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After the storm - one year on from Hurricane Stan

16 Nov 2006 11:13:00 GMT
Source: Methodist Relief and Development Fund (MRDF) - UK
Sarah Hagger

Website: Website: http://www.mrdf.org.uk

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Maria Victoria Garcia, still living in temporary accomodation one year on from Hurricane Stan
MRDF/Samantha Tuck

Background

• Hurricane Stan

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When Hurricane Stan hit Guatemala in October 2005, the hillside town of Santiago Atitlan witnessed major destruction. Methodist Relief and Development Fund (MRDF) staff have just returned from visiting the town and found that, one year on, damage caused by the heavy rains is still painfully visible.

"The hillside collapsed, burying the town - its house, roads, everything" explained MRDF's Paul Herbert: "Over 300 people died. A new road has been carved out of the earth amid the remains of buried buildings, but it's a constant reminder to people in the town of what happened."

2005 was one of the most active and destructive hurricane seasons in history. Aid agencies in Central America quickly provided emergency shelter, water and sanitation for those affected by Hurricane Stan. However, MRDF partner AsociaciÃ³n de Mujeres en Solidaridad (AMES) noticed a serious gap in provision: little was being done to help women deal with the trauma and grief caused by the destruction.

Since Maria Victoria Garcia lost her house in the hurricane, she has lived in a temporary camp, sharing one flimsy room with her husband and four of her children. She explained: "Whilst there were many agencies providing shelter, food and water, AMES was the only one that focussed on women and our very specific needs. They provided items such as cooking utensils, medication, feminine hygiene products, underwear and, most importantly, psychological counselling." One year on, the village is still visited regularly by a psychologist and support is provided by AMES staff.

The hurricane was not simply a natural disaster - politics and environmental issues played their part too. Increasing deforestation removed the trees that previously formed a natural barrier against landslides. Political wrangles delayed rebuilding, meaning that families remain in temporary accommodation one year on. From where she lives, Maria Victoria could see new houses being built, before construction stalled months ago. Yet through these difficulties AMES has been there, providing support and care, long after the storm died down.

[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]

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Last updated:Thu Nov 16 12:07:22 2006