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MOBILIZING TO HELP GUATEMALA

Aftermath of the devastating volcanic eruption met with aid from Catholic Relief Services

By Staff     6/15/2018

Catholic Relief Services is responding to the recent “Volcan de Fuego” (fire volcano) eruption in Guatemala, which left entire communities buried in ash. The death toll from the volcano is expected to climb into the hundreds as rescuers make their way to villages devastated by the mixtures of hot gas and rock – known as pyroclastic flows – that swept down the volcano’s slopes. The impacted areas of Guatemala include Chimaltenango, Escuintla and Sacatepéquez districts.  

All CRS staff and families are reported safe and its Country Program has mobilized an assessment team to work closely with Caritas Escuintla and is participating actively in coordination forums. The Church has opened shelters, as well as a collection center to receive essential medicine, clothes and food for affected families. In coordination with the government, local leaders and the church, 7 shelters have been opened as well as a collection center. The centers include: 1) Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, zona 2 de Escuintla, 2) Cuasi Parroquia de Santo Hermano Pedro 3) Catedral Diocesana.  

 

Editor’s note: To donate online, visit support.crs.org/donate/guatemala-volcano