Flood Recovery in Indigenous Communities in Mexico

To our GlobalGiving supporters and friends,

As you know, the Sierra Otomí-Tepehua-Nahua was devastated by Hurricane Priscilla last October, causing catastrophic flooding and landslides across over 90 communities.

Although PSYDEH is not a dedicated humanitarian response organization, our nearly 20-year presence in the region meant we were uniquely positioned to act quickly. We pivoted our programming immediately to respond to the evolving and urgent needs of the communities affected.

Key disaster response actions included:

Transforming community infrastructure into emergency hubs

We converted our regional office in Tenango de Doria, affectionately known as the Casa Siempre Viva (CSV), into a central hub for communications, internet access, and electricity. Equipped with satellite internet and solar panels, the CSV enabled community members to recharge devices and reconnect with loved ones. We also adapted our network of digital community centers across the most isolated communities to serve as local communication hubs during the emergency.

Conducting rapid needs assessments
Immediately following the hurricane, our team carried out needs assessments to identify the most urgent priorities. Despite significant delays caused by landslides, ongoing heavy rains, and damaged roads, these assessments were critical in understanding the scale of the disaster and in shaping a response plan grounded in community realities.

Mobilizing a dedicated emergency brigade
Immediately following the storms, we formed a specialized brigada (emergency response team) to coordinate relief and early recovery efforts. The team worked closely with community partners to identify affected families, transport and distribute emergency supplies, and begin supporting the rehabilitation of livelihoods.

Strengthening partnerships to deliver essential aid
Through new and longstanding partnerships, PSYDEH and our women partners distributed to affected communities, including:

• 1,300+ food items
• 5,500 liters of milk
• 5,000 cans of tuna
• 1,500 cans of sardines
• Clothing, blankets, medicines, and hygiene products. 

These items were generously donated by our institutional partners, and also collected at dedicated emergency collection sites across the affected region and Mexico City.

• 20 specialized emergency medical backpacks, donated by an institutional partner, to frontline and community workers to attend to community members that were injured or otherwise impacted by the disaster.

As we move into 2026, our focus is now on long-term recovery. We remain committed to walking alongside our women partners and their communities as they rebuild their homes, livelihoods, and collective strength.

Now more than ever, we are deeply grateful for supporters like you. While this year will continue to present challenges, your generosity enables us to center Indigenous leadership and self-determination in recovery efforts by ensuring that rebuilding is sustainable, community-led, and rooted in local priorities. We will continue to focus on addressing infrastructure needs, the continuation of direct aid, and look to fund community-led projects in support of the recovery.

Thank you once again for your continued trust and solidarity. We look forward to keeping you updated on our progress throughout the year.

Un abrazo,
Massimo and the entire PSYDEH team

Links:

• PSYDEH Website
• https://www.instagram.com/psydeh/?hl=en