AECID contributes almost 500,000 euros to alleviate natural disasters in Honduras and Colombia

The Diplomat The Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) has provided 460,000 euros to help alleviate the consequences of tropical storm ‘Sara’ in Honduras and the phenomenon ‘La Niña’ in Colombia, which occurred this November and have affected more than three hundred thousand people. In both cases, according to the agency's press release on Friday, the contributions made in response to the crisis will help meet the basic and urgent needs of the thousands of people affected by the destruction caused by these events. Among other things, the aid sent by AECID will help cover the needs for water, shelter, education, health or prevention of epidemics. In the case of Honduras, where the passage of tropical storm ‘Sara’ on November 14 affected more than 207,000 people, the AECID has contributed 160,000 euros through the Honduran Red Cross’ Emergency Fund for Disasters (DREF). Likewise, through the Spanish Cooperation Office in Colombia, 50,000 euros will be allocated for the supply and transport of different aid kits. The intense rains and landslides have affected 2,447 communities and damaged 3,918 homes, destroying 421. In addition, the serious damage to local infrastructure affects everything from drinking water and sewage pipes to bridges and roads. The Spanish action will prioritize the municipalities of Sabá, Sonaguera and Tocoa, in the department of Colón, and will help cover needs in key areas such as community health, epidemic prevention and improved access to drinking water and sanitation. In addition, it will provide livelihoods by distributing multipurpose cards and strengthening local cooperatives. As for Colombia, on November 13, following the heavy rains recorded in Colombia by ‘La Niña’, help was requested from the Embassy through bilateral means and through a verbal note. The Humanitarian Action Office of the AECID proceeded to provide aid through the Spanish Cooperation Office in Colombia, with an amount of 100,000 euros for the supply and transport of food, hygiene, kitchen, habitat and housing kits and supplies for the reconstruction of homes. Floods and overflows have occurred in 27 of the 32 departments that make up the country. The most affected areas are Alta Guajira, El Choco and Bogotá, with more than 150,000 people affected. Likewise, and for the Colombian Red Cross Country Plan, the AECID has contributed 160,000 euros through the International Federation of the Red Cross.

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