You may recall that we reported in January on a WFP flash appeal for funds to rescue drought-ravaged Guatemala from a deepening food crisis. Unfortunately, the UN announced today that it has received less that 10 percent of its $34 million request.
As a refresher, 680,000 Guatemalans are in need, particularly in the “dry-corridor,” marked on the map to the right. Children, as always, are suffering the worst — 43 percent under the age of 5 are currently malnourished.
Last year, Guatemala suffered one of the driest rainy seasons in 30 years. That coupled with a dramatic drop in remittances due to the financial crisis has deepened Guatemala’s already dire situation.
Come on people! Only $2.9 million has been raised so far. Pathetic.