Hurricane relief: Campesino Cmte. of the Highlands

Hurricane Eta damaged many Mayan communities of the Campesino Committee of the Highlands (CCDA) when it hit Guatemala during the first week of November.  The CCDA has mobilized to assist affected communities with immediate needs and in rebuilding.

Hurricane Eta lingered over Central America November 3-6. Although the Category 4 storm’s winds dropped significantly by the time it reached Guatemala, the heavy rains it dumped on already saturated soils caused massive flooding and mudslides. Guatemala’s National Emergency Service, CONRED, estimates that 150 people lost their lives in the storm and 100 are still missing. But thousands more lost their homes, belongings, and crops in the flooding.

According to the CCDA, the disaster has been exacerbated by government corruption and deep inequality that leave communities of Mayan farmers highly vulnerable to the effects of such storms. The government's response to the disaster has been woefully inadequate.

The CCDA has activated its own Rapid Response Plan for member communities in affected regions.  The Plan addresses factors such as:  Infrastructure, public and mental health, physical safety, shelter, and the reactivation of family agriculture and community economies. The CCDA is focusing on the provinces of Alta and Baja Verapaz, where 7,448 families in 68 member communities are affected. Current needs are great, and the CCDA is appealing to its allies in Canada for support to meet the immediate needs of these families.