Mexico (MNN) — Mexico's Gulf states braced for the strengthening arrival of Hurricane Dean as a Category 2 yesterday. The storm fell to a Category 1 but gained force as it crossed the Gulf of Mexico.
Elsewhere, the Yucatan peninsula is assessing the damage.
World Vision's Emergency Response Director for Mexico, Aldo Pontecorvo, is in eastern Yucatan where Dean struck on Tuesday. At the time of the interview, Pontecorvo reported that the sky was partially cloudy with the sun peaking through. There was no rain or wind.
According to Pontecorvo, they are not currently concerned about winds if Hurricane Dean strikes as a Category 1 or tropical storm. They will be concerned, however, if the storm hits the mountain regions. "That will cause all the clouds to release all the water that they are bringing, and probably we could receive an average of 300 milliliters of water. That type of
rain could cause a lot of floods and a lot of mudslides in that area." Pontecorvo explained.
Their other concern is the high density population of the state of Veracruz where Dean is headed. Nearby Chetumal and Cancun are natural reserves that were not populated.
World Vision has already set up relief operations in case they are needed. As a development organization, they support the Mexican government which usually offers aid such as
blankets, food and shelter.
Pontecorvo says evangelism is always present in their prayers, but outright evangelism is difficult. "To be honest, we don't have enough time to do that. We try to do it just by giving them some words of hope while we are distributing the aid or while we are giving support."
Though the situation can be dangerous for relief workers, World Vision does all they can to keep workers safe. Click here to help!
