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The storm, which was a Category 5 hurricane and the strongest ever recorded in the Western Hemisphere as it approached the west coast of Mexico, made landfall Friday evening with 165 mph winds and torrential rains.
But Patricia quickly dissipated and was downgraded to a tropical storm, but severe flooding and landslides remain a concern.
“Initial reports indicate the storm’s impact was not as catastrophic as feared, but we still don’t know the full extent of the damage,” said AmeriCares Vice President of Emergency Response Garrett Ingoglia. “Our relief workers will be assessing needs and are ready to help families affected by this powerful storm.”
AmeriCares dispatched a response team from its Connecticut headquarters on Saturday. The emergency response and global health organization is also working with a local organization to distribute pre-positioned hygiene products such as soap, toothpaste and diapers to displaced families.
In Mexico, AmeriCares has responded to natural disasters, such as Hurricane Ida and the 2007 extreme flooding of the Tabasco region, as well as disease epidemics.
AmeriCares has professional relief workers ready to respond to disasters at a moment’s notice and stocks emergency medicines and supplies in its warehouses in the U.S., Europe and India that can be delivered quickly in times of crisis. It has been aiding survivors of natural disasters, political conflict and extreme poverty around the world for more than 30 years, saving lives and restoring health and hope.
To make a donation to AmeriCares Worldwide Disaster Relief Fund, go to www.americares.org/worldwide.
Photo caption: In November 2007, Mexico experienced one of the worst natural disasters in its history as heavy rains flooded three rivers surrounding the town of Villahermosa in the southern state of Tabasco forcing hundreds of thousands of people from their homes.
AmeriCares sent an emergency shipment of essential aid to Mexico City, including: antibiotics, anti-fungals, basic medicines, supplies and blankets. With the risk to skin and water-borne diseases high during a flooding disaster, the AmeriCares response helped meet the most pressing health care needs of those affected in the devastated communities.
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