(First person account by Mark O’Donnell, PCI’s Vice President for Program Operations and Humanitarian Assitance.)I just returned from a trip to Mexico City to meet with PCI’s Emergency Response Team for the flooding in Tabasco and Chiapas and wanted to share a few impressions.
First, I think it is important keep in mind that while the water levels have been reduced in many areas, the rains continue, causing additional damages to homes and creating obstacles to the response. Thousands of people are still in shelters and in need of ongoing assistance, especially outside of Villahermosa and in Chiapas that have not received the same amount of attention.
Second, the Mexican government and its citizens are doing an excellent job of responding to the disaster. They were on the ground very quickly, worked very efficiently, and have provided PCI access to air, water and ground support that has great assisted our efforts.
Third, our team has just been tremendous, dedicating themselves day and night to the response. In addition to some of the initial assistance with water and hygiene kits, PCI will also be providing food.
We will complete a second household survey to identify additional needs that we will be providing with the support of the US government’s Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA/USAID). Longer term, we will be working with individual families to provide livelihood support to help get them back on their feet.
Finally, while challenges still remain and thousands of people continue to need support, I’m proud of PCI’s involvement in this important effort to assist the people of Tabasco and Chiapas, Mexico.
First, I think it is important keep in mind that while the water levels have been reduced in many areas, the rains continue, causing additional damages to homes and creating obstacles to the response. Thousands of people are still in shelters and in need of ongoing assistance, especially outside of Villahermosa and in Chiapas that have not received the same amount of attention.
Second, the Mexican government and its citizens are doing an excellent job of responding to the disaster. They were on the ground very quickly, worked very efficiently, and have provided PCI access to air, water and ground support that has great assisted our efforts.
Third, our team has just been tremendous, dedicating themselves day and night to the response. In addition to some of the initial assistance with water and hygiene kits, PCI will also be providing food.
We will complete a second household survey to identify additional needs that we will be providing with the support of the US government’s Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA/USAID). Longer term, we will be working with individual families to provide livelihood support to help get them back on their feet.
Finally, while challenges still remain and thousands of people continue to need support, I’m proud of PCI’s involvement in this important effort to assist the people of Tabasco and Chiapas, Mexico.
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