Volcano Disaster Long-term Recovery Fund

Today marks three months of the eruption of the Fuego Volcano that buried the community of San Miguel Los Lotes, Escuintla, and left hundreds dead (though the unofficial number is a lot higher, some even said more than 2000) and many thousands of victims. Those continue to be housed in deplorable conditions and the survivors continue to search for their missing relatives.

Antigua El Rescate group wrote on August 30 on their Facebook page, "Today the remains of three women, two of 16 years old and one of 27, who died embracing each other during the explosion of the Fuego volcano, were recovered. In one of them, you could still see the expression of pain on her face ...."

Since June 3rd, many NGOs and private groups have been formed to offer help to the victims of the eruption. Many shelters were set up, food and water are still being distributed. While most of these groups' effort target on the current well-being of the victims, the government is more focused on clearing the adjoining highway which is continually threatened by rain and volcanic debris. 

*According to the report of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), the eruption left losses for Q1,636 million, equivalent to 0.3 percent of the gross domestic product of last year, of which Q195 million impacted the public sector and Q1,441 million the private sector. Data from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Food (Maga) refer that the eruption affected the crops of 21,000 families and left losses of Q33 million in Escuintla and Siquinalá. Affected farmers are concerned because planting was their only means of subsistence.

So much has been done but much work remains. In total, CasaSito has received about $10,000 from various sources, and we have used about $2000 to provide water filters and fund for medical emergencies. As an organization and our staff as individuals, we have also participated in food preparation for victims, offering water to shelters and providing material to repair water pipes. The remaining funds will be used to assist families for long-term recovery. 

However, to be able to offer helps to the victims in the best way, we have to follow a careful process of identification and investigation of each family's case. While CasaSito and many others are ready to help, unfortunately, there are some that are taking advantage of the situation and try to benefit unfairly from disaster relief. 

Thank you for all your support and trust. We will keep you informed. 

 * Information from Prensa Libre September 3rd