Southern Mexico needs help

Compras de Panico,
originally uploaded by 8zil.

A city in southern Mexico called Villahermosa has suffered flooding that looks possibly worse than that suffered by New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Possibly much, much worse. Tens of thousands of people are stranded on rooftops amid rushing flood waters, and grocery stores are empty. They need help. I don't know what one can do, but I'll update this post as I get more information.


For now, all I can think to do is contact your Senators, Representative, and Governor and ask them to send help to Villahermosa.

Update: According to this article, the Cruz Roja (Red Cross) is providing food aid. It appears that you can donate only through the mail or by wire.

Update: There's no drinking water. People in Mexico City can bring bottled water and other non-perishables to:
Casa de la Cultura del Gobierno de Tabasco
Berlin 33, esquina Marsella
Colonia Juarez, Mexico City

Update: Lady K has information about other donation sites in Mexico City.

Update: This has finally reached the front page of Google News.

Sending donations is a real pain, but for those concerned enough, who have Bank of America accounts, you go to a branch and sign up for "Safe Send." Then you can send money for free to several accounts set up for disaster victims.

Update: A mere four days after the flooding started, the American Red Cross sent some chump change and is "evaluating" sending relief workers. But they'll sure take your money! It's online and convenient!

Whatever. I'm so disappointed in my country. When New Orleans flooded, Mexico sent aid workers, and a lot of water, food, and money, possibly before Bush even stopped clowning around with country music singers. Bush has not said a word about the flooding in Tabasco. Maybe he needs a few more days to veto bills to (drum roll) prevent flooding in the United States.

Update: Ireland has offered a million euros (like a kajillion dollars).

Update: Food and water is running out. Officials estimate 80,000 people are still in the flooded areas.

The U.S. silence is deafening. The best news story, not very good, is an article in the New York Times with some personal stories of the disaster. Where is George W. Bush? Is this how Texans treat their neighbors?

Update: Finally, the Washington Post has captured the utter urgency of the situation.