After the Hurricane: Information for students at Spanish schools

Many students who have planned to study Spanish with Hermandad Educativa in Quetzaltenango (Xela) have asked me if it is safe to go to Guatemala after the hurricane Stan. My answer is that if you wish to go, I believe you should. Here I will give you some relevant facts about the situation.

For the past week I have been in daily contact with El Proyecto Lingüístico Quetzateco in Xela to receive updates and to know how we can help from abroad. However, as none of the schools of Hermandad Educativa were hurt by the hurricane, their minds have been less worried about themselves and more preoccupied with how to help the communities in need around them.

Last week the government closed the highway between the capital and Xela (Quezaltenango) because of the damages to the road. Today the road has been reopened and it is once again possible to travel to and from Xela. The road from Xela to the Mountain school in Colomba has suffered damage at two points where cars are currently unable to pass. An interim by-pass is being built, and the road will probably reopen soon.

The lower part of Xela at the foot of el Cerro Baúl was flooded, but the water has withdrawn again. The rainy season is supposed to last almost a month more, but no new heavy rains of a dangerous intensity are foreseen.

There have been fears of epidemics because of the floodings. There is always a higher risk of illnesses spreading when an area is flooded. Fortunately there have been no reports of such epidemics, and I don't think this will be a problem around Xela.

Xela was left without water and electricity for a few days. These services are functioning once again in the city, and both telephone and internet services are running as normal.

Of course everyone in Guatemala has been deeply moved by the destruction left by the hurricane. But I am glad to say that the people of Xela have not gone into despair but are struggling to see the end of this crisis with an admirable bravery.

The teachers at el Proyecto Lingüístico Quetzalteco de Español and at La Escuela de la Montaña hope that students will not stay away but continue to come to study Spanish and learn about the facts of life in Guatemala, thus contributing to the recovery of Xela.

The aftermath of the hurricane also provides plenty of opportunity of making a difference through all sorts of voluntary work that you may wish to sign up for during or after your stay at our schools.

Saludos cordiales from la Hermandad Educativa in Xela, Colomba and our European Office in Denmark.

Update (14.10.): The interamerican highway was blocked once again yesterday because of new rains. Even rains of normal intensity can now cause problems because of the heavy rainfall last week which has left the ground unable to absorb more. Traffic is being directed through alternative routes for parts of the highway between Xela and Guatemala City.

Update (18.10.): There are still several hours of delay to be expected when travelling on the road between Guatemala City and Xela. The condition of the roads is something to watch closely, as we are still in the rainy season, and the main road has suffered further damages because of continued rains. However, students managed to arrive for this week's classes at both Proyecto Lingüístico Quetzalteco de Español and at La Escuela de la Montaña. Both of our schools continue tuition as planned.