U.S. Embassy, Central African Republic
Press Release
November 21, 2019
U.S. Ambassador Responds to Flooding Disaster in CAR with Emergency Humanitarian Aid for Affected Communities
BANGUI – In response to the flooding disaster in the Central African Republic (CAR), United States Ambassador Lucy Tamlyn has requested USAID’s Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance provide $100,000 to deliver emergency water, sanitation, and support to flood-affected communities. “The United States stands with the people of CAR during this challenging time and remains committed to relieving the suffering of those who have been affected by the floods and continuing conflict,” said Ambassador Tamlyn.
Earlier this month, Ambassador Tamlyn visited communities affected by the flooding in Bangui. She spoke with residents about their needs and concerns during this time of crisis and expressed the solidarity of the U.S. for the victims of the floods.
As of November 12, the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance (OCHA) estimated rains and flooding had displaced more than 14,600 people in Bangui and nearby neighborhoods. Heavy rains and subsequent flooding, particularly along the Ubangi River, have impacted an estimated 57,000 people across eight of CAR’s sixteen prefectures. The new emergency funding requested by the Ambassador has been awarded to UNICEF to provide safe drinking water, water containers, hygiene kits, and other life-saving assistance to help keep people healthy and prevent the spread of waterborne diseases.
The United States government is the largest single contributor to humanitarian aid in CAR. In fiscal year 2019, the U.S. provided more than $144 million in humanitarian assistance for people affected by the ongoing crisis.
