Distribution of clean water. Photo: Carlos Arias MacGregor

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance has provided an additional $20,000 from funds designated for general relief to the National Presbyterian Church of Mexico (INPM) to assist with the purchase of food and cleaning items for families returning home from INPM-supported shelters for the next thirty days.

INPM is continuing to host families displaced by the severe flooding that affected most of the country and is also helping families as they return to their homes. Of the 24 churches that have been serving as shelters, six are still hosting a large number of families. As families return to their damaged homes, the urgent need for cleaning supplies has increased. Before the disaster, 473,573 homes were registered in the city; 373,300 of these homes have sustained severe damage.

The government is continuing to help about 3,000 to 4,000 people daily with food, but the wait in line to receive the food is six to eight hours. The need for the feeding program continues because of the massive destruction to homes; there are no kitchens so there is no way for families to cook or prepare meals.

Some statistics on the situation are as follows:

13,153 families (about 65,765 people) have been served by the six presbyteries in Tabasco, including 7,000 female head of households.

More than 118,377 tons of food has been received and distributed by the presbyteries in addition to more than 200.5 tons of clean water and 1.25 tons of cleaning material. Clothing, mattresses and blankets have also been distributed.

5,000 boxes of medicine have been provided to more than 2,632 people in various locations.

About 30 young people from various churches that were affected have been daily helping with the distribution and assistance.

The assistance from the General Assembly of the INPM has been especially appreciated. The leadership has been in constant contact with the churches to ensure that the assistance has been timely and appropriate.

Yesterday, the Emergency Operations Committee (COE) INPM presented a report about the situation with an emphasis on the assistance being provided by the six presbyteries in Tabasco.