The AGENTS OF PEACE express their solidarity to the people of Tabasco in the midst of the flood
November 5, 2007 - Villahermosa - The worst flooding in the history of Tabasco state has left more than one million homeless, according to Governor Andres Granier Melo. “This situation is a disaster," he said.
Villahermosa was partially paralyzed and virtually isolated. The Army evacuated the historic city center in the midst of darkness while dozens of people literally fled from the waters of River Grijalva, which broke the suppression barriers.
80% of the territory of Tabasco remains under water
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Army troops were struggling in vain against water flows to restore the temporary sandbag barriers, which for four days prevented the flow from penetrating the Malecón Carlos A. Madrazo.
The violent flow of waters caused by last week’s heavy rains affected one million people, according to the Governor of Tabasco, Granier Andres Melo.
The President of Mexico, Felipe Calderon, in a message televised nationally defined the situation as "extremely grave" and called on the people of Mexico to participate in what he called a "Crusade of Solidarity" with Tabascans.
The Navy established two maritime bridges between the states of Veracruz and Tabasco in order to provide supplies and assistance to the homeless. The Navy is also striving to locate additional shelters for the population; it transports people to safe places while maintaining the roads clear to permit the entry to Villahermosa, allowing only trucks with supplies to enter the city.
AMISRAEL summoned all its members AGENTS OF PEACE across the Mexican territory to join this crusade in support of the people of Tabasco and is organizing collection centers in cities across the country to collect food and supplies for thousands of people affected.
Water flows dragged everything in its path through downtown Villahermosa
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In the city of Villahermosa, the Delegation of AMISRAEL has enabled a temporary shelter which currently has more than 3,500 people, and it provides hot meals, medical assistance and dry beds.
Dr. Benjamin Cruz Alfaro, AMISRAEL’S Delegate to Mexico, joined by the President of the Congress of Tabasco, Congressman José del Carmen Escayola Camacho and the State Governor, Andres Granier Melo keep a close surveillance in those shelters so that aid continues to reach the families who lost everything.
Dr. Benjamin Cruz Alfaro, AMISRAEL’S Delegate to Mexico, joined by the President of the Congress of Tabasco, Congressman José del Carmen Escayola Camacho and the State Governor, Andres Granier Melo keep a close surveillance in those shelters so that aid continues to reach the families who lost everything.
Hundreds of AGENTS OF PEACE in Villahermosa and the Mexican Army have been sandbagging to create barriers around the banks of the rivers Grijalva and Carrizal to avoid a greater tragedy.
AMISRAEL’S phone numbers and bank accounts are listed below so you can also join this crusade of solidarity in support of our people who are in distress:
Local Calls: 01- (800) 849-1951 / International Calls (52) 55 57 45 51 04
If you wish to contribute monetarily, your donations can be deposited at Banamex Bank, Account # 5204163907726998 - Contact Person: Benjamin Cruz Alfaro
BBVA Bancomer, Account # 4152310584018130 – Contact Person: Gerson E. Rangel Rodríguez
Text: AMISRAEL Mexico
Redactor: Lic. Ulises Arévalo Jiménez
Photos: AMISRAEL Mexico
Other Photos:
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More than 3,500 people accommodated in shelters provided by AMISRAEL |
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| AMISRAEL’s Shelter |
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| Benjamin Cruz Alfaro, AMISRAEL’S Delegate and the President of the Congress of Tabasco, Congressman José del Carmen Camacho Escayola supervising the shelters |
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AGENTS OF PEACE filling sandbags to build barriers to reinforce river banks |
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Troops placing barriers on the banks of River Grijalva |
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Medical assistance has also been a key factor to ease the situation |
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Governor Andres Melo Granier, President Felipe Calderon and the Secretary of National Defense supervise the affected areas |
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Hundreds of mothers with their children make a line to get meals |
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The Governor compares the tragedy with that suffered in New Orleans in 2005 |
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Army troops continue to transport families from affected areas to shelters |
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