US embassy cable - 05TEGUCIGALPA2352

UNCLAS TEGUCIGALPA 002352 
 
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 excessive flooding in Northern 
Honduras from the remnants of Tropical Depression 27 
and a new low pressure system, which has produced 
rainfall of 18 to 20 inches during the past 48 hours, 
the 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 GOH has officially 
requested USG disaster assistance.  The Chief of 
Mission is therefore exercising the disaster assistance 
authority, as per 2 FAM 061-062. 
 
2. The Ambassador's authority of $125,000 will be used 
for the purchase of humanitarian assistance in the form 
of personal hygiene and kitchen kits for displaced 
persons relocated in shelters in the departments of 
Yoro, Atlantida and Colon. 
 
3. A request has been made by GOH Permanent Emergency 
Commission Commissioner Luis Gomez on November 18. 
 
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 
approximately 2,500 persons have been displaced, of 
which over 1,800 are in temporary shelters.  Given the 
forecast of additional rains over the next 48 hours, 
these numbers are expected to rise significantly. No 
deaths have been reported. 
 
6.   We do not have information on U.S. citizens in the 
affected areas. 
 
7.  Advisor Phil Gelman is already in country and  will 
continue to monitor the situation in coordination  with 
the MDRO and local authorities. Regards. 
 
 
Ford