U.S. Embassy Bucharest Reaches Out to Romanian Flood Victims

On August 11, Charge D'Affaires Mark Taplin traveled to Crampoia, a flood damaged town in Olt County, Romania, to meet Mayor Ilie Ciobanu and other villagers affected by recent flooding. Around 400 houses in Crampoia were flooded, of which 300 were greatly damaged and 17 were totally destroyed.

The visit was part of a larger flood relief program implemented by the U.S. Government. The American response in Crampoia includes emergency supplies, such as mattresses, beds, rubber boots, and other goods, for approximately 250 people. The relief and development organization World Vision distributes supplies purchased with U.S. Government funds in Crampoia and other affected communities.

U.S. Government humanitarian assistance in response to the flooding which began in April has amounted to more than $3 million thus far, of which $2.6 million has purchased food, personal hygiene items, portable heaters, water purification systems, and grants and loans for renovation projects within affected communities through USAID. Also, the U.S. Department of Defense has donated goods and equipment for the renovation of houses, schools, and medical facilities. [U.S. Embassy Bucharest photos]