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

WASHINGTON, Sept. 11 /Standard Newswire/ -- In response to the effects of Tropical Storm Hanna, the U.S. government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is providing an initial $40,000 to the U.S. Embassy in San Jose, Costa Rica for air support to transport relief commodities and personnel to affected communities.

On September 5, U.S. Ambassador Peter Cianchette issued a disaster declaration in response to the flooding in Costa Rica. From September 2 - 5, the passage of Tropical Storm Hanna caused heavy rains and serious flooding in the western part of the country. The flooding particularly affected Guanacaste Province, including the communities of Carrillo, Santa Cruz, Islona, Corralillo, Bolson, and La Guinea, as well as the cantons of Montes de Oro and Puntarenas. According to the Government of Costa Rica's (COCR) National Emergency Commission (CNE), the flooding affected an estimated 38,000 people and caused 1,000 individuals to evacuate residences. Flood-related landslides resulted in the closure of roads and the destruction of the water system in Puntarenas Canton, according to the GOCR Ministry of Public Works. The CNE requested air support to transport medical supplies and personnel to flood-affected communities until flood waters recede and roads re-open.

USAID will continue to monitor the situation and will provide additional support as needed.

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