Planeloads of Emergency Supplies Sent to Guatemala
ACF's first priority is providing potable water, sanitation to those affected by Hurricane Stan
Madrid, Spain —
In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Stan, humanitarian aid organization Action Against Hunger has sent the first of two plane-loads of emergency supplies from Spain to San Marcos, Guatemala. This shipment, which arrived on Monday, contained 6 tons of water and sanitation equipment including 10 water tanks, 100 kilograms of water-treatment chemicals, four electric generators and four water pumps. ACF's first priority is providing drinking water and sanitation. Victor Arroyo, an Action Against Hunger water and sanitation technician, explained that "people have left their communities to gather in schools and churches. At this time it is crucial not only to provide potable water, but also to cover basic hygiene and sanitation needs to avoid the spread of epidemics, which could make the situation even worse."
Senior External Relations Officer, ACF-USA
Contact James Phelan
Direct: 212-967-7800 x108
Cell: 646-265-7796
October 13, 2005
Madrid, Spain —
In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Stan, humanitarian aid organization Action Against Hunger has sent the first of two plane-loads of emergency supplies from Spain to San Marcos, Guatemala. This shipment, which arrived on Monday, contained 6 tons of water and sanitation equipment including 10 water tanks, 100 kilograms of water-treatment chemicals, four electric generators and four water pumps. ACF's first priority is providing drinking water and sanitation. Victor Arroyo, an Action Against Hunger water and sanitation technician, explained that "people have left their communities to gather in schools and churches. At this time it is crucial not only to provide potable water, but also to cover basic hygiene and sanitation needs to avoid the spread of epidemics, which could make the situation even worse."
Last week, Hurricane Stan rampaged through the Pacific coast of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Mexico, leaving an estimated 4,000 dead and millions more affected. The Director of Action Against Hunger's Spain Headquarters, Olivier Longue warned, that "this natural disaster occurred just before harvest season, which will have serious consequences for the food security of thousands of rural families who practice subsistence agriculture." Initial assessments also discerned that much local infrastructure has been completely devastated and about 40 isolated communities have been left without access to safe water, food, and basic health care services.
About Action Against Hunger
Action Against Hunger / Action Contre la Faim (ACF), an international relief and development organization committed to saving the lives of malnourished children and families, provides sustainable access to safe water and long-term solutions to hunger. For nearly three decades, ACF has pursued its vision of a world without hunger by combating hunger in emergency situations of conflict, natural disaster, and chronic food insecurity.Press Contact
Action Against Hunger - USA
James L. PhelanSenior External Relations Officer, ACF-USA
Contact James Phelan
Direct: 212-967-7800 x108
Cell: 646-265-7796
