Jonnie Welford, our International Director’s attention was suddenly raised during lunch with his wife when they noticed all the vehicles where his car was parked were covered in ash. It was at this moment they realised one of the 37 volcano’s in Guatemala had erupted without warning. Sadly it was an eruption on a catastrophic level.
Volcano Fuego erupted on Sunday 3rd June at midday. Locals were taken by surprise, as a river of lava rapidly poured through their villages without warning. 1.7million people in 3 central areas have been affected. 109 are known to have been killed with at least 200 missing persons. These numbers are raising daily as a result of the country’s most severe volcanic eruption in 45 years and people near and far are in shock ,fearing for family and friends living in the affected areas. Rescue efforts have been suspended due to inclement weather, with officials still warning of falling ash.
Nicodemus does not directly work in the areas first affected but our staff are working with local authorities to do what we can where needed.
Nicodemus initial response includes:
400 bottles of drinking water donated locally.
Supporting fire fighters and helping where they can.
Nicodemus Response to Volcano Eruption
Supplies taken as they become available as a result of donations to provide provision for displaced families staying in temporary shelters.
Collection points at our partner churches in Guatemala.
Firefighters and paramedics need drinking water and meals throughout the day as they carry out their work.
When appropriate and under guidance from local authorities we will support Young People in our Youth Mentoring Programme and projects to go to the affected area and deliver activities for children and to take donated supplies.
Present situation as it affects our work
A lot of ash fell on the My Special Treasure Protection Home and School resulting in extensive clean-ups following the eruption.
The School closed down for a day. Many of the children have been emotionally affected by the shock and disruption of the eruption.
Young people from our Youth Mentoring Programme are all ok, although some have been unable to contact family in the affected areas.
The Street rescue crisis support team has taken water to rescuers working in the area affected.
How can I help children and families in Guatemala?
Pray for children and families affected by the Guatemala volcano eruption. This is a completely unexpected disaster that has caused trauma in so many families’ lives.
Support Nicodemus in Guatemala. When you support Nicodemus, you will help change a life story and the life of their family and community.
Give to Nicodemus relief fund. Your donation will help us continue providing food, water, and other supplies including bedding, torches and personal hygiene products to people in temporary shelters who have been displaced as a result of the volcano eruption. In the next few weeks, when appropriate, the Young People are looking to see how they can help rebuild the affected communities and the Nicodemus street rescue team remains to be on call to help recover and help where needed.
Is there still danger from the Fuego Volcano?
Yes, the Fuego volcano is still active and unpredictable. Officials warn that eruptions could continue to spew more rocks, lava, ash, and toxic fumes. Landslides are also a hazard, as huge amounts of ash and debris have been deposited over a wide area.
Facts about Volcano Fuego Eruption
Fuego’s eruption on 3rd June has affected 1.7 million people so far in central Guatemala.
Fuego is highly active; it had already erupted once before in 2018.
Flows of mud and ash have covered roads and crops and destroyed bridges.
Volcanic ash has spread over a 12-mile radius
About 3,100 people were evacuated.
Number of Volcanos in Guatemala
Guatemala has at least 37 volcanoes, the most in the Central American region. Fuego, Pacaya, and Santiaguito are active volcanos. Not all of the others are extinct, some are merely dormant.