Canada assists with relief for victims of flooding and landslides in Central America

October 2005

Foreign Affairs Minister Pierre Pettigrew and International Cooperation Minister Aileen Carroll expressed Canada's sympathy for those affected by Tropical Storm Stan in Mexico and Central America, where flooding and landslides have resulted in severe hardship.

"We continue to receive reports on the terrible impact and ongoing aftermath of Tropical Storm Stan in Mexico and Central America," said Minister Pettigrew. "The funds we are identifying will help international aid agencies working in support of local officials in the region to provide relief to the many individuals, families and communities who are suffering."

"Canada responded immediately to help the victims of this storm," said Minister Carroll. "As the needs have grown, so has our support. We stand with the affected populations in their time of need."

Canadians seeking emergency consular assistance in the areas affected by Tropical Storm Stan should contact:

• the Embassy of Canada in Mexico City at 01-800-706-2900,
• in Guatemala City at (502) 2363-4348,
• in San Salvador, El Salvador 503) 2279-4655,
• in Managua, Nicaragua 505 (2) 68-0433,
• in San Jose, Costa Rica (506) 242-4400,
• in Tegucigalpa, Honduras (504) 232-4551
• or the Emergency Operations Centre in Ottawa at 001-800-514-0129 (from Mexico) or call collect to (613) 996-8885.

Canadians wishing to help with relief efforts are encouraged to make a financial donation to organizations with a proven track record of working in the region. This enables those organizations to purchase goods closer to the crisis, which is faster and more cost-effective.