I finally have some more concrete facts about Santiago Atitlan thanks to the hard work that Juan and Don Diego have done, even worked through the night, so they could send me this report.

In Panabaj more than 1000 people have regrettably lost their lives.  The sisters Quicain, both MayaWorks artisans, lost their home and the 8 members of their family and only the sisters survived. They, however, are seriously wounded and will need help with material needs as well as psychological needs. (their pictures are attached to this email) There were 4 additional families that lost their homes and everything in them.

I think it is difficult to loose material things such as your home but it is so much harder for these two MayaWorks artisans (who work making beaded products), because they lost their home and their family.  I don’t think I can even imagine the pain that has overcome them.  It is a physical pain, a spiritual pain, and a pain of the world.

Thanks to God, the other 3 families have not lost any family members, but they lost everything material. Imagine starting from zero and with a whole family to support

The families are:

• Ramírez Ixbalan with 7 family members:  father, mother, and 5 children
• Reanda Pablo with 4 family members: father, mother, and 2 children
• Chichom Reanda with 10 family members: father, mother, and 8 children (Pedro, Stole maker)

Beginning on October 20 th, these 4 families will no longer receive aid from the shelters where they are staying.  They will have to confront a new reality and restart their lives with practically nothing.

There are also 2 families in Canton Tzanchaj, that will have the possibility to return to their homes but they fear another mudslide.

We have a total of 7 families who have been harmed by the hurricane, with a total of 36 people affected who are directly involved with MayaWorks.

They will need supplies for survival such as: beans, corn, clothing and mainly some money.
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SO THE PLAN THAT I HAVE IS A PLAN OF 2 PHASES:

PHASE I: Deliver the following:  corn, beans, atoles, sugar, purified water, rice, and some prepared foods for all of the families.  

Date:  This will take place on Monday, October 17th

PHASE II. Depending on what we evaluate on Monday, I am seeing that the majority are asking for money, but I will be very careful with these requests, I will first try to interview each family and we will make a plan for each individual plan, and of course a short-term plan because the families need the cash so they are able to cover costs for survival.

This is all the information I have for now and tomorrow (Friday Oct. 14) I will go to Chimaltenango to purchase the supplies of food and clothing and cooking utensils and will return around midday.