Diana Partida,
Heifer Internationals Mexico country administrator, has reported to headquarters that all organizational staff as well as Heifer partner staff is safe following devastating landslides early Tuesday in the Mexican state of Oaxaca.
According to
news reports, hundreds of people were buried in their homes after a rain-soaked mountainside gave way in southwestern Mexico. The slide was prompted by heavy rains that have fallen on Central America and parts of Mexico for days as two storm systemsHurricane Karl and Tropical Storm Matthewmoved across the western Caribbean.
Heifer staff has been in constant communication with partner groups, but has been unable to fully assess the situation due to the ongoing weather and roads closed by flooding and the storms.
Today, Alejandro López Musalem, Heifers Mexico country director, will meet with project staff and promoters to begin to assess damages and to coordinate an appropriate response according to Heifers sustainable model of development. Partida is traveling to Oaxaca to provide support and help mobilize resources, including food.
Once an initial assessment has been completed, efforts will turn to develop a response plan to restore animal and plants to project participants and community members.