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 News Around the Republic of Mexico | September 2005 
Mexico Ready to Send Aid for Katrina Relief
 Wire services
| | A makeshift tomb at a New Orleans street corner conceals a body that had been lying on the sidewalk for days in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. (Photo: Dave Martin) |
Mexico offered the United States two Mexican navy ships, 15 amphibious vehicles, two helicopters and 15 heavy trucks on Saturday to help in the relief effort following Hurricane Katrina.
President Vicente Fox said the government had donated US1 million an amount matched by a private Mexican aid foundation for hurricane relief efforts.
"Mexico is a friend (of the United States), and in tough moments, good friends stand together," Fox said. "You can count on our support."
Fox also offered health brigades and rescue teams, including the rescue teams that dug survivors out of Mexico City's devastating 1985 earthquake that killed an estimated 10,000 people.
Fox estimated that about 145,000 Mexicans lived in the broad, multi-state area affected by Katrina, and that about 10,000 lived in New Orleans.
The government has channeled US175,000 to set up consular offices and communications links to help Mexican victims. Fifteen additional consular officials will be dispatched as well.
Meanwhile, Fox has urged Mexican residents to obey U.S. authorities. On Friday, he said that U.S. officials had agreed not to prosecute any undocumented migrants seeking aid.
"We have agreed with the government of the United States that those who were not documented at the time will not be subject to any pressure or persecution whatsoever," Fox said Friday afternoon.
"In this way, they can receive help from the American authorities, they can approach the authorities to point out what they've lost and, above all, to ask for support."
There have not have been reports of any Mexican deaths, but 87 citizens were reported missing.
The government also plans to provide Mexican victims with food, water and shelter and allowing them to call relatives in Mexico.
The government will also assume the travel costs of those who want to return to Mexico, according to the Foreign Relations Secretariat. |
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