Convoy of Hope Responds to Volcano in Guatemala

June 29, 2018 | 10:20 a.m.

Working with local partners, Convoy of Hope continues to serve several affected communities with meals and relief supplies. Family food packs have been delivered to every member of the Lucernas community. To date, Convoy has served 52,500 meals to Guatemalans.

June 22, 2018 | 11:30 a.m.

• 38,500 meals served
• 700 masks distributed
• 100 solar lanterns distributed
• 60 water filters distributed

June 12, 2018 | 11 a.m.

VOLCÁN DE FUEGO, GUATEMALA — Our team on the ground in Guatemala is reporting another eruption of the Fuego Volcano, happening now.

June 11, 2018 | 5 p.m.

VOLCÁN DE FUEGO, GUATEMALA — As survivors work to recover from the Fuego Volcano eruption in Guatemala, our team is assessing the situation with local partners to identify the greatest needs. Convoy of Hope Disaster Services team member, Ryan Grabill, answers a few questions about the situation in Guatemala and how Convoy is responding.

What’s it like on the ground? Are people okay?

More than anything, people’s hearts are broken. The stories of loss, of children trying to outrun the pyroclastic flow, and of losing homes are all gut wrenching. There is a sense of mourning and a sense of patriotism and desire to help. How many people have died? Nearly 100 people are confirmed dead and hundreds more are reported injured or missing.

What was it like to live through the eruption and what is the damage like?

In the affected areas, people are scared of re-eruption, but most people had to run for their lives with the clothes on their backs — with zero warning. We have heard of multiple families where one person lived, but they lost 10, 12, or 15 family members.

How long will it take to recover?

It will take a very long time. The communities directly impacted by the volcano (with ash and pyroclastic matter), will never recover. For the time being, they are being condemned, essentially — with the government not planning on letting anyone move back. People lost their homes, lands, farms, and families all in a matter of minutes.

What is Convoy doing to help?

So far, we distributed water filters and solar lanterns, and have procured 500 family food packs. We will begin distributing those today and will purchase another 500.

Where in Guatemala is Convoy working?

It will build over time as roads to more isolated communities are opening. We have distributed water filters and solar lamps in San Andres Osuna, but should be adding a number of names in the coming days.

June 11, 2018 | 10:30 a.m.

Our team arrived in Guatemala late Wednesday night and has been working with local partners to identify areas of greatest need. They have procured and begun distributing water filters, solar lanterns, and more than 500 family food packs to those affected by the volcanic eruption. Each pack includes beans, rice, sugar, oil, coffee, and more. The team plans to procure 500 more packs today.

June 5, 2018 | 4 p.m.

VOLCÁN DE FUEGO, GUATEMALA — Convoy of Hope has dispatched a team in response to the recent Fuego Volcano eruption in Guatemala. On June 3, 2018, the unexpected eruption sent lava and destructive mud flows down its steep banks, destroying everything in its path.

Early reports state that several villages have been destroyed and 70 people are reported dead following the eruption. These numbers are expected to rise as search teams gain access to the affected areas. According to Convoy’s partners on the ground, neighboring communities have been helping survivors, but their ability to do so will decrease in the coming days.

Convoy of Hope has made contact with partners on the ground and is deploying a team that is expected to arrive Wednesday, June 6. The team will focus on the distribution of food, water filtration systems, solar lights, and dust masks to aid survivors.

Right now, thousands of Guatemalans have been displaced from their homes and are desperately searching for shelter and resources. In the coming days, Convoy of Hope will distribute life-saving aid to those affected by the Fuego Volcano eruption. You can follow and donate to this response at convoy.org/respond.