110 HRES 812 EH: Expressing the sympathy and pledging the U.S. House of Representatives 2007-11-14 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

IV 110th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 812 In the House of Representatives, U. S., November 14, 2007 RESOLUTION Expressing the sympathy and pledging the urgent support of the House of Representatives and the people of the United States for the victims of the devastating flooding in southern Mexico.

Whereas in late October 2007, a series of storms brought torrential rainfall to southern Mexico, especially the States of Tabasco and Chiapas, causing the Grijalva, Carrizal, and Puxcatan Rivers to overflow their banks; Whereas early reports have branded the resulting floods as the worst in Mexico in 50 years and Mexican President Calderon has called it one of the worst natural disasters in the history of our country. Not only because of the size of the area affected, but because of the number of people affected; Whereas the flooding is estimated to have affected 1,000,000 people so far; Whereas Mexico’s Federal Social Development Department now estimates that the homes of over 500,000 people were damaged or destroyed; Whereas more than 300,000 people are reported to still be trapped inside their homes or on their rooftops, with uncertain access to food, medicine, and safe drinking water; Whereas forecasts call for even more rain in the days ahead; Whereas the Governor of the State of Tabasco Andres Granier stated that 100 percent of the states crops were lost and that 80 percent of the State of Tabasco is under water; Whereas the capital of Tabasco, Villahermosa, has been particularly devastated, being compared to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina; Whereas the flooding has hampered the capacity of Mexico’s oil industry; Whereas in the State of Chiapas, authorities have declared a state of emergency in 22 municipalities and at least 7,000 people have been evacuated to shelters; Whereas Red Cross workers in Mexico have called for urgent supplies of water, food, and basic materials to assist in the rescue efforts; and Whereas health officials have begun warning against the serious possibility of cholera and waterborne diseases: Now, therefore, be it

That the House of Representatives— (1)expresses its heartfelt sympathy for the victims of the devastating flooding affecting southern Mexico; (2)conveys its sincere support to the people and Government of Mexico; (3)urges the United States Government to immediately make available all appropriate assistance requested by the Mexican authorities; and (4)reaffirms its commitment to provide relief aid to the victims as the effects of the flooding continue to unfold.

Lorraine C. Miller, Clerk.