Projects Guatemala Natural Disasters in Guatemala
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Natural Disasters in Guatemala Print E-mail
Saturday, 16 October 2010 13:02
By Ken Herfst
After enjoying a few months on study leave in Canada, I returned to Guatemala at the beginning of June, delayed because of the closure of Guatemala’s only international airport. Volcano Pacaya had erupted, covering much of central Guatemala with ash and fine, black gravel. Molten rock heavily damaged houses in the immediate area. Thankfully, sugar plantations and other private institutions in the area have cooperated with the government to provide roofing for the affected families.
That same weekend, Hurricane Agatha descended on Guatemala from the Pacific Ocean. Coastal towns, like Champerico (where Restoration House project is located), were hit with high winds and flooding. Further up the mountain, houses in Zunil were flipped over by the torrents of water. Once again, Quetzaltenango was flooded in low-lying areas, and numerous families were evacuated. Bethel Presbyterian Church members, and where I am a member, again responded and opened the church building as a shelter. Only a few days later, Hurricane Alex brought intense rain from the Atlantic side. Bridges, roads and homes were affected in a number of areas. In accessible or more populated areas, the government has helped rebuild homes. In more remote areas, poor families continue to be neglected.
As a semi-tropical country, Guatemala is used to rain. In fact, we have only two seasons: the rainy season (May to October), and the dry season (November to April). Heavy rains are part of the cycle and essential for agriculture. After months of dust, the coming of the rains is certainly welcome! However, the amount of rain which usually falls during an entire year in the province of Retalhuleu fell in about three days. Consistent high moisture levels continue to contribute to mudslides in the highlands.
More than a month later, traffic to Guatemala City is still often disrupted by sudden landslides.
These kinds of natural disasters highlight the precariousness of our infrastructure and the vulnerability of the population. The small-scale farmers that make up the largest percentage of Guatemala’s rural population are hard working. Many acquire loans prior to planting season to purchase seed and fertilizers. In some areas, the combination of wind and rain flattened corn crops. No one has crop insurance. At Asociación SAQ B’E (a Word & Deed partner), long-term development with solutions that respond to causes, not just symptoms, is one of our goals. However, recurring natural disasters continue to challenge development programs and repeatedly put us back to square one. Add social tensions and violence, and one can be overwhelmed by the challenges.
Nevertheless, we move forward in dependence upon the LORD. The needs are so big and diverse that we as an association need to limit our area of action. Usually, we listen to cries for help from those who fall between the cracks, from isolated families who don’t make it onto the government’s radar screen. One of our projects focuses on reforestation. We also continue to explore alternative sources of income so that people do not need to rely on agriculture as their only income. More importantly, wherever possible, we work with local churches so that spiritual encouragement is part of the solution.
Volcanoes, hurricanes, and earthquakes remind us of our total dependence upon our Creator. A biblical appreciation for the doctrine of providence encourages us to be thankful in times of blessing and patient in times of adversity. As we walk with those whose lives are affected by such disasters and share their pain and disappointment in a way that reflects the compassion of Christ, we trust that even these clouds have silver linings.
Rev. Ken Herfst teaches at the Seminario Evangélico Presbiteriano of Guatemala. He is also the president of Asociación SAQ B’E. In partnership with Word & Deed, this association seeks to bring about lasting solutions to the problems facing the poor in Western Guatemala.
 
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