CECI - Centre for International Studies and Cooperation

Published purpose

November 3, 2011 - Since the first week of October, large parts of Central America have experienced torrential rains, leading to severe flooding and landslides in several countries. In Guatemala, an estimated 550,000 people have been affected by the flooding with almost 8,000 homes destroyed and 38 deaths. Access to safe water in rural areas has been interrupted in many areas. Many rural communities with local aqueduct systems do not have the equipment required for proper treatment purposes. In terms of health, the consequences of the rainfall and flooding are resulting in increased cases of respiratory problems, especially among children and elderly people, as well as diarrhoea and skin fungus in affected areas. In addition, damage to bridges and roads have hindered the supply of emergency aid to more remote communities. With CIDA support, the Centre for International Studies and Cooperation (CECI) works to improve the health, hygiene and physical safety of flood-affected households, and ensure clean drinking water for affected families, in three municipalities in Chiquimula, one of the most heavily affected departments in Guatemala. Specific activities include: the distribution of personal hygiene and household items to families whose homes and personal belongings have been destroyed or damaged by the flooding; the delivery of water filtration supplies to flood-affected families to ensure access to clean water and the prevention of waterborne diseases; and the provision of shelter materials to affected households to assist with the repair of damaged homes.