Among the worst hit areas were several communities located near Lake Atitlan. The village of Panabaj was almost completely destroyed as heavy rain brought mud, rock and debris onto houses from nearby volcanic slopes. Already the death toll stands at almost 500 and there is little hope of finding many of the remaining inhabitants of the 1400 strong community.

The torrential rains from Hurricane Stan have brought misery to many hundreds of people. A large number have lost their homes and belongings. They now face an uncertain future as support workers struggle to cope with the aftermath of the storm. Mudslides have severed communications to much of the region and the full extent of the tragedy remains unclear as many communities are completely cut off. Access to electricity and fresh drinking water is limited.

One of the largest population centres in the region, Quetzaltenango, has been badly affected. The electricity supply is intermittent and the city's water supply seems to have been contaminated by floodwater. Parts of the city have been flooded and people are being evacuated from their homes.

Damage to roads in the area has severely affected transport links and the city is almost cut off. Many people are having to find temporary accommodation which is placing a great burden on limited local resources. Very few families have insurance or means to support themselves, many have lost almost all of their possessions.