Family members from Acapulco at the Feast of Tabernacles in Puerto Vallarta with
Here are a few reports about progress in Acapulco after Hurricane Otis and John.
November 14, 2024
Here is a report and photos from the rebuilding project manager Jesse Api, who lives now in Acapulco.
We've started work on the sixth house on the same lot. We're putting in two new roofs and repairing a large one. The brethren are excited to see this happening, as four families will benefit from the project.
One of these families is a young couple who just had a baby about two months ago. They, along with another family, are currently living under a makeshift shelter of blue tarps and sticks. They cook on a makeshift stove and wash everything in what’s essentially a concrete sink. The area around them is littered with flies, bugs, and trash. We’re aiming to clean all of that up as we build.
The other projects are over 90% complete; just a few finishing touches remain. We haven’t yet replaced important belongings like stoves, refrigerators, washing machines, and kitchen essentials that were either destroyed or lost.
Meeting for Sabbath Services at the Api's residence
From Jesse Api rebuilding project manager currently living in Acapulco Mexico
October, 2024
Thank you for all your prayers for the people of Acapulco, who continue to live under difficult circumstances.
In November of last year, Hurricane Otis struck Acapulco suddenly as a Category 5 storm. What began as a tropical storm at sea escalated, bringing winds that reached upwards of 160 miles per hour. In some areas, the winds felt even stronger. Otis caused extensive damage to the city and pushed further inland, where many brethren live. Power lines, metal signs, houses, commercial buildings, and more were damaged or completely destroyed. Vehicles, fishing boats, and yachts were swept up by the wind and destroyed upon impact. The city lost electricity, internet, and phone service. Drinking water and food supplies became scarce, and the airport and roads were closed due to severe flooding and major mudslides. Since then, the city has been in a long process of reconstruction.
Three weeks ago, nearly a year after Hurricane Otis, Hurricane John—a Category 3 storm—hit the same area. With Acapulco still recovering, John’s impact was severe, causing massive mudslides and flooding. Boulders as large as cars and small houses came down from the mountain tops, blocking many roads. Some of these boulders will need to be blasted to clear the way. Many of our brethren, along with others, sought refuge in shelters for a couple of days until their areas could be cleaned up. Thankfully, earlier this year, with support from LifeNets and the Good Works programs, we were able to begin repairing five houses belonging to the brethren. Although not yet fully completed, these homes were able to withstand damage from Hurricane John.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who has donated and volunteered for the Acapulco rebuilding efforts. We are currently accepting additional donations to continue supporting these projects. Thank you for your continued support.
