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According to Mexican Government, 46 people lost their lives, and 58 others are reported as missing.
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This powerful Category 5 hurricane unleashed its fury with sustained winds of 260 km/h and gusts reaching 315 km/h
The aftermath of Hurricane Otis in Acapulco, Mexico, has left a devastating impact, with at least 46 people losing their lives, and 58 others reported as missing. This powerful Category 5 hurricane unleashed its fury with sustained winds of 260 km/h and gusts reaching 315 km/h, making it one of the most intense hurricanes ever recorded in the region. Furthermore, the storm caused significant damage to the telecommunications infrastructure, the internet, and left a large portion of the electricity grid inoperable, leaving 504,340 users in Guerrero without power, according to the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE).
In the wake of this tragic event, Save The Children, under the guidance of Ivonne Piedras, Director of Communications, has embarked on a humanitarian mission to alleviate the suffering of those affected. Save The Children has a long history of humanitarian work, as they played a pivotal role in assisting earthquake victims in Mexico in 2017, an effort that earned them the Civil Protection award in 2019, presented by the current President of Mexico.
A Lifeline for the Vulnerable
Despite not having offices in Guerrero, the Save The Children team has been closely monitoring the situation, leveraging their vast experience as an organization to understand the critical needs that arise during emergencies. Their mission involves several aspects, the primary one being addressing the immediate needs of children concerning food and hydration, especially in a region currently facing scarcity, given the scorching climate. The organization will also distribute hygiene kits to the affected populations, with this aid scheduled from Wednesday to Saturday, primarily focusing on the most vulnerable areas within the state.
As part of their protocol, Save The Children will establish “child-friendly spaces,” which are secure areas where children can participate in emotionally supportive activities and psychosocial assistance. These children have been deeply affected by the hurricane’s impact, many of them losing their belongings and even their homes. Ivonne Piedras emphasizes that the most challenging part of this mission is the reconstruction and recovery process.
In the coming weeks, Save The Children will also contribute to educational support since approximately 1,400 schools in the region are currently closed and may take some time to resume normal operations. Their long-term plans encompass livelihood revitalization, economic reactivation in the area, and even home reconstruction. As a result, the organization is committed to staying for at least twelve months to continue providing assistance.
Support Save The Children’s Humanitarian Initiatives in Acapulco
Save The Children, as an organization, has set up an “Emergencia Humanitaria” (Humanitarian Emergency) page where people can make donations ranging from 500 to 1,000 pesos to support their various relief efforts.
With their extensive experience in humanitarian efforts, they are working tirelessly to provide essential aid, child-friendly spaces, and long-term recovery plans for the people of Guerrero. This unwavering commitment reflects their dedication to transforming the future of those affected by this natural disaster.
