Honduras from the bands of Hurricane Beta 
and a cold front on October 29-31, the Acting Chief of 
Mission has determined that the disaster is of 
sufficient magnitude to warrant us government 
assistance.  The disaster is beyond the capacity of the 
GOH to effectively respond, and the GOV has officially 
requested USG disaster assistance.  The Acting Chief of 
Mission is therefore exercising the disaster assistance 
authority, as per 2 FAM 061-062. 
 
2. The ambassador's authority of $50,000 will be used 
for the purchase of blankets, mattresses, and personal 
hygiene kits for displaced persons relocated in 
shelters in the departments of Gracias a Dios, Colon 
and Atlantida, as well as fuel and lubricants for GOH 
air force helicopters to transport these items and food 
to the shelters in isolated locations in Gracias a 
Dios. 
 
3. Official request has been made by president Ricardo 
Maduro in a letter to the Charge d'Affaires dated 31 
October 2005. 
 
4. Host country agencies involved in relief operations 
are COPECO, which is coordinating relief operations, 
ministry of health, which is addressing health concerns 
in shelters, and SOPTRAVI, which is carrying out 
repairs to damaged and closed secondary roads. 
 
5. Preliminary assessment by COPECO indicates that over 
11,000 persons have been displaced, of which more than 
7,600 are in temporary shelters.  Given the forecast of 
additional rains over the next 72 hours, these numbers 
might well rise. No deaths have been reported. 
 
6.   We do not have information on U.S. citizens in the 
affected areas. 
 
7.  Advisors  Phil  Gelman and  Fernando  Calderon  are 
already  in  country and will continue to  monitor  the 
situation  in  coordination with  the  MDRO  and  local 
authorities. Regards. 
 
Williard