Venezuela grateful for $15M flood aid pledged by Guyana - Azocar Stabroek News December 22, 1999 The Venezuelan Ambassador to Guyana has expressed gratitude on behalf of the Government of Venezuela for this government's pledge of $15 million in aid in the wake of the catastrophic flooding that has affected some 337,000 Venezuelans. At a press conference at the embassy on Thomas Street, Ambassador Hector Azocar said that the magnitude of the disaster has surpassed the capacity of the institutions to deal with the situation. He said that as soon as the Government of Guyana has the supplies ready a military transport plane will be sent to pick up the provisions that will include rice and sugar. The Venezuelan Cultural Institute at 228 Camp Street has opened its doors for material donations from individuals and the private sector. Two bank accounts have also been opened under the name, Embassy of Venezuela--Flood Relief Fund Account. At the National Bank of Industry and Commerce Ltd the account number is 6537633 and at the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry, the account number is CIEA082521. Dr Frank Beckles of the organisation Guyana Is First implored Guyanese in this season of giving to "reach out to our brothers in Venezuela and come to their aid." Azocar released the very latest figures from a report by President Hugo Chavez that show as of 11 pm on Monday 68,570 persons have been rescued from the stricken area that stretches along the coast west from Sucre through nine other states to Zulia with the hardest hit regions being Caracas, Vargas and Miranda. The number of homeless people is around 140,000; 65,532 houses affected; 23,296 houses disappeared. So far 362 tonnes of food, 60 tonnes of clothing and 300 tonnes of medicine have been distributed. The international community has responded swiftly with over 29 countries to date providing food, medical and technical assistance and this afternoon the United Nations will propose a draft resolution urging countries to support Venezuela in its time of crisis. A number of persons have been relocated to the interior on land reserved for the military where they will be temporarily housed. Many others were helicoptered out of the affected area to a local airport and then flown into Caracas where shelter is being provided by many government and non governmental institutions including the United Nations Sports Complex. A © page from: Guyana: Land of Six Peoples