The International Community Foundation is raising funds to support immediate disaster relief and rebuilding efforts in Baja California Sur in response to damage caused by Hurricane Odile.
Odile made landfall near Cabo San Lucas on Sunday night, September 14, 2014, as a powerful Category 3 hurricane, with estimated winds of 127 mph and torrential rainfall; one of the strongest hurricanes to ever make landfall in Baja California Sur. Odile continued to rake the state of Baja California Sur Monday, as it marched northward with strong winds and heavy rains flooding the southern half of the peninsula. It is expected that the heavy rains threaten to trigger mudslides and floods.
The storm has already caused widespread damage across the southern half of Baja California Sur, including homes, hotels, hospitals, and roads. Mexican authorities report that at least 15,000 people in high risk areas suffered damage or total loss of their homes due to heavy winds. Currently all airports and ports are closed to civilian traffic. There remain power outages across the region, a lack of clean running water, and phone service is down. Emergency officials also report that at least 135 people have been treated for varying injuries as a result of the storm, mostly from broken glass and falling objects.
The International Community Foundation (ICF) is actively working to assess needs of local communities in those areas most directly affected by the hurricane, and will concentrate its efforts on immediate disaster relief and rebuilding efforts. ICF will partner with on-the-ground relief organizations, including our long-time partner, the Mexican Red Cross, and our grantees throughout the region.
Today, we are asking our donors and friends to give generously to these efforts and to stay tuned for more news from us. Join us in our relief efforts but also in our hopes that the people of southern Baja California are safe tonight.
Contributions can be made to the Baja California Disaster Relief Fund at the International Community Foundation!
The International Community Foundation is a philanthropic organization located in National City, CA, that seeks to increase health, education and environmental grant making to local organizations in Mexico and Latin America, with the goal of strengthening civil society and promoting sustainable communities. You can find out more about them here: http://www.icfdn.org
