Responding to Medical Needs after Volcano Erupts in Guatemala

The Fuego Volcano erupts in Guatemala, spewing smoke and ash. Photo from @RT_Com.

By Gordon Willcock

February 8, 2015

Guatemala’s Fuego Volcano begun erupting on Saturday, spewing ash and rocks into surrounding villages and forcing the closure of the main international airport in Guatemala City, 25 miles to the northeast.

Direct Relief is in close contact with representatives of partner organization God’s Child Project in the eruption zone.

God’s Child Project Staff retrieve supplies from the emergency preparedness modules pre-positioned in-country. Courtesy photo.

Patrick Atkinson, CEO of God’s Child Project, reported that there are large numbers of evacuees, and that they have already opened their pre-positioned Direct Relief Emergency Medical Module in response to the eruption.

Atkinson also reported that, “The ash and poisonous gases are rolling across the valley where our project, programs, and hospital for malnourished infants is located.”

Direct Relief is currently preparing to send an emergency shipment of requested items, including inhalers and face masks.

Direct Relief emergency staff are maintaining close contact with partners in the eruption zone and we will be monitoring the situation as it develops in the next 48 hours.