Contact: Press Office, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), 202-712-4320; Public Information: 202-712-4810

WASHINGTON, Nov. 13 /Standard Newswire/ -- The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has airlifted relief supplies to El Salvador and provided an initial $100,000 for the local purchase of additional relief items and fuel for the helicopter and airplanes the government El Salvador is using to transport supplies and fly assessment missions over the areas affected by Tropical Storm Ida. In total, USAID has provided approximately $280,000 to assist those affected by Tropical Storm Ida to date.

The USAID airlift of relief supplies from the Miami warehouse arrived in El Salvador on November 11. The flight transported 200 rolls of plastic sheeting to build temporary roofs and shelters, two 5,000 gallon water bladders, 5,400 ten-liter collapsible water containers, and 5,088 family hygiene kits containing soap, detergent, and other essential supplies.

"The USAID relief supplies are already on trucks that are making their way to the five most affected departments in El Salvador," said Carol Chan, Acting Director of USAID's Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance. "Our supplies will be distributed later today and will assist 5,000 families in need."

USAID disaster response experts are in the affected areas helping coordinate the U.S. response efforts in support of the government of El Salvador in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Ida. USAID, in conjunction with the U.S. Embassy, is conducting ongoing assessments and will continue to closely monitor the situation to determine how to best provide additional assistance should it be necessary.

For more information about USAID's emergency humanitarian assistance programs, please visit: www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/