Operation USA, a 28-year-old international relief agency based in Los Angeles, is appealing to the public and corporations to aid in response to the flooding in Southern Mexico.

The flooding in the state of Tabasco is the worst the state has seen in fifty years, with 900,000 people displaced and awaiting rescue or shelter. Governor Andres Granier reported that eighty percent of the state is under water, 100 percent of its crops have been destroyed and most of the state's population of 2 million are afected in a substantial way. In addition, 150 hospitals and medical centers have been flooded and are closed.

Operation USA is requesting the public's assistance in providing financial support and asking U.S. corporations to provide bulk, uniform quantities of appropriate medical, nutritional, hygiene and shelter supplies, as well as tents, blankets, water purification and power generation equipment. As with every disaster, Operation USA asks the public to refrain from collections of used clothing and other inappropriate materials.

"Operation USA conducted seven airlifts of medicines and shelter materials and helped build a permanent clinic for relocated victims of the 1985 Mexico City earthquake as part of an integrated community development project," said Operation USA President, Richard Walden. "Once needs are assessed, we hope to provide similar emergency assistance for the current flooding."

HOW TO HELP: To assist Operation USA in delivering aid to flood victims, call 800-678-7255, donate online at www.opusa.org or mail checks to 3617 Hayden Avenue, Ste. A, Culver City, California 90232

Contact: Richard Walden, Neil Frame and/or Christine Oppenheim at 310.838.3455 or coppenheim@opusa.org