Log of SV Wendaway

Baja Bush Pilots at work

The Baja Bush Pilots group is now working closely with the Mexican Red Cross and should be in a position to start airlifting supplies in quantity.

The executive director, Jack McCormick reported today that Jimena relief activities are on hold while the enormous logistics are worked out.

“Our office has been totally overwhelmed with response from members and the general public.”

Other groups are also gaining speed.

Continue Reading »

Santa Rosalia - screengrab from YouTube.com

There is no one place on the web to get a comprehensive sense of the damage wrought by Hurricane Jimena,  but below are a few links that tell part of the story.  The image sources mainly come from larger cities, where there is better access to the Internet, where the growing Mexican middle class have digital cameras; and from resort areas where tourists, sportsmen, and yatistas congregate.  Who knows what is going on in the smaller villages?

Strangely, perhaps the best and widest account of this largely-unreported disaster comes from the Baja Bush Pilots Association. Continue Reading »

Santa Rosalia - photo by SV Maitairoa

Santa Rosalia was one of the most interesting places we visited on SV SolMate. The town was punished by Jimena. Just a few weeks ago, a very inspired public project had created a lovely central zocalo (park) and it was clear that with the new mine in operation, things were looking up for this historic community.

The photo to the left is part of an incredibly disheartening portfolio taken by the crew of SV Maitairoa. It shows a scene of unbelievable destruction. Continue Reading »

Sign of the times in Mulege by Carlos Melon

Mulege is in central Baja California – a lush palm oasis in the middle of a harsh desert. It is important historically. Home to almost 4,000 people – all of whom have been deeply impacted by Hurricane Jimena.

Here is a poignant account by Mulege resident Rosalva Cuesta. She wrote this to the Baja Bush Pilots Association:

“My name is Rosalva Rocha Cuesta. I was born and raised in Mulege, Baja Ca. Sur. This morning I had the fortune to speak with my sister in Mulege. She related to me the devastation left behind by Hurricane Jimena.The trail of damage left by H. Jimena is far worse that H. John back in 2006. The water level was much higher(apparently 2meters over the bridge in town), than of H. John´s.

“Without going into further detail, I am sure you get the picture. The only store in town open for business is “´El Pinguino” near the kindergarten area. Most of the supermarkets in town had major flood problem damaging their goods and were left unable to provide for the Muleginos in need. La tienda “El Pinguino”, was running out of everything this morning already.”

Here is an eloquent, heart-breaking slideshow from Carlos Melon. Our thanks to him.