WASHINGTON, DC - In response to a request from the South African Government, USAID through the South Africa mission will provide emergency relief services to flood-impacted South Africans in the Free State province. USAID will provide $50,000 in assistance to Rescue South Africa (RSA) to assist disaster managers in setting up working groups to evaluate the damage, help formulate a repair and recovery strategy, estimate the cost of repairs and materials, and make repairs and disbursement the funds.

"The South African government seeks support from the private sector and community organizations, and we are pleased that USAID is able to fund one of our local partners, Rescue South Africa, to answer this call," explained USAID's Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (USAID/OFDA) Southern Africa Advisor Harlan Hale. "RSA has proven capability to provide immediate relief aid and, importantly, to partner with municipal and provincial disaster management authorities, as well as other agencies, who are leading flood relief and recovery efforts countrywide."

Rescue South Africa's 100-plus experts are highly trained and experienced emergency services specialists. During the last six years, USAID has supported RSA to gain international search and rescue training and the ability to train others in life-saving procedures following crises such as earthquakes, floods, trench rescue, swift water rescue, aircraft accident body recovery and numerous other skills.

"Every time Rescue South Africa gets involved in a major incident, USAID is one of the first organizations to support our relief efforts," said Ian Scher, Rescue South Africa CEO. "There is no doubt in my mind that had it not been for their generosity over the last six years, we would not be the rescue organisation that we are."

For more information about USAID, visit www.usaid.gov.