February 11, 2008

Ambassador Goldberg Delivers Relief Aid to Flooding Victims in Trinidad

U.S. Ambassador to Bolivia Philip S. Goldberg delivers relief aid to flooding victims in Trinidad, Beni, on February 11. This year’s U.S. Government assistance to Bolivian flood victims is valued at $500,000.

Today in Trinidad, U.S. Ambassador to Bolivia Philip Goldberg delivered a shipment of humanitarian aid that includes plastic material to build tents, potable water containers, and personal hygiene kits donated by the Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA).

An aircraft that flew in from Miami arrived in Trinidad on Monday, transporting cargo that included 310 plastic sheet rolls to build approximately 1,500 tents, each accommodating up to five people, 1,536 hygiene kits, 1,000 water containers, and 100 kits to assess water contamination, as well as water purifiers.

U.S. Ambassador Philip Goldberg and the Prefect of Beni, Ernesto Suarez, deliver relief aid to flood victims in Trinidad.

“Our presence in Beni makes clear the U.S. Government’s appreciation for and solidarity with the Bolivian people, especially at this difficult time in which the country is facing severe natural disasters,” remarked Ambassador Goldberg. “For several weeks we have been bringing relief aid to the flooded areas in close coordination with the Bolivian Government, the regional governments, and the municipalities. We want to meet the needs of the families that live in the flood-stricken areas,” the Ambassador added.

U.S. Government assistance includes hundreds of emergency tents for people who lost their homes and belongings in Trinidad.

Another U.S. Embassy aircraft brought more than four tons of metallic structures used to build the tents. The emergency cooperation provided so far by the Government of the United States during this season is valued at approximately $500,000.

The United States Government continues to look for ways to provide humanitarian assistance to flooded areas. Further assistance to meet pressing needs of the victims will be considered in the coming days.