The most violent eruption of Guatemala’s Fuego Volcano in more than four decades occurred on Sunday, June 3, 2018. Deaths recorded near 100 and injured and displaced residents in the departments of Chimaltenango, Escuintla and Sacatepéquez continue to soar. The 12-mile radius of molten lava and pyroclastic flow, and ash left behind also highlight intense suffering and a larger humanitarian disaster that results from long-standing corruption and inequality. Current estimates are that upwards of 20,000 families have experienced irreparable losses.
Despite a wealth of natural resources, culture, minerals and biodiversity, Mesoamerica remains one of the most impoverished regions in the world, with Indigenous Peoples, small farmers and women among the poorest.
Grassroots International has worked with Indigenous and peasant-led organizations in Guatemala since 2003, and maintains vital partnerships with movements on the ground. It is these kinds of groups that are leading the most effective urgent response and longer term rebuilding efforts.
Grassroots International partners and allies in Guatemala impacted by the eruption of the Fuego Volcano have asked for support to address the current crisis. While the extent of the damage and recovery efforts continue to unfold, the following are an initial list of needs:
* Food and water for families dislocated by the volcano
* Shelter, blankets and tarps
* Seeds, farming tools and equipment for those who lost everything
* Medical assistance, including for ash inhalation, burns and other conditions
* Transportation to allow families to reconnect and organizers to coordinate efforts
To address the urgent and ongoing needs of the communities impacted by the Fuego Volcano in Guatemala, Grassroots International requests your generous support and solidarity.
