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Two newly-completed Emergency Operations centers (EOC) were inaugurated yesterday in the cities of Salto and Paysandu. The centers will form part of Uruguay's national disaster preparedness system, serving as hubs for several agencies to interact and coordinate responses to emergencies or natural disasters at the departmental and national levels.

This joint U.S.-Uruguayan effort is made possible by funds granted through the United States Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) Humanitarian Assistance Programs Office. Each of the EOCs received approximately $25,000 in donated equipment such as computers, TV screens and furniture, materials to refurbish the buildings housing the centers, as well as training and development of the standard operating procedures for the centers.

U.S. Chargé d'Affaires Robin Matthewman and Uruguayan Pro-Secretary of the Presidency, Jorge Vázquez, attended the ceremonies, hosted by Intendant Ramon Fonticiella in Salto and Intendant Julio Pintos in Paysandu. Also present were representatives from the Uruguayan National Emergency System and other local officials as well as emergency services personnel.

USSOUTHCOM humanitarian assistance missions and programs are a central part of efforts to enhance security and stability in Central America, South America and the Caribbean. The command sponsors disaster preparedness exercises, seminars and conferences to improve the collective ability of the U.S. and its partner nations to respond effectively and expeditiously to disasters. The Humanitarian Assistance Program funds projects that enhance the capacity of host nations to respond when disasters strike and better prepare them to mitigate acts of terrorism.

U.S. Chargé D'Affaires Robin Matthewman and Uruguay Pro-Secretary Jorge Vázquez arrive in Salto for the inauguration of the local Emergency Operations Center.		Emergency personnel greet U.S. CDA Robin Matthewman and Uruguay Pro-Secretary Jorge Vázquez upon their arrival to the Salto Emergency Operations Center.		Sergio Arizcorreta, Cdr. George Boudreau, Col. Carlos Lorente, Uruguay Pro-Secretary Jorge Vazquez, U.S. CDA Robin Matthewman and Salto Intendant Ramon Fonticiella stand in front of the new Emergency Operations Center in Salto.
Inauguration ceremony of the Emergency Operations Center in Paysandu.		U.S. CDA Robin Matthewman and Paysandu Intendant Julio Pintos unveil a plaque at the Emergency Operations Center in Paysandu.		CDA Robin Matthewman examines the computer equipment installed at the Emergency Operations Center in Paysandu.
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