Two million people impacted by volcano eruption in Guatemala
Two million people impacted by volcano eruption in Guatemala
7 June 2018
The Salvation Army is on the ground in Guatemala, assisting those impacted by last weekend's eruption of the Fuego volcano.
By IHQ COMMUNICATIONS
The Salvation Army in the Central America country of Guatemala is helping people affected by last weekend’s eruption of the Fuego volcano, which has claimed at least 75 lives.
Rescue work on Tuesday was disrupted when a new eruption sent hot gas and molten rock streaming down the volcano’s south side.
Nearly two million people have been affected by the eruption, with more than 190 people still missing and 3000 evacuated. Thousands of people are now living in temporary shelters.
The number of fatalities is likely to rise significantly once emergency responders can dig through the layers of ash that have covered some communities. The ash in some places remains too hot for excavation to be possible.
Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales has declared three days of national mourning.
Salvation Army emergency teams travelled to the affected area to assess the situation and offer assistance. That first contact made it possible to establish a strategic alliance with CONRED (the National Committee for Emergencies and Disasters) and the team moved to the Escuintla and Alotenango shelters, which were in the areas of direct impact.
Working with CONRED, Salvation Army teams have conducted need assessments, prepared food, distributed food, drinking water and clothes, and given support to the CONRED emergency response logistics plan.
A vital part of the response is the provision of spiritual and emotional support.
The Salvation Army is putting together plans to offer ongoing help in the areas of greatest impact, joining forces with other organisations.
Funds have been set aside by International Headquarters in London to provide assistance to 500 people, but donations are being sought to increase the initial capacity and also to offer longer-term help.
Donations to The Salvation Army’s Americas and Caribbean Disaster Fund can be made securely online here.
Video courtesy New Frontier Chronicle.
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