Children easy targets for traffickers

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Caritas Guatemala is calling on communities to show solidarity with those affected by the country's earthquake by donating goods which are in short supply. Rescuers are looking for survivors after a 7.4-magnitude earthquake hit the Pacific coast region of Guatemala on 7 November. Over 50 people are confirmed dead and up to 17,000 have been affected over all. "We are deeply sorry for the loss of our brothers and sisters in this disaster," says Mario Arévalo, executive secretary from Caritas Guatemala. "We urge people to show solidarity. People need aid. Damage to people's homes means that many families must be given a place to stay." Caritas Guatemala is seeking donations of essential items such as non-perishable food, water, blankets, medicines and nappies for the families who have had to leave their homes. The worst affected areas are the dioceses of San Marcos, Quetzaltenango, Quiché and Huehuetenango. The electricity and water supply in many of the affected areas have been disrupted as well as the communications network. More aftershocks are expected. Contact Michelle Hough, Communications Officer, at +39 334 234 4136 or hough@caritas.va.