Flooding Effects from Mexican Hurricanes

We woke up this morning and instantly noticed the unusual rain.  You see, this is the rainy season for Guatemala, but normally we never see rain in the morning hours.  This particular rain started yesterday afternoon and didn't stop until this afternoon.

History tells us there are many devastations to come, as much of the terrain throughout Guatemala is mountainous, and many villages are built into the mountains.  Here a few photos documenting the beginning of this current storm:

 This road is completely blocked by heavy mud (several feet deep) and large stones and trees.

 Family in his home needed help removing things to salvage from home before complete devastation.

 Everything was covered with mud.

 Even inside.  There's no way of keeping out the mud.

 This river runs to the lake, but is usually only a stream.

 A pile of trash gathers at edge of the lake.

This home fell into the river.  We could see the side of the land cave in in big chunks by the power of the water current.

We're safe and stocked up on pure water and gas for our stove, but when electricity goes out then everything is out (except the gas stove)...we'd have no flushing or faucet water.  So far so good, for us.  It's very sad to see the impoverished homes (typically built with sticks, rocks, and mud) completely washed out or flooded.

The town gymnasium is open as a "shelter".  I stopped by the gym this morning, but there were only 2 families...the kids were very happy and excited because they get to live in a gym!  We'll see how long that lasts...and I assume the gym with be full by this evening.