Press Releases

UH-60 Black Hawk

CH-47 Chinook

The U.S. Government Donates Assistance and Provides Helicopters for Emergency Relief

Guatemala, October 6, 2005

The Government of the United States, through the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and U.S. Southern Command, is assisting Guatemala to provide emergency relief to the people affected by the heavy rains and flooding of Tropical Storm Stan.

In response to the emergency, the U.S. Government has provided $100,000 to Guatemala to pay for air transport of emergency relief supplies and drinking water and for the purchase of food, water and other supplies. The U.S. Embassy is working closely with CONRED, Guatemala’s disaster response coordinator, and NGOs in these efforts. The U.S. is also delivering a shipment of emergency supplies including thousands of blankets and personal hygiene supplies.

In addition, U.S. Southern Command is sending five UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters and one CH-47 Chinook helicopter to provide search and rescue support to the Guatemalan emergency response effort. Two of the helicopters, including one with hoist capability, are due to arrive in Guatemala October 6. The others are scheduled to arrive October 7.

The Embassy extends to the Government and people of Guatemala its sorrow for the extensive loss of life and damage to property caused by the heavy rains and flooding.