FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wednesday, January 26, 2005

Peace Corps Moving Guyana Volunteers Away From Flooding Areas

{'html': "WASHINGTON, D.C., January 26, 2005 –11:00 a.m. (EST) In anticipation of continued thunderstorms and flooding in Guyana, the Peace Corps is taking precautionary measures to ensure the safety of its volunteers serving in and around the capital city of Georgetown, Guyana. The Peace Corps is temporarily relocating 25 volunteers from the affected areas to Suriname.

While they are in Suriname, the 25 volunteers will assist currently-serving Suriname volunteers with their work until they can return to their sites in Guyana.

The 27 Peace Corps volunteers in Guyana who are in areas not affected by the flooding will remain at their sites. Peace Corps staff will also remain in Guyana to continue to support the volunteers.

In preparation for possible crisis situations and natural disasters, each Peace Corps program has an Emergency Action Plan specific to that country and developed in cooperation with the Embassy and Peace Corps Headquarters in Washington D.C. The plans are tested frequently and information is updated constantly. Volunteers are thoroughly trained in their role and responsibilities in the Emergency Action Plan. Posts are prepared for all emergencies.

Families are encouraged to contact Peace Corps' Office of Special Services with any questions or concerns they may have. The Office of Special Services maintains a 24 hours a day, 7 days a week duty system. The telephone number during standard office hours is 1-800-424-8580, Extension 1470; the after hours number is 202-638-2574.

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