This project will directly fund the urgent needs of children and families devastated by the Fuego volcano eruption. This historic disaster has left at least 69 dead, dozens missing, and nearly 300 people injured. GFC's local partner ASOGEN opened a shelter and is providing emergency supplies like food, clothing, toiletries, and emotional support to children and families experiencing unimaginable trauma, and their numbers are increasing. They need our help now.
Guatemala's Fuego volcano erupted at about noon local time (13:00 EST) on Sunday June 3, 2018. It is one of Central America's most active volcanoes but Sunday's eruption caused more fatalities than any of those previously recorded--at least 69 people have died with 100s injured and dozens missing. Children have been deeply traumatized, separated from families, and are in need of help. Many locals refuse to leave the area at their peril, while they wait for news on missing loved ones.
This project will provide emergency shelter, food, clothing, toiletries, and emotional support for children affected by the volcanic eruption and their families. Our partner ASOGEN is a community-based NGO that is highly adept at disaster response from previous experience, and quickly set up shelters and basic relief operations. They plan to provide ongoing emergency relief, then work alongside Coordinadora Nacional para los Desastres (CONRED) for relocation of families.
In the weeks and months after the emergency, ASOGEN expects the demands will continue, in particular for psycho-social support, as they reintegrate devastated families back into daily life. ASOGEN is experienced with disaster response having responded in 2005 after deadly Hurricane Stan, and will undertake extended roles in both advocating with authorities and working on disaster prevention with the surrounding communities.
