Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Guatemala City (Fides Service) - “With our hearts filled with grief we communicate the anguish, sadness, sufferings of this country for many years: civil war, inhuman violence, chronic poverty, hunger, unemployment, lack of sources of work, political situation unable to deal with this reality. In addition to this desolate scene, sad and dark, now there are the effects of hurricane Stan: loss of life, material damage to homes, harvests, infrastructures, and a panorama of devastation which calls for our Christian solidarity”: this was said by the president of the Guatemalan Bishops’ commission for social-pastoral, Caritas, CEG Archbishop Víctor Hugo Martínez Contreras of Los Altos Quetzaltenango-Totonicapán.
The CEG office reported that Caritas offices and parishes are assisting the victims as far as possible. In front line in this work of solidarity are the local Bishops of the affected areas in collaboration with the government and valid collaboration of religious, parish members and members of other Churches are working tirelessly to distribute aid to people in remote areas and most in need and thanks to these efforts there is news of the situation of these communities. There is concern for many communities still isolated and where weather conditions are still bad. Communications are cut and many places can be reached only by air. There is also concern for the threat of diseases caused by decomposing corpses.
The latest figures given by the national emergency office CONRED speak of 652 dead, a number destined to rise, 577 missing, 99 injured 136,609 people affected and 107,833 displaced. The emergency is the worst in two decades. In extremely poor rural communities 5,352 homes have been damaged and 1,478 destroyed. Harvests have been lost in many villages and fields are underwater. Communications are cut in many places particularly in Pacific coast areas.
“Humanitarian aid, medicines, food, clothing and clean water are the priorities - said the report sent by Archbishop Víctor Hugo Martínez Contreras -. The diocese most affected is San Marcos. Medical aid is urgently needed. We rely on prayers as well as solidarity that the God of life may give strength and hope to families who have lost loved ones, homes and harvests”.
In Rome the Guatemalan Embassy to the Holy See Santa has opened to accounts to help victims: Conto Corrente Postale N. 67382697, for “Embajada de Guatemala ante la Santa Sede - Aiuto popolazioni colpite uragano Stan”; Conto Bancario - Banca Nuova SpA Via Boncompagni 23/25. Intestato a Embajada de Guatemala Aiuto Emergenza Stan. N. 146480. ABI - 05132 CAB 03200 CIN Z. (RZ) (Agenzia Fides 11/10/2005, righe 40, parole 544)
