International aid flows in

[NewsWhore]

International assistance continues to flow into the Dominican Republic in the wake of the severe flooding caused by Tropical Storm Noel. The Dominican business community, together with religious groups of every denomination and non-governmental organizations, has pitched in to assist in the effort. The total value of this aid is not known at this time but is likely to amount to hundreds of millions of pesos. Friendly nations such as the United States and Venezuela have also lent special equipment such as helicopters and cargo planes to speed up the distribution of relief supplies to the victims. Venezuela has also promised to send 500 pre-fabricated housing units and assist in the reconstruction of bridges and highways. Countries as far away as Turkey have sent planeloads of supplies. The International Red Cross also sent a load of medical supplies. The Spanish International Cooperation Agency for purchased EUR200,000 worth of food, mattresses, blankets and medicines in the local market as well as a planeload of supplies flown in from Spain. The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) released US$200,000 to the Dominican government for humanitarian assistance, and announced that the Dominican Republic can access another US$20 million in emergency assistance funding without going through the normal application processes. Germany and Taiwan have also pitched in to help.

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