Central America hit hard by tropical storm Stan
The number of casualties continues to grow after tropical storm Stan unleashed its fury upon the isthmus. MS has supported its partners through the financing of water, food and medicines. A collection has begun in Denmark together with the Danish Central America Solidarity Committee.
By Eva Rasmussen
17. October 2005
There are 136,609 Guatemalans affected by the floods and mudslides. The strong rains are dying down, but the number of casualties continues to grow and many are still disappeared and feared dead after tropical storm Stan unleashed its fury upon the isthmus. In Guatemala 655 dead persons have been counted, with another 1,400 declared dead after a mudslide buried most of the community of Panajab, in the province of Sololá. There were 65 deaths in El Salvador, 11 in Nicaragua and another 8 in Honduras. Several communities are still isolated by the landslides and destruction of bridges. It is expected that more dead persons will be found.
Some 50,000 were evacuated in El Salvador, and 30,000 in Guatemala. It is as yet uncertain when these people will be able to return – if they have anything to return to.
Poverty unveiled
Much as was the case when Hurricane Mitch struck seven years ago, the veil has once again been ripped off, revealing the immense levels of poverty that scourges the countries of Central America. It is the poor who live in shacks and huts, and when these are torn down by the winds and rain, they loose everything and have to start from scratch – again. Further, large areas of farmland have been destroyed, meaning that there will be food shortages during the upcoming dry season.
From the very first days of the disaster, MS has supported its partner organisations through the financing of water, food and medicines. On Monday 17 October a collection of funds began in Denmark, working together with the Danish Central America Solidarity Committee. Among other events there will be a concert, a night of salsa and an exposition of photographs of the affected areas – before and after the passage of tropical storm Stan.
Gallery
The following gallery is from the Central American Research Institute FLACSO:
