AmeriCares Helps Families Devastated by Mudslides in Guatemala

Punishing rains and deadly mudslides in Guatemala have claimed at least 44 lives and forced over 1,400 people from their homes. In response, AmeriCares mounted disaster relief efforts, providing critical medicines and medical supplies to sick and injured people affected by the devastation.

Working closely with our local partner in Guatemala, AmeriCares ongoing relief shipments to Guatemala provide immediate relief to those affected by hurricanes, tropical storms and other disasters common during the rainy season.  In the coming days, our partners will continue to distribute medicines in shelters throughout the affected communities and to provide humanitarian assistance to 6,000 men, women and children.

“AmeriCares experience with disaster relief and extensive ongoing work throughout Latin America helps us provide the right medications and supplies for specific health concerns facing the people of Guatemala,” said Frank Bia, M.D., AmeriCares medical director.

In addition to prepositioned medical relief items and humanitarian aid supplies, AmeriCares is sending emergency air and sea shipments aimed at responding to immediate needs and preparing for additional rain that is forecasted. Guatemala experienced a particularly harsh rainy season this year, with more rain this August than in the past and little hope for relief until November.

Hurricane Agatha and Tropical Storm Alex marked the beginning of a difficult 2010 hurricane season. AmeriCares has already responded to affected communities in Guatemala and other countries in Latin America and the Caribbean such as Honduras, El Salvador, and Mexico over the past few months in this busy hurricane season.

Since 1986, AmeriCares has delivered nearly half a billion dollars worth of medical aid and humanitarian relief to help the people of Guatemala. With half of all Guatemalans lacking access to essential medicines, this aid is vital. AmeriCares delivers critical medicines, medical supplies and other aid to hospitals, clinics, nutritional centers, medical outreach brigades, children’s homes and homes for the elderly.

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