Foreign Assistance: Implementing Disaster Recovery Assistance in Latin America
Abstract
I am pleased to be here today to discuss our work on the U.S. governments disaster recovery and reconstruction program for hurricane-affected countries. In the fall of 1998, Hurricanes Mitch and Georges struck Central America and the Caribbean. The storms left thousands dead and many more homeless; damages were estimated at more than $10 billion. The international donor community pledged $9 billion to assist in the recovery and reconstruction of Mitch-affected countries in Central America. In May 1999, the Congress passed emergency supplemental legislation that, among other things, provided $621 million for a disaster recovery and reconstruction fund for the affected countries as well as reimbursement funds to U.S. agencies for costs incurred during the immediate relief phase. 1 The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and numerous other U.S. departments and agencies are using this funding to implement recovery and reconstruction activities.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 21, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA387966
Entities
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office