Text: State Department Statement on Flood Relief Aid to China
(United States to provide $500,000 in emergency funds)U.S. Department of State spokesman James Rubin announced August 10 that the United States will provide $500,000 of emergency funds to China for relief efforts related to recent severe flooding that the Chinese Red Cross says has affected 58.9 million people -- killing 725 people and necessitating the evacuation of 5.53 million Chinese from their homes.
These funds will be provided by the U.S. Agency for International Development, and follow similar U.S. emergency flood relief assistance recently extended to South Korea, Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam.
Following is the text of the announcement:
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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the SpokesmanAugust 10, 1999
STATEMENT BY JAMES P. RUBIN, SPOKESMAN
$500,000 U.S. Flood Assistance, to Aid Relief Efforts in China
The United States will provide $500,000 of U.S. Agency for International Development emergency funds to China to aid in relief efforts following recent flooding. These funds were provided in response to a $6 million appeal by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
Heavy rains, which have been falling since mid-June along the upper and middle Yangtze River, have led to severe flooding in eight provinces. According to the Chinese Red Cross, a total of 58.9 million people have been affected. There have been 725 deaths and 5.53 million people have been evacuated from their homes.
The U.S. has also provided, through USAID, emergency funds to South Korea, Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam to assist in relief efforts following the region-wide flooding. We will continue to monitor the situation and are prepared to respond to further requests for assistance.
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