A diverse group of social, civil, religious, university, and collective organizations, previously united under the Guerrero es Primero initiative (created 9 years ago), have formed the Acapulco Coyuca Social Committee for Reconstruction and Peace in the aftermath of the impact of Hurricane Otis that hit the area in late October. As SIGNIS, we stand in solidarity with the people of Acapulco, Coyuca and all of Mexico, during this very difficult moment and use the power of media to spread awareness about the situation by sharing some of the initiatives that are taking place. 

The Acapulco Coyuca Social Committee for Reconstruction and Peace acknowledges the crisis in the country and the world, the emotional crisis due to the severe accumulated deficiencies that have now multiplied, and the humanitarian crisis affecting hundreds of thousands of people due to lack of food, loss of roofs and homes, closure of job sources, accumulation of debris and garbage, lack of security, instability or lack of electricity, limited connectivity for communications and access to information, and the post-traumatic effects on the entire population, especially children.

The organizations report that they are already taking action on various fronts: creating community kitchens, communal pots, shelters, and other forms of immediate emergency response. They are also initiating preparations to strengthen social participation in the reconstruction process. They list actions that are still necessary and have not been included in the actions announced by governments and civil society, such as mental health initiatives and health measures in response to the accumulation of debris and garbage, posing a serious health risk.

The Committee reiterates the call for solidarity from all civil society, without confusion, without restrictions, to support communities facing this serious disaster with multiple impacts, especially to support initiatives from Acapulco and Coyuca for Acapulco and Coyuca. In other words, to encourage, articulate, and strengthen the capacity of the local and social collective response."

 

Some of the priority actions that are taking place are:

1. Humanitarian aid for the affected, prioritizing the most vulnerable and extending support to those less vulnerable.

2. Urgent restoration of basic public services: electricity, clean water, garbage collection, hospitals, clinics, health centers, pharmacies, and schools.

3. Attention to the mental health of the affected population.

4. Alternative social communication in the face of immediate challenges accessing social networks, with attentive listening, appreciation, and gratitude for efforts. Focus on marginalized areas.

5. Emergency program for local economic revitalization.

6. Increase community kitchens in disadvantaged neighborhoods, especially for children and adolescents.

7. Mapping of affected areas with the participation of local stakeholders.

8. Promotion of community organization.

9. Prevention of violence and a culture of peace.

10. Revitalization of agricultural production, supporting farmers and achieving food self-sufficiency.

11. Preference for the reconstruction of affected educational institutions.

12. Work on the image of a supportive, conscious, collaborative, and law-abiding population.

13. Begin building future visions and promote dialogue and collaboration at all levels.

 

For more information about the Acapulco Coyuca Social Committee for Reconstruction and Peace or if you want to support them, you can contact Fernando Terrazas, Coordinator of Operations, at fterrazasba@outook.com