On Wednesday 7 November an earthquake measuring 7.2 caused extensive destruction in Guatemala. There are at least 50 people who have lost their lives and thousands of homes have been destroyed or damaged.
The area of San Marcos – the location of both Finca Platanillo and Culpan – was worst affected by the quake. The rescue effort continues, with many thousands of families desperately in need of shelter, clothing and food. The task of rebuilding the damaged infrastructure in affected areas will also be both time consuming and expensive.
Christian Schaps, who manages our Mercanta Central America office, is working with local partners, such as Juan Diego from Finca Culpan, to help those in need in the coffee growing regions and make sure funds arrive where they are needed. Mercanta is pleased to have given US$1000 to this worthy cause – this has been used to purchase 10 ecological wood stoves for ten families living close to Finca Culpan who have been re-housed after the quake destroyed their homes.
The photos below show damage in and around Finca Culpan.
