Statement From Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter on Flooding in Guyana

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Deanna Congileo
The Carter Center
404-420-5108

ATLANTA....Americans showed unprecedented compassion and generosity in response to the Asian tsunami disaster. Once again tragedy has struck, this time in Guyana, a small country on the northern coast of South America, where The Carter Center has supported political, social, and economic development since 1991. Record rainfall in January has caused flooding severely affecting as many as 200,000 people living in low-lying coastal areas near the capital Georgetown. According to the Red Cross, food security, water, sanitation and the deteriorating public health situation require immediate attention as many thousands are stranded and deaths are occurring. The Government of Guyana and U.S. relief officials estimate it will take a month for the waters to recede, provided heavy rains do not continue. I strongly encourage a quick and generous response from governments to the upcoming United Nations Consolidated Appeal process and from citizens to reputable charities, like the International Federation of the Red Cross and the Red Crescent society.

The Carter Center is not a relief or aid organization and does not engage in emergency relief efforts. However, President and Mrs. Carter urge individuals and governments to donate to those organizations that do.

####

The Carter Center was founded in 1982 by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, in partnership with Emory University, to advance peace and health worldwide. A not-for-profit, nongovernmental organization, the Center has helped to improve life for people in more than 65 countries by resolving conflicts; advancing democracy, human rights, and economic opportunity; preventing diseases; improving mental health care; and teaching farmers to increase crop production. Please visit www.cartercenter.org to learn more about The Carter Center.