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	Mission - Maya Quiche Presbyteries
	October 12, 2005. "Details are coming in slowly"
Hurricane Stan Relief I got a brief opportunity to speak with Yoli today (CESSMAQ's do-everything office assistant). She relayed some information about several communities that CESSMAQ serves, or villages near communities we serve. Details are coming in slowly regarding the flood/hurricane damage. Director Noe Sam is visiting as many communities as he can reach at the moment. Right now, numerous bridges are out. This includes small bridges which serve the more remote communities served, but also major bridges on major highways. For instance, bridges between Guatemala City and Xela [Quetzaltenango] are out, as is Puente Samala between Xela and all of the coastal communities. Phone service was restored in Xela a couple of days ago, but service is still quite spotty. In general, there are major problems. As you can imagine, there is no FEMA, no organization handing out $2000 vouchers, and very little government assistance. One example... many of you know Martin, the driver for PRESGOV, who is also the father of the family Gabby and I lived with. They live just outside Xela in a town called Cantel (very near other communities you have likely visited, such as Pachaj, La Estancia, and Zunil). He told us that they were stuck in their house for four days due to the horrendous rains. All traffic was stopped, as was bus service (the only way for folks to get around). Since most families visit the open air markets each day for food, they had very little stored in their homes. Martín and family had some rice and some noodles stashed away, so they were fine. Others went hungry. After four days, some of the small stores in the market had opened so folks could buy beans and such. Back to the conversation with Yoli. In general, there is water in Xela as of a couple of days ago, but it's undrinkable due to contaminants in the water (animals drowned, etc). The surrounding communities either have no water due to exposed water mains being broken by falling trees, or contaminated water. Another problem is food. As most of you know, corn is a staple in Guatemala, with many families receiving the bulk of their caloric intake from tortillas. Unfortunately, the corn harvest is in really bad shape. Normal harvesting takes place in November. The stalks were very tall, but not yet producing edible fruit. Yoli told me that the majority of it is either washed away, knocked over, or flooded. The harvest will be very lean this year. Coastal communities are in worse shape. Yoli had heard from folks in all of the communities they serve. From what she gathers, everyone is still alive. That's the good news. It sounds like everyone had time to get to safety, but there is going to be a big struggle with food and water. As for some of the communities? Guineales - Rey de Reyes church with pastor Juan Ixmata had lots of flooding, and is unreachable. Bridges have been washed away. Palá, near Guineales, I don't remember the name of the church, but a few years back, it was only accessible on foot Right now, the village is unreachable. The church was destroyed. Everyone is alive, but ten homes were lost. Los Angeles - Eben-Ezer church with pastor Pedro Mejia This village is also unreachable. No word on houses there, but the people are OK. Monte Carmelo - Elim church which we visited this summer to install the floor The village is unreachable due to bridges being washed away. The church was flooded, but is intact. The waters receded and they are cleaning it out. Some folks lost homes on the mountain. Olintepeque - Principe de Paz II church (At the foot of the mountain near Xela, beneath Chajabal and other churches such as El Espiritu Santo, Siloe, and Principe de Paz) The town sustained major flood damage. People are without food, water and spare clothing. Tons of homes destroyed. Yoli worked yesterday with other women to prepare 350 meals to take to Olintepeque. Zunil - Bethania Church, and another I cannot recall the name now. The town sustained major flood damage. Many homes were destroyed. Yoli says it seems like the whole town nearly washed away. The public baths that Gabby and I used to visit have disappeared. This is all of the information I could get before the phone cut out. The outlook is pretty bleak. Yoli said that she feels like CESSMAQ is "starting over from scratch" as far as assistance goes. They have done so much incredible work, but now this huge disaster is going to stretch them beyond measure. They are hopeful. As you can imagine, they have an incredible need for money for food and water. Until we can rally and determine the best way to handle financial relief for the affected communities, please keep them all in your prayers. From what I understand, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is already hard at work in Guatemala, through Action by Churches Together (ACT) International.
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