press releases 2008

United States Assists Panama in Responding to Worst Natural Disaster in 40 Years

December 3, 2008

After receiving the Government of Panama’s November 23 request for assistance in responding to severe flooding caused by heavy rains, Ambassador Stephenson led a rapid U.S. response by U.S. Southern Command, USAID, and the Embassy.  Until the relief mission ended Dec 4, two Blackhawk and three Chinook helicopters from JTF-Bravo out of Soto Cano Honduras and one Seahawk from the USS Samuel B. Roberts (that came off shore leave to answer the call for help) flew more than 91 flight hours in Panama, conducting search and rescue missions and delivering more than 200,300 pounds of relief supplies, food, and potable water.  USAID/OFDA provided a Thanksgiving Day delivery of 48,000 tons of blankets, hygiene kits, and other material worth $135,000, procured locally $50,000 worth of food and water, and are coordinating an additional $75, 000 in recovery assistance with the GOP.  In addition, the Panamanian and American employees of the Embassy made a donation of food, water, diapers, mattresses, and cribs that filled a large truck.

At the donations coordination center in Parque Omar on Friday, November 28, Ambassador Stephenson said: "The brotherhood shown by the Panamanians with the amounts of donations we can see here, is inspiring.  The strength in the Panama/U.S. relations is more than government to government; it is from person to person.  That is why we are united in brotherhood with this donation that I am hereby presenting on behalf of the U.S. Embassy employees."

As well as the assistance offered during the floods in November 2006 and during the fire in Curundu in March 2007, and as part of the close alliance of USSOUTHCOM, USAID, and OFDA with SINAPROC, United Sates is present with the Panamanians to help those in need.  Estamos Unidos!