Mexican Red Cross begins damage assessment following Hurricane Patricia

Hurricane Patricia hit at record strength, but weakened as it made its way on land northeast of Zacatecas, Mexico. The storm brought heavy rains but no serious injuries or damages were reported.

Wind is no longer a threat, but heavy rains, river flooding, flash flooding, and mudslides are still a danger to those in the storm's path.

The National Civil Protection System urged people to stay informed about the weather through different media outlets. Numerous bridges and roads have been washed out, there has been widespread damage to houses along the coast, utilities are down for a large swath of the impacted area, and mudslides continue to push through villages and roads. Government agencies are working in the reestablishment of services and transportation.

Volunteers on the ground

As Mexico braced for the storm, more than 500 Mexican Red Cross volunteers were ready to support with first aid, logistics, relief distributions, shelter support and damage assessments. The Mexican Red Cross pre-positioned 18 emergency response units—including ambulances—around Puerto Vallarta, and positioned thirty tons of relief supplies, and is assisting with community evacuations.

Red Cross volunteers are using mobile data collection technology to gather assessments of damage and needs in the state of Colima including registration of beneficiaries. They are currently supporting families in Colima, Tecoman, Armory and Manzanillo, and areas of Puerto Vallarta, Cihuatlan and Tomatlan, in the state of Jalisco.

The Mexican Red Cross is not actively soliciting donations at this time to help with the storm response.

However, donations for our International Disaster Relief Fund are always accepted. Donations will be used to support the ongoing efforts of the Canadian Red Cross and our ability to respond within hours of a disaster, anywhere in the world.