Since July, multiple tropical storms and heavy monsoon rains have caused widespread flooding across Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Burma, and the Philippines, resulting in approximately 900 deaths, affecting an estimated 9 million others, and inundating thousands of houses and acres of cropland. To date, floods have most affected locations in Cambodia, southern Vietnam, and Thailand.

In Thailand, floods have impacted communities in 60 of the country’s 77 provinces. Although floodwaters are receding in the country’s northern and central provinces, water has begun to spread southward into the Bangkok
Metropolitan Area. To date, floods have inundated several city districts.

In Cambodia, flooding has affected 18 of the country’s 24 provinces, exacerbating poor water and sanitation conditions and impacting one-tenth of the country’s rice crop, according to the U.N. Although the situation in flood-affected regions has begun to stabilize, floodwaters are receding slowly.

In Vietnam, floods have primarily impacted nine of the country’s 58 provinces. According to the Government of Vietnam (GoVN), current flood levels in the Mekong Delta have reached—and in some cases surpassed— flood levels from 2000, but have resulted in a comparatively low death toll, due to GoVN evacuations and other preparedness measures.

NUMBERS AT A GLANCE
Country: Number Affected/Number Evacuated/Deaths

Thailand: 2.1+ million/113,000 people/377

Cambodia: 1.5 million/46,400 families/247

Vietnam: 700,000/6,500 families/ 59

Laos: 430,000/Not available/34

Philippines: 4.3 million/65,000 people/111

Burma: 35,000/Not available/78

Thailand
Current Situation
As of October 26, the GoT reported that floods over the last two months had resulted in a cumulative total of 377 deaths. According to relief agencies, most deaths in flood-affected areas are due to drowning or electrocution. Floods have also damaged approximately 4 million acres of crops across 60 of Thailand’s 77 provinces. Flooding continues to affect more than 2.1 million people across 26 provinces, down from 28 provinces reported on October 25.

The GoT has established more than 1,700 temporary evacuation centers—primarily schools and universities. To date, approximately 113,000 individuals have evacuated flood-affected areas for shelters in safer areas. Local media sources report that families continue to depart Bangkok for unaffected provinces, with significant outbound traffic reported on roads, bus terminals, and the Suvarnabhumi Airport. However, according to the U.N., an estimated 80 percent of flood-affected individuals countrywide have chosen to remain in their houses.

To date, central Bangkok has not experienced significant flooding and most locations in the inner city remain dry. However, GoT officials have alerted individuals in the Bangkok Metropolitan Area of possible additional flooding in the coming days, as water run-off from upstream locations combines with high tides in the Gulf of Thailand between October 27 and 31. High tides are expected to increase water levels in the Chao Phraya River and may prevent floodwaters from draining into the gulf. According to GoT officials, locations near the Chao Phraya River and communities outside of the city’s flood barriers, including northern, western, and eastern suburbs, remain at risk of flooding.

In recent days, emergency personnel have experienced difficulty draining water from northern locations to the east of Bangkok, due to its elevated location. Roads in the area have also blocked floodwaters from reaching newly installed water pumps. To facilitate water drainage, GoT officials have proposed digging channels into five roads in eastern Bangkok. As of October 28, the Prime Minister of Thailand, Yingluck Shinawatra, had given her approval for one road channel to determine its impact on water drainage.

USG Assessments
On October 26, USAID/OFDA staff visited Nong Chok and Lat Krabang districts in the eastern Bangkok Metropolitan Area, where local government officials began to report flooding early last week. Officials in Nong Chok District—located at the intersection of the Khlong 13 and Khlong Saen Saep canals—reported that the drainage system in the district has been working efficiently, and USAID/OFDA staff confirmed that water levels in both canals remained relatively low. However, because the area is located outside of the city’s flood defenses, people in the district remain at risk.

On October 27, USAID/OFDA staff visited flood-affected areas and three evacuation centers in Ayutthaya Province—one of the areas most affected by recent floods—and Suphanburi Province. USAID/OFDA staff noted that the majority of people in areas visited have chosen to remain in their houses, purchasing food, water, and other basic household goods at nearby markets or through government distribution systems; families also have access to food, water, emergency relief supplies, and health care at evacuation centers. While reporting no acute unmet humanitarian needs in the areas visited, USAID/OFDA staff noted a need to continue to closely monitor populations’ access to safe drinking water and sanitation and hygiene facilities in flood-affected areas, particularly if displacement is prolonged. To date, drinking water continues to be provided at evacuation centers and is available in stores; however, supplies are decreasing. The GoT is currently working with retailers to ensure that stores in affected areas continue to be re-stocked.

According to USAID/OFDA staff, doctors and nurses are providing health care to flood-affected individuals at the evacuation centers visited, with no significant increases in diseases or major health concerns reported. USAID/OFDA staff found that Pra Nakorn Sri Ayutthaya hospital remains under approximately 2 meters of water, but noted that officials had already transferred patients to other facilities and had begun removing equipment from the facility.

On October 28, USAID/OFDA staff reported that the Chao Phraya River had not overflowed in eastern locations of central Bangkok to Nonthaburi Province, with water levels remaining 1 to 3 feet below the flood walls. However, while the river has not inundated areas visited, the USAID/OFDA team observed water backing up in storm drains on side streets, resulting in some inundation along roadways. The team also noted that emergency personnel had begun to pump water away from main streets.

GoT emergency personnel continue to work to increase the height of embankments along the Chao Phraya River and pump water away from inundated neighborhoods. According to USAID/OFDA staff in Bangkok,
approximately 2,000 volunteers are assisting with flood prevention and mitigation efforts by making an average of 50,000 to 60,000 sandbags daily at a location managed by the GoT Department of Disaster Prevention and
Mitigation (DDPM). Potential flooding in the coming days will likely depend on several factors, including the level of water run-off from northern locations, the tide levels, and the capacity of levees and embankments to withstand water flows.

The Flood Relief Operations Center (FROC) continues to urge Bangkok residents to prepare for a worst case flood scenario during the coming days, including potential evacuations. As of October 28, GoT officials had advised residents of Bang Plad, Don Muang, Sai Mai, and parts of Thawi Wattana districts to evacuate, placed other districts near the Chao Phraya River and major canals on alert for possible evacuations, and advised city residents to depart the capital, if possible.

Cambodia
Current Situation
As of October 26, monsoon- and tropical storm-related flooding had impacted 18 of Cambodia’s 24 provinces, resulting in 247 deaths and affecting approximately 1.5 million people. Floods have also resulted in the
evacuation of more than 46,300 households. Although the situation has begun to stabilize, with water levels decreasing in several areas during the past week, floodwaters are receding slowly.

Agriculture and Food Security
According to the U.N., floodwaters have impacted more than 1 million acres of rice paddy, of which approximately 57 percent were damaged, particularly in Kampong Thom, Battambang, and Prey Veng provinces. Damaged paddies account for approximately 9 percent of the total 2.5 million acres of rice planted this season. According to relief agencies, loss of crops will likely significantly impact vulnerable households’ livelihoods and food security, as most flood-affected families rely on agricultural production for both food and income.

WASH and Health
As of October 20, the U.N. World Health Organization (WHO) had provided funding and technical assistance to the GoC Ministry of Health (MoH) to perform rapid health assessments and start daily surveillance of communicable diseases in flood-affected districts. To date, the MoH has not identified a significant increase in diseases in flood-affected areas. According to a recent MoH–WHO assessment in eight affected provinces in Cambodia, while floodwaters had
inundated approximately 108 health centers in areas assessed, health care officials continue to deliver health services to affected populations.

Floods have submerged water sources in many flood-affected provinces, limiting affected families’ access to safe drinking water. While officials have not reported any significant outbreaks of diseases at this time, consumption
of contaminated water puts people at risk for the spread of waterborne diseases. Following recent field assessments, the USAID/OFDA RA noted the need for increased access to safe drinking water, in conjunction
with hygiene and sanitation activities in flood-affected areas to prevent an increase in waterborne diseases.

Vietnam
Current Situation
Monsoon rains, exacerbated by three recent tropical storms, have resulted in flooding across Vietnam, particularly in southern and central provinces. As of October 24, floods had affected more than 700,000 people, resulted in approximately 60 deaths, and inundated an estimated 88,000 houses, as well as thousands of acres of rice and other crops, according to the GoVN.

According to the U.N., water levels in the Mekong Delta Region remain above flood Alert Level III, with only slight decreases observed in recent days. The GoVN National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting predicts floodwaters to continue to slowly decline, but remain above Alert Level III until early November. The U.N. and GoVN authorities expect floodwaters in Ho Chi Minh City, the most populous city in Vietnam, to continue rising through the end of the month, due to unusually high tide levels and expected releases of floodwater from two reservoirs in neighboring provinces. According to local media reports, local authorities in southern Vietnam are reinforcing broken dykes, pumping water out of rice paddies, and monitoring the stability of important dyke in affected areas.

Philippines
Current Situation
Two consecutive typhoons led to flooding and landslides in the northern Philippines, affecting more than 4 million people, resulting in approximately 110 deaths, and damaging or destroying an estimated 73,000 houses,
according to the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). As of October 25, more than 12,000 individuals remained in 13 evacuation centers in northern regions. On October 12, an additional
storm, Tropical Storm Banyan moved over the Philippines, resulting in 10 additional deaths and affecting nearly 63,000 individuals across 11 provinces.

Source: USAID

USAID/OFDA bulletins appear on the USAID website at http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/

Watching the storm’s progress–and hoping for the best…
Stay safe,
Richard Walden
President & CEO

Support our work:
Donate online; by phone at 800-678-7255; make a $10 donation by texting AID to 50555

Stay up to date with news and updates:
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Boeing, RwandAir and Operation USA partner to deliver 1,500 school books

SEATTLE, Aug. 25, 2011– Boeing today delivered a Next-Generation 737 with the new Boeing Sky Interior to RwandAir, making it the first African carrier to own and operate Boeing’s innovative interior. The delivery also is the first direct-purchase 737 in RwandAir’s fleet. “This new interior will set RwandAir apart from our competition by bringing a new, unmatched flying experience to our valued customers,” said John Mirenge, CEO of RwandAir.

The Boeing Sky Interior introduces new cove lighting and curving architecture that create a distinctive entry way. Passengers will enjoy a more open cabin and a soft blue sky overhead simulated by light-emitting diode (LED) lighting. The new interior also brings new, modern, sculpted sidewalls and window reveals to draw passengers’ eyes to the view outside the window.

“Today is a proud day for RwandAir as well as the country of Rwanda,” said Dr. Alex Nzahabwanimana, Minister of Transport for Rwanda. “Being the first airline on the African continent with the Boeing Sky Interior certainly puts Rwanda at the forefront of the aviation industry in Africa today and beyond.”

As part of Boeing’s Humanitarian Delivery Flights program, Boeing partnered with RwandAir and Operation USA on this delivery flight to deliver 1,500 science and other educational books to the Rotary Club of Kigali. The science books will be accepted by Rwanda’s Ministry of Education and distributed to high schools and universities throughout the country. The remaining books will be distributed to the Kigali Public Library – Rwanda’s first public library.

Operation USA is an international relief agency that helps communities around the globe overcome the effects of disasters, disease and endemic poverty. Since 1979, the organization has been providing privately-funded relief, reconstruction and development aid by working with grass-roots partners to provide material and financial assistance necessary in the face of a disaster as well as to combat the effects of systemic poverty.

Operating from Kigali as its hub, RwandAir’s fleet includes two Boeing 737-500s, two CRJ200s and a Dash8-200. “With this new airplane, RwandAir will provide our passengers with unmatched reliability and the most unique flying experience in the sky today,” said Mirenge. “We are confident our customers will look back on their flight with enthusiasm and excitement for their next flight.”

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Contact:
Adam Morgan
Boeing Commercial Airplanes
+1 281-386-4396
adam.k.morgan@boeing.com

Michael Otieno
RwandAir
+250 788 308 761
michael.otieno@rwandair.com

Alison Deknatel
Operation USA
+1 323-413-2353
adeknatel@opusa.org

JULIE ANDREWS, OPERATION USA FOUNDING BOARD MEMBER APPEALS FOR SUPPORT FOR EAST AFRICAN DROUGHT & FAMINE VICTIMS

LOS ANGELES, CA (August 15, 2011)— A message from Julie Andrews, Operation USA Founding Board Member:

“Like many of you, I’ve been watching the developing story of yet another famine in East Africa. The images of mothers walking across a hundred miles of desert with their emaciated children is haunting.

I was privileged to be part of a massive relief effort in the mid-1980s which focused on Ethiopia and 7 neighboring countries. Millions of lives were at risk; but millions were saved by timely shipments of essential aid and a global commitment to help those in need.

I hope you’ll join us at Operation USA as we do our part once again.”

HOW TO HELP: 

Donate now

Text AID to 50555 and donate $10 to Operation USA’s disaster relief efforts.

Donations can also be made by phone at 1.800.678.7255 or, by check made out to Operation USA, 7421 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036.

Corporate donations of bulk quantities of disaster-appropriate supplies are also being requested. Air miles can also be donated to Operation USA through United Airlines Charity Miles program at www.united.com.

About Operation USA
Operation USA is working to send emergency aid to East Africa as part of relief efforts responding to the worst drought to hit the region in 60 years. The UN has officially declared famine in parts of southern Somalia—regions of Lower Shabelle and southern Bakool. It is predicted that the entire South of Somalia will face famine within the next two months. Operation USA is working to assess unmet needs on the ground, with its initial response focusing on water resource needs in Kenya’s Dadaab refugee camps. The Dadaab camps are reported to receive as many as 1,300 refugees a day, the majority fleeing war-torn Somalia. The world’s largest such site, these camps house almost 400,000 displaced people in three camps originally designated for 90,000. Operation USA first worked in Somalia in 1980, and was particularly active in response to the famine in East Africa from 1984-85.



Media Contact: 

Alison Deknatel
Director, Communications

323.413.2353
adeknatel@opusa.org


Richard Walden
President & CEO
Operation USA
323.413.2353
rwalden@opusa.org

The very weak global response to what is now 12 million drought-affected people in a half-dozen East African countries requires us to ask you to dig deeper than you already have… Every donation—large or small—makes an impact.

The images we’ve all seen—mothers leaving dying children behind them as they walk out of Somalia to try to save their remaining children—are haunting and so reminiscent of the 1984 East African Famine which produced such a massive response from the public. Operation USA, then known as Operation California, flew the very first Boeing 747 cargo jet into Ethiopia carrying 120 tons of emergency aid in 1985—and we’ve been helping Ethiopians ever since. Somalia, in 1980, was the very first African country where we worked…so we’re not new to the cycles of war and famine which have afflicted that part of Africa.

I want you to know that we take on these new responsibilities without abandoning our very important work here at home—in Joplin, MO, Tuscaloosa, AL, New Orleans, LA and throughout California. Americans are hurting from both natural disasters like the midwest tornados and Hurricane Katrina; and, from manmade disasters like an economy in free fall which, too, has displaced people from their homes, their jobs, their health insurance. It’s not an either/or situation but it does depend on all of us pitching in where we can.

Your support is always appreciated.
With thanks,

Richard Walden
President & CEO
Operation USA

Support our vital work in Africa and beyond:
Donate Now

*Photo Reuters/Feisal Omar, courtesy Trust.org-AlertNet.

OPERATION USA TO AID DROUGHT RELIEF EFFORTS IN EAST AFRICA

FAMINE CONDITIONS DECLARED BY UN

LOS ANGELES, CA (July 21, 2011)—Los Angeles-based International relief agency Operation USA announced today that it will send emergency aid to East Africa as part of relief efforts responding to the worst drought to hit the region in 60 years. The UN has officially declared famine in parts of southern Somalia—regions of Lower Shabelle and southern Bakool. It is predicted that the entire south of Somalia will face famine within the next two months. Operation USA is working to assess unmet needs on the ground, with its initial response focusing on water resource needs in Kenya’s Dadaab refugee camps. The Dadaab camps are reported to receive as many as 1,300 refugees a day, the majority fleeing war-torn Somalia. The world’s largest such site, these camps house almost 400,000 displaced people in three camps originally designated for 90,000.

Other countries in the Horn of Africa are being severely affected by drought. Successive seasons of failed rains—combined with increasing food prices, conflict and limited humanitarian access—have resulted in food and water shortages, acute malnutrition and mass displacement throughout the region. The lack of rain has also contributed to massive livestock deaths undermining the livelihoods of those who depend on them for economic and food security. Estimates are that there are at least 1.5 million displaced people—and 10 million people in need of immediate food assistance as a result of this crisis.

Operation USA has numerous ongoing projects in Africa–with its initial aid effort dating from 1980 in Somalia. The 1984-86 East African famine was one of Operation USA’s largest relief efforts. Current projects in Rwanda, Ethiopia, Zambia and Sierra Leone encompass maternal and child health, mental health, literacy and community development.

HOW TO HELP: 
Donate online at www.opusa.org, by phone at 1.800.678.7255 or, by check made out to Operation USA, 7421 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036.

Text AID to 50555 and donate $10 to Operation USA’s disaster relief efforts. Corporate donations of bulk quantities of disaster-appropriate supplies are also being requested. Air miles can also be donated to Operation USA through United Airlines Charity Miles program at www.united.com.



Media Contact:

Alison Deknatel
Director, Communications

323.413.2353 or adeknatel@opusa.org


Richard Walden
President & CEO
323.413.2353 or rwalden@opusa.org

MATERIAL AID SHIPMENTS: 2011

From antibiotics to vitamin A, water purifications tablets to surgical packs—Operation USA has been delivering material aid in the form of donated medical supplies and equipment, medicines and vitamins, education and shelter materials to people in need from its earliest days forward.

A cornerstone of our work, Operation USA is proud of our ongoing program that brings vital aid to people across the globe. In 2010, we made 178 shipments to over 20 countries.

2011 continues to see a wide variety of needs being met around the world.
Our most recent shipments include:

JAPAN: Earthquake and Tsunami relief shipment sent shelter supplies including hand-crank radios and flashlights, alongside shelter structures.

PHILIPPINES: Millions in injectable antibiotics and hospital supplies were sent to our long-time hospital partner in Manila.

CAMBODIA: Surgical packs, baby incubators and gurneys were just sent to Sihanouk Hospital in Phnom Penh. A long-time partner, Sihanouk opened its doors in 1996 as a training center for medical professionals while providing 24-hour health care to thousands of medically underserved people at no charge.

HONEYWELL SPONSORS OPERATION USA’S AIRLIFT
OF MEDICAL SUPPLIES TO HAITI

LOS ANGELES, CA (January 18, 2010)—Los Angeles-based International relief agency Operation USA announced today that its long-standing corporate partner Honeywell Hometown Solutions, the philanthropic organization of Honeywell, has provided use of a jet to bring essential medical aid to post-earthquake Haiti.

Operation USA’s immediate disaster response has focused on the most pressing medical needs due to the devastation of hospitals and medical facilities. This first shipment, which arrived in Port-au-Prince, Haiti earlier today, contained 12,000 vials of ceftriaxone, which is a powerful antibiotic to help treat pneumonia and other bacterial illnesses, and 1,440 cut-resistant gloves to help with the ongoing rescue and rebuilding efforts.

Two medical staff from Partners In Health were also on board to assist in distributing the medical supplies. This initial delivery is part of a $1 million donation of relief supplies, which includes high-priority medical supplies, water purification chemicals, and electric generators. This is the first of many expected Operation USA shipments of aid to Haiti. A second shipment leaves tomorrow via United Airlines, which is donating up to four flights for cargo and emergency staff.

“One of the key pillars of Honeywell Hometown Solutions is our ability to respond to natural disasters around the globe,” said Tom Buckmaster, President of Honeywell Hometown Solutions. “Working with partners, like Operation USA, our goal is to get aid quickly to those in need and leave a lasting legacy as we help rebuild affected areas. Delivering badly needed medical supplies to the Haitian people was one of the most effective ways for Honeywell to make a difference. We’re proud of the contributions our employees have made and look forward to continuing this important work.”

“Honeywell Hometown Solutions and Honeywell’s Chairman and CEO Dave Cote responded immediately to our requests for help in Haiti,” commented Richard Walden, President and CEO, Operation USA. “Honeywell has been a terrific supporter of our work for years now, responding with extraordinary generosity in the face of disasters from the Asian Tsunami to the earthquake that hit Sichuan, China in 2008. They continue to be a great partner in helping Operation USA develop actionable plans to deliver essential aid to those most in need. Their sponsorship of transportation to get supplies into Haiti now allows Operation USA to begin its long-term, on-going relief efforts.”

HOW TO HELP: 

Donate online at www.opusa.org, by phone at 1.800.678.7255 or, by check made out to Operation USA, 3617 Hayden Ave, Suite A, Culver City, CA 90232. Corporate donations of bulk quantities of disaster-appropriate supplies are also being requested. Air miles can also be donated to Operation USA through United Airlines Charity Miles program at www.united.com.

About Honeywell
Honeywell (www.honeywell.com) is a Fortune 100 diversified technology and manufacturing leader, serving customers worldwide with aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings, homes, and industry; automotive products; turbochargers; and specialty materials. Based in Morris Township, N.J., Honeywell’s shares are traded on the New York, London, and Chicago Stock Exchanges. For additional information, please visit www.honeywellnow.com.

About Operation USA

Operation USA is an international relief agency that helps communities at home and abroad overcome the effects of disasters, disease and endemic poverty by providing privately-funded relief, reconstruction and development aid. Since 1979, the Los Angeles-based Operation USA has worked in 99 countries, delivering over $350 million for relief and development projects. 


Operation USA has worked in Haiti with local partners—with intensified efforts and dedicated programs in place following the 2008 storms. Operation USA is currently partnering with local Haitian NGO L’Athletique d’Haiti, and supports their food program which serves children from some of the most destitute areas of Port au Prince and surrounding provinces. Partners in Health and the Haitian Nurses Association will receive relief cargo in Haiti and assist in its distribution.
 

Learn more and make secure donations at www.opusa.org.


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Media Contact:

Alison Deknatel, Director of Communications, Operation USA

310.838.3455 or adeknatel@opusa.org

Robert C. Ferris, Vice President, External Communications, Honeywell

973/455-3388 or Rob.Ferris@Honeywell.com


OPERATION USA READIES EMERGENCY MEDICAL AID FOR HAITI FOLLOWING EARTHQUAKE

STRONG SHOW OF PUBLIC AND CORPORATE SUPPORT;
FIRST AIRLIFT PLANNED FOR EARLY NEXT WEEK

LOS ANGELES, CA (January 14, 2010)—Los Angeles-based International relief agency Operation USA has seen great public response to their call for aid for Haiti in the response to the catastrophic earthquake that struck near Port-au-Prince on Tuesday. Corporate support has also been strong and includes to date: medical supplies and pharmaceuticals; shelter supplies, including tents, sleeping mats and collapsible water bladders; water purification systems; vitamins and nutritional supplements; electric generators and toys;

An initial airlift of emergency medical supplies, including large quantities of broad-spectrum antibiotics is slated to leave Los Angeles early next week. Two million water purification tablets have been ordered, and will be flown in directly from the manufacturer. Long-term local partner L’Athetique du Haiti is still working to assess the damage done to their infrastructure and the children they work with.

Even with the strong initial outpouring of support, Operation USA continues to appeal for donations of funds from the public. This is the worst earthquake to hit Haiti in 200 years—and as many as three million people have been directly affected. The death toll is still to be tallied, but is feared to be as high as 50,000. With the enormous scale of devastation seen in Haiti, the relief efforts will be in effect for some time to come. The organization also calls for bulk corporate donations of health care materials, which it will ship to the region from its base in the Port of Los Angeles. Honeywell Corporation and United Airlines are assisting OpUSA with cargo shipping.

HOW TO HELP:
Donate online at www.opusa.org, by phone at 1.800.678.7255 or, by check made out to Operation USA, 3617 Hayden Ave, Suite A, Culver City, CA 90232.

About Operation USA
Operation USA is an international relief agency that helps communities at home and abroad overcome the effects of disasters, disease and endemic poverty by providing privately-funded relief, reconstruction and development aid. Since 1979, the Los Angeles-based Operation USA has worked in 99 countries, delivering over $350 million for relief and development projects.

Haiti ranks as one of the least developed countries in the world and is the poorest in the western hemisphere. According to the World Food Program more than half of the population lives on less than $1 per day and chronic malnutrition is widespread. The series of storms in 2008 paired with a 50% rise in food costs exacerbated the already dire circumstance, leaving many impoverished Haitians without access to basic food and nutrition. Malnutrition remains at crisis level for those most vulnerable, especially children.

Operation USA has worked in Haiti with local partners—with intensified efforts and dedicated programs in place following the 2008 storms. Operation USA is currently partnering with local Haitian NGO L’Athletique d’Haiti, and supports their food program which serves children from some of the most destitute areas of Port au Prince and surrounding provinces. The Haitian Nurses Association and additional local groups will receive relief cargo in Haiti and assist in its distribution.

Operation USA offers enormous thanks to our corporate donors including: Adoodle, Inc., Americas Regent, Apotex Corp., CAMSS Shelters, Cascade Designs, Dava Pharmaceuticals, Honeywell Hometown Solutions, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America, Inc., PL Developments and United Airlines.

Learn more and make secure donations at www.opusa.org.

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Media Contact:
Alison Deknatel, Director of Communications, Operation USA
310.838.3455 or adeknatel@opusa.org


LARGEST QUAKE IN AREA’S HISTORY BRINGS DEVASTATION TO CAPITAL PORT-AU-PRINCE; MAJOR HOSPITAL HAS COLLAPSED IN PETITIONVILLE

LOS ANGELES, CA (January 12, 2010)—Los Angeles-based International relief agency Operation USA announced today that it will send medical aid to Haiti as part of the relief efforts following the two earthquakes that hit today. The main earthquake is reported at a preliminary magnitude of 7.0 and was centered about 14 miles west from the capital of Port-au-Prince. Initial reports confirm that a hospital has collapsed after the first quake. A 5.9 magnitude quake followed.


Operation USA is appealing for donations of funds from the public and corporate donations in bulk of health care materials, water purification supplies and food supplements which it will ship to the region from its base in the Port of Los Angeles.
 


HOW TO HELP:

Donate online at www.opusa.org, by phone at 1.800.678.7255 or, by check made out to Operation USA, 3617 Hayden Ave, Suite A, Culver City, CA 90232. 




About Operation USA

Operation USA is an international relief agency that helps communities at home and abroad overcome the effects of disasters, disease and endemic poverty by providing privately-funded relief, reconstruction and development aid. Since 1979, the Los Angeles-based Operation USA has worked in 99 countries, delivering over $350 million for relief and development projects. 


Haiti ranks as one of the least developed countries in the world and is the poorest in the western hemisphere. According to the World Food Program more than half of the population lives on less than $1 per day and chronic malnutrition is widespread. The series of storms in 2008 paired with a 50% rise in food costs exacerbated the already dire circumstance, leaving many impoverished Haitians without access to basic food and nutrition. Malnutrition remains at crisis level for those most vulnerable, especially children.

Operation USA has worked in Haiti with local partners—with intensified efforts and dedicated programs in place following the 2008 storms. Operation USA is currently partnering with local Haitian NGO L’Athletique d’Haiti, and supports their food program which serves children from some of the most destitute areas of Port au Prince and surrounding provinces.
 

Learn more and make secure donations at www.opusa.org.



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Media Contact:

Alison Deknatel, Director of Communications, Operation USA

310.838.3455 or adeknatel@opusa.org