Teams from the communications departments of Cruz Roja Guatemalteca and the American Red Cross visited communities in Sacapulas and Santa María Cunén, located in the Quiché department, to document ongoing humanitarian efforts and emergency preparedness initiatives. The aim of these activities is to highlight joint efforts that seek to strengthen community resilience and improve disaster response capacity in vulnerable areas.
During their visits, the teams attended meetings with Local Disaster Reduction Coordinators (COLRED) in the villages of Río Blanco, El Jocote, and San Juan Xeul. At these meetings, local representatives presented their Vulnerability and Capacity Assessments (AVC) and discussed community-led preparedness and response actions for potential emergencies. The information gathered by the communications teams demonstrates the significant role COLRED plays in risk identification and community training.
The teams also documented humanitarian projects in other parts of Santa María Cunén and Sacapulas. These actions, supported by the American Red Cross, are designed to enhance local ability to respond to emergencies and promote safer environments for residents.
In La Barranca village of Santa María Cunén, a simulated evacuation was conducted involving COLRED members, teachers, and students from the local school. The exercise aimed to improve community response skills by reinforcing knowledge about evacuation protocols and teamwork during emergencies.
“These visits reflect the commitment of Cruz Roja Guatemalteca and Cruz Roja Americana to accompany and support Quiché communities, driving initiatives that build local capacities and strengthen disaster response in the country’s most vulnerable areas,” stated both organizations.
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