In response to severe flooding across Bosnia and Herzegovina caused by heavy rains since the end of April, the U.S. Government continues working with government institutions, the Armed Forces of BiH, and partner institutions to provide humanitarian assistance to the most affected people.
Today, U.S. Government provided an additional $1.5 million in humanitarian assistance to help those most affected by severe flooding across Bosnia and Herzegovina. On Monday, May 26, a team of American landmine experts will arrive to assist the BiH Mine Action Center in assessing the mine situation following the flooding.
The new funds, provided through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), will be programmed in partnership with UNDP and used to provide medicine and hygiene kits, water tanks and filters, dehumidifiers, power generators, tents and sleeping bags.
The landmine team, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, consisting of two ordnance disposal experts, will survey and complete a technical assessment of the affected areas. The experts will be in-country for about 3 weeks to help map the shifted mine fields, advise the local authorities on operations in unfamiliar circumstances, and produce a long-term strategy for operations.
“As this disaster continues to claim lives and devastate cities and villages in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the importance of solidarity between all people is even more important. Friends help friends in need, and I am proud to say that with this new support, the U.S. Government has, as of today, provided more than $2.5 million of direct assistance to the relief effort,” said Charge d’Affaires Nicholas Hill
More than 1 million people in BiH have been affected by the worst floods to hit the Balkans in 120 years. The United States, a longstanding friend and ally of BiH, remains committed to helping citizens as they address the extensive losses and damage caused by this natural disaster and begin long-term recovery efforts. The U.S. will continue working with the people and institutions of BIH to help relief and reconstruction efforts.
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