The United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Office of Food for Peace has approved a new contribution of US$3 million to the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) on August 14 to assist people impacted by devastating floods and heavy rains in Myanmar.
Over three thousand, three hundred metric tons of locally procured rice, pulses and salt, along with vegetable oil from the region, will assist people in affected states and regions throughout the country, USAID said in a press release on August 14.
Through new and existing activities, the US government will provide over $4.5 million in flood relief and recovery assistance to over 250,000 people impacted by the disaster.
USAID-supported food assistance is part of a broader effort to address the humanitarian needs of those affected by the floods in partnership with the Government of Myanmar, UN agencies, and local and international non-governmental organizations.
"USAID has been fully engaged in supporting emergency assistance efforts in Myanmar during this critical time," said U.S. Ambassador Derek Mitchell. "We are working closely with affected communities to assess the situation and to ensure that assistance is reaching those who need it most. The U.S. Embassy will continue to closely follow the situation and work with our partners to determine how we can best support recovery efforts in weeks to come.”
USAID partners are also realigning their activities to provide immediate support and looking at ways to assist in recovery. This includes relief assistance to the flood and landslide affected areas of Sagaing, Magway, Rakhine, Chin and other affected areas. USAID partners are distributing household items and hygiene supplies, and providing access to clean drinking water and sanitation.
