May 30, 2010: A report from Lisa C., as posted on the Yahoo group, Mayan Families Connections.
I am here in Antigua and can confirm that the situation is very dire. After two earthquakes earlier this week and the Pacaya eruption, the streets in Guatemala City and surrounding areas were covered in volcanic sand. Just as clean up was occuring, we were hit by Tropical Storm Agatha with 10-20″ of rain and 45 mph winds. Agatha hit the Pacific coast yesterday morning and has been pounding the country since then. There are landslides all over and widespread flooding. In fact, we have one friend who is stuck in a car between a landslide and a collapsed bridge and we’re hoping for the best.
We visited communities during our week traveling with WFP that are underwater right now. Families who had almost nothing to eat previously and now all crops are gone. They have no opportunity for income as they are so remote and their only hope is the seeds they plant. I talked with a father this week who said already he and his family were surviving on tree roots that they chop up and boil. His 2 year old daughter is “recovering” somewhat from acute malnutrition – she almost died last winter.
Please tell everyone you know about this situation! It isn’t getting much publicity I think in the states, but Guatemala will need our help right now.
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