(No. 313 – October 21, 2011 – 1:35 p.m. ET) The Honourable Diane Ablonczy, Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas and Consular Affairs), today offered Canada’s condolences to the people of Central America following widespread flooding and landslides, which have resulted in loss of life and extensive damage in many parts of the region.
“On behalf of all Canadians, I offer condolences to the loved ones of those who lost their lives,” said Minister of State Ablonczy. “I would also like to extend my sympathies to all those affected by the heavy rains, flooding and landslides, which have destroyed or damaged thousands of homes, leaving families to seek emergency shelter.”
Flooding and landslides affected Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Preliminary figures reveal more than 100 dead, 85,000 displaced and close to 570,000 affected, with numbers rising by the hour. In addition there is considerable damage to infrastructure.
Canadian citizens in Central America who require emergency consular assistance should call the following numbers:
El Salvador: Canadian embassy in San Salvador at (503) 2279-4655, (503) 2279-4657 or (503) 2279-4659.
Guatemala: Canadian embassy in Guatemala City at (502) 2363-4348.
Honduras: Canadian embassy in Tegucigalpa at (504) 2232-4551.
Nicaragua: Canadian embassy in Managua at (505) 2268-0433 or (505) 2268-3323.
Costa Rica: Canadian embassy in San José at (506) 2242-4400.
Alternatively, they may contact Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada’s Emergency Operations Centre by placing a collect call to 613-996-8885 or by sending an email to sos@international.gc.ca.
Friends and relatives in Canada seeking information on Canadian citizens believed to be in the affected areas should contact the Emergency Operations Centre by calling 1-800-387-3124 (Canada and the United States toll-free) or 613-996-8885. They may also send an email to sos@international.gc.ca.
For up-to-date information, consult Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada’s travel reports for El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica at www.travel.gc.ca.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
John Babcock
Senior Communications Adviser
Office of the Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas and Consular Affairs)
613-944-2300
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
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