WASHINGTON, May 26, 2004 -- Congressman Charles B. Rangel today called on the U.S. government for a generous response to pleas for assistance from the Dominican Republic to alleviate the suffering of the victims of floods which ravaged the Dominican Republic and Haiti this week. 

Congressman Charles B. Rangel, (D-NY) said, "I am deeply saddened by the tragic human loss suffered in this natural disaster.  I offer my condolences to the families and friends of the many people who have perished in the floods and urge that prompt assistance be provided by the United States to the Dominican Republic and Haiti.  As the strong people of the Dominican Republic and Haiti in their grief rebuild their communities, they should know that the United States stands with them and lends its support in the relief effort."   

During the weekend of May 22-23rd, the Dominican Republic and Haiti were gripped by torrential rains that swirled into floods on Monday of this week.  On Monday, a river burst in Jimani, a town of approximately 10,000 people in the Dominican Republic that borders Haiti.  The flood has left more than 500 people in the Dominican Republic and Haiti dead.  At least 417 people have died in Haiti and more than 450 people in the Dominican Republic have perished.  There are many people believed to be missing.  The death toll may rise as rescue workers uncover those who may be buried under the mud and debris. 

As a result of the floods, thousands of people have become homeless.  At least 540 houses were destroyed and buried and another 1,500 homes have been damaged by the storms.  The survivors of the floods are in urgent need of shelter, food, clothing, and medicine. 

Congressman Rangel noted that several organizations are collecting donations to assist the victims of the floods.  Please contact the following organizations to find out how to provide help:

· Alianza Dominicana, Inc.
 2410 Amsterdam Avenue, 4th Floor
 New York, NY 10033
 (212) 740-1960

· The Association for Progressive Dominicans (ACDP) 
  3940 Broadway Avenue, 2nd Floor
  New York, NY 10032
  (212) 781-5500

· Dominican Sunday 
  981 Amsterdam Avenue
  New York, NY 10025
  (212) 678-0342