Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Guatemala City (Agenzia Fides) – The death toll in Guatemala due to landslides caused by tropical storm "Agatha" has risen to 73, according to an official count. 49 victims were buried by a landslide in the department of Chimaltenango, about 60 km west of the capital. This is the situation reported by David de Leon, spokesman for the National Coordination Commission for Disaster Reduction (CONRED), which was delivered to the press. However, according to the unofficial count the dead were at least 200.
From Caritas Guatemala, Fides has received additional information about the disaster in Guatemala. The President of Guatemala, Alvaro Colom, has said that the emergency response is designed to provide aid to survivors of landslides and mudslides, as well as to thousands homeless. The President reported that the government's action proceeds by assigning priority to the communities most in need.
The latest report on damages and casualties announced that 74,777 people have fled their homes, 17,101 have found accommodation at 123 hostels, 2,912 homes are damaged, and there are very serious damages reported in 842 cases. President Colom announced that most of the country's roads are damaged or blocked, keeping aid from reaching communities, although the Civil Aeronautics authorized flights of helicopters and airplanes that do not use turbines.
In downtown Guatemala City and Chimaltenango, there are very large open pits and consequently, several houses have collapsed. The phenomenon has been attributed by geologists to problems caused by old drainage systems. A team of Cuban doctors for several years offering their services to the rural population and the support of U.S. helicopters are some of the first aid received from the international community in the emergency, the President said. Caritas Guatemala has started collecting food items and funds to assist victims. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 31/5/2010)
