The Director of the National Institute of Forensic Sciences of Guatemala illustrated the latest death toll: over 200 people missing and almost 3,000 wounded and displaced. After the eruption, the cities were swallowed by a dense and heavy ash.
According to CNN, "hot gases, rocks and ashes have killed dozens of people, erased villages in the hills, blocked roads and deposited toxic substances on the ground".
It is estimated that 1.7 million people have been affected and 3,265 have lost their homes. The shelters host about 1,687 people. In the reception centers the attention is still high and to date there are 17 centers that function as shelters for 3,571 people: 12 in Escuintla (2798 people); four in the Department of Sacatepéquez (754 people) and one in Suchitepéquez (19 people).
Mons. Víctor Hugo Palma, bishop of Escuintla, showed himself willing to provide spiritual support and help, and organized parishes as places for the collection of food and providing aid.
"The Salesians live among the people in communities and villages, so they are always ready to respond in case of emergency or crisis," said Fr Mark Hyde, head of the Salesian Mission Office in New Rochelle, United States. "After a disaster, they will continue to rebuild communities, helping people rebuild their physical structures and their lives through education and training."
The Salesians work in Guatemala with poor youth and their families, street children and those of the indigenous and poor communities, through youth centers, orphanages, parishes and schools, technical institutes and two universities.
