ALEXANDRIA, VA – Luis Gilberto Murillo, the Foreign Minister of Colombia, visited Islamic Relief USA‘s (IRUSA) DC headquarters on Thursday, January 23, thanking staff for their support in responding to a flood emergency that engulfed the South American nation last year.
IRUSA’s international programs division approved $83,000 for an emergency response mission to Colombia with Osman Consulting Ltd. The massive floods impacted more than 37,000 families in Choco, causing extensive damage to homes, agricultural land, livestock, and community infrastructure.
Through its response, IRUSA conducted on-ground assessments in key affected areas, working closely with community leaders, local organizations, and residents to identify needs and closing gaps in nutrition and sanitation. Priority was given to helping people with disabilities, the elderly, and single parents. The organization also helped distribute food, provide temporary shelter, and administer hygiene kits.
IRUSA remains committed to the people of Colombia in this emergency. The organization will work with local and international partners to foster collaboration and strengthen the coordination of resources for immediate and long-term support. Future projects and programs will focus on providing health care (remote areas, in particular), safe drinking water, strengthening food security, and disaster prieparedness.
MEDIA CONTACT
Syed M. Hassan
(571) 421-7032
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Islamic Relief USA, based in Alexandria, VA, is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) humanitarian organization. Its mission is to provide relief and development in a dignified manner regardless of gender, race, or religion, and works to empower individuals in their communities and give them a voice in the world. Its programs benefit millions of people each year in more than 40 countries around the world, including in the United States.
Islamic Relief USA is on the U.S. government’s Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) charity list, and it is also a signatory to the code of conduct of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.