Disaster Response

When Disaster Strikes: Flooding in Mexico

September 23, 2013

UPDATE: October 7, 2013 4:07 PM Over the weekend our staff in Mexico finished installing the last of our safe water treatment systems in response to disastrous flooding. Early Saturday morning staff from Water Missions International Mexico traveled to the community of El Limon, Guerrero to install a system outside of an elementary school at the heart of this town. Later that afternoon they installed their final system in the community of El Jicaral in the state of Oaxaca. Between the two communities, more than 2,800 community members now have access to safe water. We are honored that we could provide safe water to disaster victims in Mexico with the help of our staff from Water Missions International Mexico and Honduras, as well as our partnership with Operation Blessing. Thank you for following this blog for updates for our efforts. As we continue to develop our relationships with the communities that we've served, we'll share their stories and success that come only from the provision of safe drinking water. [gallery link="file"] For more information about Water Missions International's response to the flooding in Mexico, continue reading. ______________________________________________________________________________ UPDATE: October 2, 2013 3:10 PM As of yesterday the staff of Water Missions International Mexico, in partnership with Operation Blessing, have installed a total of four safe water solutions to help those affected by the disastrous flooding in Mexico. Two of our staff members, Johnny and Ruperto, traveled to the state of Oaxaca, Mexico and installed systems in the communities of San Martin Duranzo and Yucunicoco, as mentioned in updates below. In addition, two systems have been installed in communities near Acapulco in the state of Guerrero, Mexico. Nelson, an engineer on the Water Missions International Honduras staff, traveled to Mexico to work with a team from Operation Blessing and help install water treatment systems. To learn more about the work Nelson and Operation Blessing have done in communities such as Parotilla, check out Operation Blessing's blog here. UPDATE: September 30, 2013 2:40 PM The second of four safe water treatment systems has been installed in the community of Yucunicoco in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico.The mountainous community was heavily affected by flooding after Hurricane Manuel and many structures and roads were destroyed. WMI Mexico staff were able to reach the community through temporarily repaired roads. The provision of safe water has been well-received by community members, with people coming to collect water far into the evening. To he community doctor, Doctora Damaris, formed a safe water committee who will manage the system and ensure that all community members have access to safe drinking water. Additionally, WMI continues to work alongside Operation Blessing to provide safe water in Acapulco, Mexico. Nelson, a WMI engineer from Honduras, is providing great support as they work to install a safe water treatment system and mobilize two additional treatment systems to also deploy in surrounding communities. Stayed tuned as WMI Mexico staff continue to assess new communities for the remaining safe water treatment systems to be deployed. With your prayer and support, we will be able to reach those in deep need affected by this disaster. UPDATE: September 25, 2013 12:35 PM On Monday, September 23, Water Missions International Mexico staff worked with staff from Operation Blessing International to install our first disaster response water solution in the community of San Martin Duraznos in Oaxaca. We are pleased to report that the system is up and running, providing safe drinking water to more than 4,200 community members. This is the first of four disaster response systems we will install in the state of Oaxaca - and we plan to serve many, many more as our response efforts continue. Check back for updates as Water Missions International Mexico staff members work tireless to provide safe water to their people in this time of great need. Original Post: September 23, 2013 Every hurricane season, Water Missions International keeps a watchful eye on the weather in preparation for storms that could affect our offices and work. But more importantly, we prepare to help those impacted by the damage a hurricane can cause. Earlier this year, our in-country staff in Mexico brought safe water to those affected by Hurricane Barbara. After tropical storms Manuel and Ingrid hit Mexico last week, our in-country staff have mobilized to provide disaster relief for those affected by the devastating flooding in Oaxaca that’s claimed lives and impacted thousands.

Water Missions International Mexico staff load up a truck with supplies as they prepare to respond to the disastrous flooding. In partnership with Operation Blessing, staff in Mexico deployed with safe water solutions to meet the needs of those left in devastating wake of last week’s storms. To date, the equipment we have mobilized has the capacity to serve more than 20,000 people’s daily safe water needs. Over the weekend, members of our team in Mexico traveled with the necessary equipment to the state of Oaxaca, and will begin installation soon. Water Missions International is responding to communities in the state of Oaxaca at the request of Mexican authorities who have declared urgent need in the region.

Storm clouds still hung heavy in the sky as the team prepared to journey to Oaxaca on Friday. As an organization founded after the devastation of 1998’s Hurricane Mitch in Honduras, Water Missions International understands all too well the dire need for safe water in the aftermath of disaster. Floodwaters can usher in an onslaught of life-threatening waterborne illnesses, including cholera, typhoid, and diarrhea.

Staff journeyed with supplies over the weekend to Oaxaca to meet the urgent need for safe water as quickly as possible. “Safe drinking water is the most critical need in the days following a natural disaster. When basic needs are not met, we know that water is the difference between life and death, as fatal waterborne diseases spread rampantly in untreated drinking water,” said George C. Greene III, PE, PhD, co-founder and CEO of Water Missions International.

Water Missions International Disaster Response

Water Missions International Mexico staff worked late into the night unloading supplies after arriving in Oaxaca. How can you help? Our Mexico staff continue to work tirelessly on the ground to help those affected by the flooding in Mexico. Please pray with us in this urgent time of need for both our staff and for those affected by flooding and awaiting relief. Disaster response efforts also require significant funding. Please consider partnering with us as we respond to disasters worldwide by donating here.

Waiting for Joy: Matrida’s Story

Water Mission Responds to Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica

When Disaster Strikes: Flooding in Mexico

Related Impact Stories

Get Updates in Your Inbox