Central America
Malteser International and Order of Malta Guatemala Help Iota & Eta Victims
Malteser International and the Order of Malta Guatemalan Association Partner to Help Victims of Hurricanes Eta & Iota
In a span of two weeks, two category 4 hurricanes – Eta and Iota – struck the Caribbean coast of Guatemala. These were the strongest hurricanes to hit Central America since 1998’s infamous Hurricane Mitch, which killed over 10,000 people.
Guatemala’s National Coordination Organization for Disaster Reduction (CONRED) reports 60 fatalities, 100 people missing, and 300,000 Guatemalans have been displaced. The regions most crippled by the hurricanes are also among Guatemala’s poorest: Izabal, Alta Verapaz and Quiche. These departments all register poverty rates over 60 percent.
Essential infrastructure was damaged during the storms including roads and communications networks, leaving affected communities isolated and complicating the delivery of aid. The storms also had a devastating impact on agriculture, therefore jeopardizing livelihoods and the regions food security.
CONRED indicates that the most pressing needs for the affected populations include water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), shelter management, as well as food security and economic recovery.
The Government has partnered with United Nations agencies and NGOs to deliver aid, with a focus on Alta Verapaz and Izabal. However, several rural communities have remained inaccessible due to persistent flooding and road damage.
Malteser International Americas and the Order of Malta Guatemalan Association are partnering to address these gaps in aid and have launched a relief project focused on the Cayuga Village region in Izabal.
With the support of the European Investment Bank, the project aims to rehabilitate houses and replace furniture and livestock for 826 families that suffered tragic losses due to the hurricanes. An estimated 3,755 people will be reached through these efforts.
Malteser International Americas and the Order of Malta Guatemalan Association have an established history of responding to natural disasters.
- 2010: Medical support for communities affected by tropical storm Agatha.
- 2012: Delivery of medical supplies and medication in San Marcos following an earthquake in Guatemwing.
- 2018: Deployment of relief units and a mobile clinic providing medical and psycho-social care following a volcano eruption in the Sacatepequez and Escuintla departments.
