This Information Bulletin is for information
only. The Federation is not seeking any funding or other assistance from
donors for this operation at this time.
The Situation
At 00.10 hours, Friday, 13 September, after heavy rains, two crags surrounding the community of El Porvenir in the municipality of San Lucas Toliman, Solola, crumbled, resulting in a landslide. Eighteen people died, 14 were wounded and 50 disappeared among the rubble of mud and stones. A total of 10 houses were destroyed. Villagers from the community of Santa Cruz Quixaya and the surroundings helped in search and rescue. The lack of electricity and poor visibility, however, complicated efforts. The wounded were taken by car to an emergency clinic set up in the area, and are being cared for by a committee of health promoters. Families are being evacuated from the community to safe areas. The national emergency body, CONRED, has established a shelter 2km from the disaster area, in the school of Totoya, which can accommodate 300 people. Food, water, blankets and mattresses are available.
Red Cross Action
The departmental branches of the Guatemalan Red Cross (GRC) in Retalhuleu, Mazatenango, Coatepeque and Quetzaltenango were alerted to assist with evacuation of the community of El Porvenir. CONRED, together with the Guatemalan Red Cross, formed an evaluation team to assess damage and needs and to coordinate relief activities.
At its national headquarters, the Guatemalan Red Cross has set up a reception centre for donations in order to assist the affected families. On the afternoon of 13 September, the GRC sent three teams of volunteers, each made up of five people, trained by the American Red Cross in crisis intervention, who will provide psychological support to the affected population.
Heavy rain is still falling and the Guatemalan Red Cross continues to monitor the situation.
For a full description of the National Society profile, see www.ifrc.org
For further details please contact
- Julian Gore-Booth, Head of Delegation, Guatemala; Phone (502) 220 06 72; Fax (502) 238 0091; email: fedecng@intelnet.net.gt
- Olaug Bergseth, Desk Officer for Central America, Phone 41 22 730 45 35; Fax 41 22 733 0395; email: bergseth@ifrc. org
All International Federation Operations seek to adhere to the Code of Conduct and are committed to the Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Disaster Response (SPHERE Project) in delivering assistance to the most vulnerable.
For support to or for further information concerning Federation operations in this or other countries, please access the Federation website at http://www.ifrc.org
For longer-term programmes, please refer to the Federation's Annual Appeal.
John Horekens
Director
External Relations
Santiago Gil
Head
Americas Department