MUDSLIDE UPDATE
From Lyn Dickey
Atitlán, September 14, 2006--Mud continues to come down the volcano. The paved road to Panabaj is covered and each rain brings more. In June, rains and mud completely closed the road to Panabaj and rescue workers were unable move people to safety. A boat dock has been built in Tzanchaj at the back of the bay so that people may be evacuated by water and brought to centers in town.
On September 13th, CONRED (the Guatemalan equivalent of FEMA) issued a new statement enlarging the area determined high risk and uninhabitable to be from south of town to the back of the bay.
Juan Tz’ina, Asociación K’aslimaal member and health commissioner for the municipality reported the purchase of ten acres in Chukumuk, a few miles out of town for the 54 homeless families from the neighborhoods of Pachichaj, Panul and Chanul. Construction on the homes for the 5,000 people of Panabaj is awaiting purchase of additional land by the government in Chukamuk. After the unfortunate half start on homes in the mudslide area, work came to a halt in June of this year when the government declared the area uninhabitable and the partially constructed homes were abandoned.
Land Purchase
In mid-July land was purchased in a safe location for the new Hospitalito Atitlán. The construction area measures 65 meters by 65 meters, with an additional rocky hill “garden” area at the rear of the property. Volunteer architect David Schele, and his Austin Texas based firm Felder Group are working with K’aslimaal and Hospitalito Atitlán’s Construction Commission on plans for the new facility.
Xet Chaaj (meaning "below the ashes" in the local language) is the name of the area that is located on the entrance to Santiago Atitlán. The property has city water and will soon have electrical connections. On September 30th Asociación K'aslimaal, the board of directors of Hospitalito Atitlán will hold a groundbreaking ceremony at Xet Chaaj(Photo coming soon).
Volunteers Wanted
Long and short term Spanish speaking physicians, nurses and hospital support personnel are greatly needed. Construction will soon begin on the new Hospitalito Atitlán, and volunteer groups will be welcome to lend a hand. Please visit puebloapueblo.org for more information.
