Hurricane Jimena Hits Mexico - Our Response

Hurricane Jimena made landfall on 3rd September 2009 on the coast of Baja California in Mexico as a category two hurricane. The storm lasted for 80 hours over the area, causing major damages to homes and businesses located in the small cities along the coastline. The rain and heavy winds damaged rooftops while water levels of the Mulege River rose by 10 meters sweeping up everything in its way. Forty five per cent of the homes in Cuidad Constitucion, Puerto Lopez Mateos, Magadalena and Puerto Alcatraz, amongst other cities sustained roof top damages.

Hurricane Jimena generated 711 ml of rain in Guaymas and 360 ml in Empalme, both cities in the state of Sonora. The main road located between San Jose del Cabo and Tijuana is affected due to several creeks that overflowed. The airports in los Cabos, La Paz and Loreto which were temporarily closed are now functioning normally and did not sustain damages. Several ports were also temporarily closed and are currently operating.

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The major sectors affected by Jimena were the electric and water systems, especially in Santa Rosalia, which remains without safe drinking water. The municipal government has supplied portable water units, but these are insufficient for the entire population. 70 per cent of the electricity network between the cities of Constitución and Santa Rosalia was affected due to damaged power lines and conduction towers. There are still electricity shortages at night. Preliminary reports indicate that Jimena caused over USD 37,544,866 in damages.

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YWAM San Diego/Baja has a long history of providing shelter for needy families in the northern Baja region. Our passion is to help families that would not normally be able to help themselves, but also to partner with the local Church to help make a lasting difference.

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Our Response

Our recent scouting trip to the devastated areas has identified two projects that we are seeking support:

Project Mulege:
The town of Mulege, was by far the most devastated by the hurricane. A large portion of the town was devastated by the flood waters. Rain from the hurricane was channeled through the normally gentle river and dry creek beds, surged through the town carrying with it anything in its path. The clear need we heard from families and from a local pastor were for mattresses and bedding to replace those ruined by the flood waters.
For $5,250 we can purchase and deliver mattresses, pillows, sheets and blankets to 30 families ($175 per family).

Project Cuidad Constitution:
This town was hit hardest by the hurricane force winds with power lines down everywhere and bits of tin roof blown off many of the commercial buildings and factories. A large number of old wood and cardboard shacks were blown away. Working with Pastor Jesus Salinas Barraza we wish to send a team of staff builders to one of the poorer neighborhoods and help rebuild as many homes as we can, but also to rebuild the Church that was also destroyed.
For $6,000 we can rebuild a home.
For $10,000 we can rebuild the Church

To make a donation to our Hurricane Jimena Relief Project please click here and in the description write:
Hurricane – Bedding
Hurricane – House
Hurricane – Church

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For more information please contact:
Malcolm Taylor     – malcolm.taylor@ywamsdb.org – (619) 495-8600
Jim Walker – jim.walker@ywamsdb.org – (619) 213-8451