Tropical Storm Lidia Response Initiative

On the evening of September 1, 2017 Tropical Storm Lidia swept over Mexico’s Lower Baja Peninsula, causing devastating destruction to the region. The storm brought over a year’s worth of rain to the region in under a 24 hour period, which is half the amount of rain caused by Hurricane Harvey. The Los Cabos corridor and surrounding areas have suffered devastating flooding. After much work in Baja California, our hearts go out to those living and working in the area. Having already endured the effects of a Hurricane Odile in 2014, the inhabitants of this region had barely recovered from previous hardship before the onset of Tropical Storm Lidia.

Clean drinking water is an enduring issue in Baja California Sur, beginning long before Tropical Storm Lidia. This storm exacerbated an already-existing water issue. The most at-risk populations are those living within a housing community known locally as the Colonias. The Colonias suffered the greatest devastation from Tropical Storm Lidia, with residents already living under conditions of poverty and not being able to afford clean drinking water.

The Clean Water Corps launched a clean water initiative in 26 Colonias for the distribution of water filtration systems with the intent to bring some relief to families as they recovered from their losses. With the success of this program and the continued need in the region, we are committed to continued support in this still devastated region and welcome yours.