Bush declares Puerto Rico floods 'disaster'

Sunday, November 23, 2003

WASHINGTON, USA: US president George Bush has declared a disaster in Puerto Rico following floods and landslides that forced hundreds from their homes and caused damage running into millions of dollars. 

The declaration, confirmed by the White House, frees up government aid for recovery efforts on the Caribbean island.

Those in nine affected towns in the US territory will be able to apply for assistance, the US Federal Emergency Management Agency said in a statement.

The agency said Bush "declared a major disaster exists in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and ordered federal aid to supplement Commonwealth and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms, flooding, mudslides and landslides" since November 10.

Storms last week dumped up to two feet of rain in some spots and were blamed for the deaths of two Puerto Rican men who were carried away by floodwaters. At least five others died in the neighbouring Dominican Republic.

Hundred of Puerto Ricans moved into shelters last week, and Governor Sila Calderon has already activated $7.8 million in emergency funds to help relief efforts.

According to early estimates by the island's government, the flooding caused $60 million in damages to homes, roads and crops such as plantains and cassava.

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