Hello, my name is Eliah, and I'm reaching out on behalf of my grandmother, leading support for our families affected by Hurricane "OTIS" in Acapulco. As one of the primary individuals gathering any resources she can get to coordinate aid to our family from outside the region, she has witnessed the devastation firsthand and has relayed the following message asking us all for support:

(Translated from Spanish):

Hello, My name is Esthela Nava Contreras and more than ten households within our family, have suffered significant losses and damage from Hurricane Otis. The devastation caused by the hurricane has left a trail of destruction, impacting our homes, businesses, and overall well-being.

My sister's house bore the brunt of the storm, with shattered windows and doors, allowing rainwater and debris to flood in. The force of the wind and water threatened their safety, and their furniture is now rendered useless. Unable to live in their home, they find refuge with one of their children.

My other sister's modest motel, her life's sole livelihood, was completely destroyed by two large trees uprooted by the hurricane. The once-thriving rooms are now in ruins, as depicted in the attached photos. Despite her own despair, she opened her home to a devastated employee and their family, whose house was also destroyed. Additionally, her own residence suffered damage to the roof, and water tank, and remains without electricity or potable water.

My brother, Adán, who suffers from diabetes and neuropathy, faces challenges in accessing essential medications. Furthermore, there is a shortage of food for his dogs. Although his home was spared from physical damage, his business is inaccessible due to debris blocking the street.

My nephew Gustavo, whose home lacked proper windows, experienced flooding that rendered his belongings, including his bed, television, stove, and clothing, unusable. He lost everything.

Two weeks have passed, and the situation remains chaotic. There is a scarcity of food and supplies, as local supermarkets were looted, and the government's assistance has been insufficient. Despite ongoing support campaigns, the sheer number of affected individuals overwhelms the availability of basic needs.

What you can do:

Thank you for taking a moment to read about our situation. Your kindness, whether through a contribution or simply sharing our story, is immensely appreciated. If you're in a position to help, know that any contribution, no matter how small, will directly impact these families. Your support will go a long way in helping us rebuild lives and offer a glimmer of hope during this chaotic time. If you have any questions or comments feel free to email me at [email redacted].