Mexico (MNN) ― Mexico's flood damages are so severe, it could be months before survivors will be able to return home. Media accounts are calling the flooding crisis in Tabasco state the worst in a half century.
World Vision is providing some of the basic necessities to the nearly one million displaced, of which about 25,000 are children.
Nearly 40 metric tons of soap, shampoo, sanitary towels, sanitary paper rolls, powdered detergent, and liquid cleaner have been donated to World Vision and are being shipped to Villahermosa, although flooded and mud-covered roadways may cause delays. Additionally, staff is providing lanterns, batteries, and children's toys.
World Vision's emergency response director in Mexico, Aldo Pontecorvo, says children are trying to manage stress, fear, and loss. "People are still shaken by these floods. Children are especially in need of stability, of safety, a secure place to play. As far as World Vision is concerned, we're trying to provide that through what we have called our 'Child Friendly Spaces.'"
Child Friendly Spaces will allow the kids to participate in structured activities and experience healing from any trauma and loss they've experienced. They also allow children to return to healthy routines and experience a sense of normalcy again. The team will be constructing several in and around Villahermosa, Tabasco's state capital.
A number of schoolteachers also have received basic training in stress management and how to use the developmental educational package World Vision has provided.
In meeting the overwhelming needs, the community responds. The World Vision team is the hands and feet of Christ. Pontecorvo says their faith is woven into all aspects of their response. "We try to address them with the message of Jesus Christ so they can start their day, or we try to start all our meetings with a passage of the Bible, trying to give them some hope in relation to the Word that's been provided."
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