October 11, 2005

Generous amounts of disaster relief are urgently needed in Central America following Hurricane Stan's rampage through this part of the world. Stan cut a path through Mexico, Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala and again through southern Mexico. The actual impact and strength of the hurricane, while it was destructive, is not what has caused the majority of the damage. Most of the loss of life has come from the torrential rains and flooding that knocked out roads, caused waterways to overflow and resulted in deadly mudslides.

One of the hardest hit areas was the town of Quetzaltenango in Guatemala, where the mayor has corralled resources to help his people. One of the disaster response teams asked to come and assist were the Scientology Volunteer Ministers, who responded immediately setting to work with food distribution, helping people made homeless and providing whatever aid and comfort is needed.

In Solala, another badly affected town of Guatemala, Volunteer Ministers are also hard at work helping the more than 800 evacuees set up in a Catholic church that was converted into a shelter.

There are many areas in Central America in serious need of aid and assistance. If you can go to help, we will train you in disaster relief procedures.