Last week government geologists were in Santiago Atitlán investigating risk, and their recommendations have left thousands fearing for their lives and their loved ones.

Canton Panúl, has been condemned. CONRED, the government agency that declared Panabaj uninhabitable, made a survey in Santiago Atitlán after the heavy downpour from Agatha. Their experts concluded that a hill to the east town is very likely to produce landslides as the grounds become more saturated. This would be devastating, as the slides would cover a heavily populated area, including a public school, almost in the center of town. Conred’s recommendations to the mayor include the purchase of land in a safe area for the relocation of people in the slide area. Four of HA’s employees now live in Panúl.

Unfortunately, we know that this is a lengthy process. Most victims of Stan are safe in their new homes, but after nearly five years, some families in Panabaj, are still awaiting their homes in Chuk Muk.

Yesterday afternoon thunderstorms brought torrential rains. Every street became a river and later the clean up began again. Everyone is very worried.

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