Guatemalan Volcano Update: Hope Amidst the Ashes

Our friends at Healing Waters International (HWI) posted an update from their efforts in Guatemala after the devastating Volcano Fuego eruption.

Healing Waters International strives to provide long-term, sustainable water purification systems to help communities in the developing world have water that lasts a lifetime. Since sustainable water systems are our focus, we typically do not function as a disaster relief organization, but we are certainly burdened to come alongside communities who have been affected by natural disasters whenever we have the capacity to do so. Guatemala is an example of our model being a good fit and helping in a dire situation.

On June 3, 2018, Volcán de Fuego, a volcano near Escuintla, Guatemala had a major eruption for the first time in 44 years. This devastating disaster has affected 1.7 million people, and it has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Guatemalans and the displacement of thousands more who are denied basic needs.

Unfortunately, clean water is scarce for many seeking refuge, as water sources have been cut off. However, amidst the ash and destruction, there is hope, and we want you to be a part of that hope! Healing Waters International is partnering with Mercy Corps to help bring clean water to thousands of displaced Guatemalans who are currently living in 16 temporary shelters located in Escuintla.

We are mobilizing one of our water systems and installing it in the bed of cargo van which can hook up to any available water source in Escuintla. Then, the van will transport clean water between the sixteen shelters, helping provide safe drinking water for thousands of people.

Hope does not end there, however. After the mobile water system is no longer needed, Healing Waters will then permanently install the water system in the community of Ceylán, Guatemala, providing safe water to hundreds of people there for years to come!

In addition, Mercy Corps has also helped fund another water project for the community of Canaán, which currently houses the largest temporary shelter. The people of Canaán need a long-term solution for their lack of clean water, and Healing Waters is helping them gain access to clean water through this mission.

Will you partner with us to help the people of Guatemala rebuild their lives? Join us in prayer for the rebuilding communities, and donate to our mission to bring disaster intervention in the form of clean water!