Mexican Army Takes Over Shelters Soldiers Try To Keep Tons Of Food For Storm Victims From Being Stolen

To prevent food and other aid from being hoarded or stolen, the Mexican army took over Monday the emergency shelters for thousands of Acapulco residents displaced by Hurricane Pauline.

Soldiers took charge of tons of donated goods at 67 shelters housing nearly 2,800 people in Acapulco, which was battered by Pauline last Thursday. Troops also erected tents and camp kitchens for the homeless.

Some storm victims complained Monday that supplies have disappeared from relief stations and that some volunteers are hoarding or selling goods, said Felix Gonzalez, a city official.

Dozens of others marched on the mayor’s office to complain that their shelters had no food.

Octavio Garcia, a 38-year-old construction worker, said a neighborhood leader was selling food and clothes put in his care. “The ones who need it haven’t gotten anything. They’re taking advantage of people,” Garcia said.

James Lee Witt, director of the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency, arrived in Mexico City on Monday to discuss hurricane damage with his Mexican counterparts. U.S. officials said they aren’t aware of any request for aid from the Mexican government.

Accompanied by officials of the U.S. Office for Foreign Disaster Assistance and the American Red Cross, Witt headed into meetings with Mexico’s Interior Ministry, which is coordinating disaster relief.

Mexicans have responded overwhelmingly to the tragedy, donating tons of food, clothing and medicine.

At least 214 people, including an estimated 150 in Acapulco, were killed in Guerrero and Oaxaca states as the hurricane swept through.

A Red Cross director, Ricardo Velazquez, said he expects the national death toll to rise above 400 once all deaths are confirmed.