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Mexico

Flood Relief in Mexico: Update December 1999

Catholic Relief Services staff continue to work with Caritas Mexico in response to severe flooding and landslides in the southeastern regions of Mexico. The flooding and landslides are mainly due to a tropical depression that hit the Mexican states of Puebla, Tabasco, Veracruz and Hidalgo. Torrential rains have created the worst flooding in over forty years and at least four major rivers continue to overflow.
Who is CRS Reaching and With What Aid?

Catholic Relief Services staff are working closely with Caritas Mexicana, responding with immediate food and non-food needs. To address the most immediate needs of nearly 67,500 critically affected people Catholic Relief Services contributed an initial $100,000 for water containers, plastic sheeting for temporary shelter, hygiene items, medicines and cooking items. These supplies are being distributed by Caritas Mexicana.

  • To date, 35,000 food rations have been distributed and include:
  • Rice
  • Beans
  • Sugar
  • Oil
  • Cookies
  • Sardines
  • Pasta
  • Corn flour
  • Medicine

Financial support for food and medicines is still a chronic need. To make a donation, click here..

Damage

Reportedly 341 have died and more than 500,000 people have been affected in 179 municipalities. More than 450 temporary shelters have been established offering shelter to close to 70,000 homeless people. An estimated 265,000 hectares of cropland have been destroyed and more than 1, 300 schools and hospitals are severely damaged.

The government of Mexico has declared the following five states as disaster areas:

  • Jalisco
  • Michoacac
  • Puebla
  • Tabasco
  • Oaxaca

An additional three states are declared emergency situations:

  • Chiapas
  • Veracruz
  • Hidalgo

Your support is needed.

Donations can also be made by calling: 1-800-736-3467
or by sending checks to: P.O. Box 17090 - Baltimore, Maryland 21203-7090.

Copyright=A91999 CRS