In the early hours of September 4th, 2024, Hurricane Erick slammed into El Ranchito, Mexico. Fierce winds and torrential rains ripped off roofs and battered walls, leaving families exposed and frightened. “It was a truly violent force that terrified us,” recalled Mariana, a widow raising her 14-year-old daughter. “My daughter was crying, and we were trapped inside the house. A roof sheet fell and cut me, cut me right on my head. We couldn’t get out. We were so frightened,” she added.

The storm finally passed. Mariana and her daughter, Lizeth, found their house was in ruins with no roof and no protection against the elements. “My outdoor kitchen that had wooden walls was gone,” Mariana said with tears in her eyes. “The roof of my house was gone. As a widow, I don’t have anyone to su

See Full Page