Relief Effort Underway After Volcanic Eruption in Guatemala

Heifer International has been closely monitoring the eruption of the Volcán de Fuego or the Volcano of Fire in Guatemala, which began Sunday and continues to produce smoke, ash and other volcanic material.

The eruption has killed at least 75 and affected more than 1 million people in the southern region of the Central American country. It is the deadliest eruption of the volcano in more than four decades.

People flee the eruption of the Volcano of Fire in Guatemala.

 While we do not work in the three main areas affected and all Heifer project participants and staff are safe, we do have implementing partners who are participating in emergency relief activities. And those partners have appealed to us for support.

To show alliance with our partners, we are providing humanitarian support to the affected communities and for the thousands in temporary shelters. Heifer Guatemala has provided 100 beds, and we are seeking additional funds for other relief supplies, including more bedding and much-needed safety equipment for the rescue teams who will be working in the disaster zones.

The location of the eruption in Guatemala

Heifer Guatemala and our Americas staff are solely focused on mobilizing aid to these partners for the time being. We anticipate further information from our staff on the ground by end of week.

If you would like to help Heifer provide the emergency relief the people of Guatemala need right now, you can donate to the efforts through our Disaster Rehabilitation Fund.