Agatha Update June 12, 2010

First let us share the GOOD News:

Our new hospital, built in a geographical safe zone, and which will be ready for occupancy later this year, survived intact all the devastation caused by tropical storm Agatha. Had it been in its original location (Panabaj) it would have been hit by mudslides again.

The entire community is pleased with the work of Santiago Atitlán’s Company 45's rescue workers including Hospitalito employees and Board members. They performed a remarkably quick, valiant  and life saving evacuation of families in the affected areas during the torrential rains of Agatha.

Now, for the not so good news:

CONRED, the government agency that declared Panabaj uninhabitable, has concluded that a hill to the east town is very likely to produce landslides as the grounds become more saturated. This would be devastating in this heavily populated area that includes a public school. Thousands of people are affected, and many hospital employees are living with this news.

Our hospital staff is totally exhausted!   With the closing of the airport and the inability of medical volunteers to reach us, our staff is spread dangerously thin;

Dra. Kenny and I are taking turns covering the Emergency Room in 24-hour shifts.  The clinics are left for a handful of others to run; 

We are seeing many more patients and the stress of the situation is taking its toll on everyone.

Roads to the national hospital are barely passable, are extremely rough and take much longer than to navigate. Roads to the capital are closed today due to heavy rainfall during the night. This makes decisions regarding transfers by ambulance for the most critical patients much more difficult.

We are faced with having to hire additional Guatemalan physicians immediately.  This will sorely tax our already limited budget. 

Please send whatever support you can! Donations can be made through PayPal and are tax deductible. Please remember that a dollar or Euro goes much further here and every size donation will make a huge difference to the suffering people of Lake Atitlan.  Please help us help them! 

In grateful appreciation for all you do for Hospitalitio Atitlan.

Dr. Juan Manuel Chuc

Last week government geologists were in Santiago Atitlán investigating risk, and their recommendations have left thousands fearing for their lives and their loved ones.

Canton Panúl, has been condemned. CONRED, the government agency that declared Panabaj uninhabitable, made a survey in Santiago Atitlán after the heavy downpour from Agatha. Their experts concluded that a hill to the east town is very likely to produce landslides as the grounds become more saturated. This would be devastating, as the slides would cover a heavily populated area, including a public school, almost in the center of town. Conred’s recommendations to the mayor include the purchase of land in a safe area for the relocation of people in the slide area. Four of HA's employees now live in Panúl.

Unfortunately, we know that this is a lengthy process. Most victims of Stan are safe in their new homes, but after nearly five years, some families in Panabaj, are still awaiting their homes in Chuk Muk. Yesterday afternoon thunderstorms brought torrential rains. Every street became a river and later the clean up began again. Everyone is very worried.

Hospitalito Atitlán is in a state of emergency preparedness and is providing care for the injured. Please support the work with a donation. thank you.