Rescue Efforts

Volunteer rescue workers, the Guatemalan government, and relief resources from countries throughout the world responded. There were some joyful, uplifting stories - the emergency team saved a number of fortunate survivors. Unfortunately, though, the power and scope of this tragedy made search and recovery extremely difficult. Thick mud prevented rescue teams from locating hundreds of missing people. After days of frantic effort, an escalating threat of disease, and other challenges, the ground that had been known as the community of Panabaj was declared a massive cemetery.