As residents of southeast Mexico had just begun to catch their breath from the torrential rains of Hurricane Delta, they were struck with relentless Hurricane Eta — bringing catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding to the area.  One of the most heavily impacted areas is the state of Tabasco.  Eta’s strength brought significant impact to over 80,000 residents here — compromising 7,000 homes, and resulting in loss of life for 5 people.

Hope Force Mexico's Director, Zalathiel Rodriguez, has begun to mobilize an assessment team to the affected area.  Zalathiel, with significant experience in responding to earthquakes, flooding, and now the Covid pandemic, is already staging equipment and personnel in order to deploy to the area — anticipating a flood event operation.  Hope Force’s efforts will be focused within the municipalities of Macuspana and Centro.  At this moment, though the rains have ceased, the floodwaters continue to rise and it is expected that it will take several days to return to normal levels.

HFI’s first response team, comprised of Reservists and local volunteers, is preparing to help hundreds of families displaced, living in shelters or along roads close to their homes.   Food packages will be provided, cleaning materials and tools will be given to families in areas as flood waters recede and people can come back to their homes to start the cleaning and disinfecting process.   The HFI response team is getting equipment ready to help drain water in small flooded communities and to provide assistance with pressure washing homes as part of the cleanup process.

Even though rain has diminished, water levels in flooded municipalities like Macuspana and Centro are increasing, and will take several days to recede.  HFI relief efforts will focus on the vulnerable communities of these two municipalities.  Volunteers and local contacts are already responding.  The HFI Response Team has made arrangements to be hosted at a local church that will be a key partner in relief efforts.

Please join us in praying for those impacted by this tragedy, and for our HFI Reservists in Mexico who are preparing to make the arduous trip ahead. If you would like to make a donation towards this effort, please click on the link below.