Mexico Hurricane Relief
March 2024 – September 2024
Last updated: September 2024
All Hands and Hearts (AHAH) stands committed to supporting communities impacted by the devastating Hurricane Otis, a Category 5 storm that struck in October 2023. Our Program Development Team (PDT) conducted on-site assessments at ten impacted schools in Guerrero, where we mobilized our staff and local contractors to restore access to education at six schools in Coyuca de Benitez.
Our Work
We are committed to supporting those impacted by Hurricane Otis and addressing the ongoing necessity of restoring access to education in the state of Guerrero.
Following remote assessments of the situation, our Program Development Team (PDT) conducted on-site assessments at ten schools in Guerrero, to identify and support those whose operations were halted by the hurricane.
In order to ensure students’ and teachers’ return to the classroom, AHAH is leveraging our sustained presence in Mexico and engaging contractors and local workers to recover six school environments in Coyuca de Benitez. As of August 2024, we have nearly completed our work and will soon be handing over new, safe and updated school facilities to the community.
Current Activities
Local workers and AHAH contractors recently worked on four schools in Coyuca de Benitez, Telesecondary Leyes de Reforma, Tecnica #179 Manuel Radilla Levya Secondary School, Guadalupe Victoria Primary School and Margarita Maza de Juarez Primary School, ensuring students and teachers can return to safe classrooms.
At Telesecondary Leyes de Reforma, we completed several projects, including installing a new roof, replacing the perimeter fence, waterproofing, new fan and light installation and water tank replacement. At Tecnica #179 Manuel Radilla Levya Secondary School, we enhanced waterproofing in two classrooms, repaired windows and the electrical system and removed hazardous sheets by installing new metal structures in the classroom.
We additionally worked at Guadalupe Victoria Primary School to repair and install new windows and doors, waterproof infrastructure, install new electrical infrastructure, repair the roof, and install a new water tank. We are finalizing work at Margarita Maza de Juarez Primary School by installing new doors and providing critical furniture donations.
Disaster Profile
Striking in the early hours of October 25, 2023, Hurricane Otis was the first Category 5 hurricane to make landfall along Mexico’s Pacific Coast. Winds up to 165 mph, combined with major flooding, inflicted severe damage to buildings and infrastructure in the state of Guerrero, disrupting communication systems and cutting off electricity to 300,000 households.
The Secretary of Education reports that to this day, 369 schools remain damaged by Hurricane Otis in the state’s major city of Acapulco. 158 schools need priority assistance in cleaning and services, with the majority of students still unable to return to classes due to the damages.
All Hands and Hearts ©2024
