Hurricane Stan Affects Many A Category 1 hurricane made landfall on the southeast coast of Mexico, near Veracruz, on Thursday, October 6. It crossed the Central American peninsula causing torrential rain and flooding, threatening further destruction. The Church is taking account of members, assessing member needs, and trying to offer food and shelter to members and others at meetinghouses across the region. One member died in Tapachula, Mexico, and one woman and her two children remain missing. Missionaries in Mexico are reported safe, although one companionship was isolated because of flooding. In El Salvador, Church leaders have not yet been able to contact one missionary companionship. In Guatemala, one member is dead as a result of Hurricane Stan; a complete report on the status of members in Guatemala is still pending. Seventy-six Guatemalan member families have been evacuated from their homes. An estimated 1,000 members and others are finding shelter in 12 meetinghouses throughout the country. A truck will depart tomorrow to bring supplies to a meetinghouse in a central location in Guatemala. According to local reports, 11 meetinghouses are inaccessible because of flooding, but attempts will be made to transport food to individuals seeking shelter in those buildings. In El Salvador, eight meetinghouses are serving as shelter for 500 members and other evacuees. Some Church buildings sustained damage from the storm. Four meetinghouses in Tapachula, Mexico, were flooded. Meetinghouses in Guatemala and El Salvador were mildly damaged. Throughout the region flooding abounds. Bridges have been washed out and homes have been damaged significantly. According to a report, a bridge near Tapachula has been washed out and has left the city isolated. The Church has provided $25,000 to area leaders in Guatemala and El Salvador to address initial emergency needs. In addition, $100,000 has been authorized for Church leaders in Mexico to purchase 6,000 boxes of food, water, and clothing for those affected by the storm. The Church will continue to assess and address member needs throughout the region.