RSSEpiscopal Relief & Development Reaches Out in the Wake of Tropical Storm Agatha
June 1, 2010
Tropical storm Agatha, the first storm of the 2010 Pacific hurricane season, struck Central America this weekend. Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador were all greatly affected—the storm killed more than 150 people and left thousands homeless.
Much of the region saw at least three feet of rainfall, which was accompanied by high winds and deadly mudslides that swallowed homes in towns and cities alike. In Guatemala City, the downpour led to the appearance of a 200-foot-deep crater that swallowed a three-story building.
In Guatemala, Agatha has swiftly followed another disaster—the eruption of the Pacaya volcano. The volcano, located about 25 miles south of Guatemala City, erupted on Thursday, May 27, spewing both lava and rocks. The ash from the eruption has caused problems with drainage and increased flooding in Agatha’s wake. Emergency crews are working tirelessly to remove the centimeter-thick blanket of ash that covers the runway at the country’s airport, which is scheduled to reopen on Wednesday afternoon.
Episcopal Relief & Development has been in contact with the Episcopal Diocese of Guatemala and is working closely with the diocese to reach people most affected. Please pray for those impacted by these disasters.
