Update: Hurricane Franklin hits Mexico

11 september 2017

All of the 81 Compassion-supported children affected by Hurricane Franklin in August have returned home.

Our Church partners leadership team is seeking government grants to help families repair the damage. The field office also plans to request support through the RESPOND program to rebuild homes in the most devastated areas.

Thank you for your prayers over this situation.

17 August 2017

After making landfall, Hurricane Franklin was downgraded to a tropical storm, and minimal damage occurred as it moved further inland. Three communities were without power for a few days. Metal roofs were damaged and in some cases destroyed by wind. Most families have returned home, but a few are staying with relatives because of damage to their homes. In some cases, families are staying in one room of their homes while repairs are made on other rooms.

81 Compassion-supported children are affected.

Church partners and neighbours have supported these children and their families with roof repairs and clearing branches from their patios. Compassion provided immediate support with clean water, groceries and cleaning supplies for all affected beneficiaries, as well as clothes and shoes for those who urgently needed them. Our church partners are now assessing the extent of the damage to beneficiary homes and estimating the cost of repairs and reconstruction.

Let us pray for the resources needed to restore homes that were damaged or destroyed.

14 August 2017

Hurricane Franklin made landfall in Veracruz, Mexico around midnight on August 10th. It is the first hurricane to make landfall in the Mexican state of Veracruz since Hurricane Karl in 2010. Classified as a Category 1 hurricane with maximum estimated winds of 85 mph.

Over 1,000 people were staying in shelters in Puebla and Veracruz. Heavy rains and strong winds have damaged homes, and some roads are blocked due to mudslides, fallen trees and a broken bridge. Several communities are without electricity, telephone lines and water in the wake of the storm.

25 Compassion-supported children are affected. There are believed to be more children from the other 2 Church partners affected, but no details are available yet due to the power outages they are experiencing.

Church partner staff are visiting all the Compassion-supported children and their families to assess their needs and provide relief. The field office has already sent RESPOND disaster funds to the children in a bid to provide immediate assistance to affected families. Our Field staff are also coordinating efforts to provide water, groceries and hygiene items to these families in the next few days.

Please pray for provision, as well as continued health and safety among our children in Mexico. We will contact you directly if your sponsored child has been impacted.