Vol. 2, No. 22 (November 6, 1999)

As you may know from recent news reports coming from Mexico, floods and heavy rains brought havoc and untold suffering to communities bordering the Gulf of Mexico in the states of Veracruz, Tabasco and Puebla.

Many of these areas have been shut off from aid because rivers, over their banks, destroyed the local road systems in several places. Mud slides have killed hundreds of people in places like Teziutlan (Puebla). Scores more were trapped on rooftops in Tabasco, which is mostly a river flatland.

Veracruz is mostly a low-hill tropical setting where roads were cut in several places thus denying access to vehicles. Prevailing bad weather further complicates rescue or supply efforts to bring the basics such as drinking water. Over a half-million people in these areas are affected by this desperate situation.

Our friends in the United States (and elsewhere) can help us by contacting institutions such as the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, the American Boy and Girl Scouts, Lion Clubs, local churches, or any other volunteer organization that normally helps out victims of disasters.

Mexico is in great need of the following: drinking water, dry clothing, chlorine tablets, baby food, canned food, dry footwear, etc. The organizations listed above have contacts in Mexico. Supplies are needed more than manpower as the Mexican army is doing a fine job supplying the men and equipment necessary to remedy the situation.

Thanks to you all for your help in this endeavor.

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