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Palenque
by Rafael González
Day One, July 14
The rumors began: a hurricane was forming and the path was projected to make landfall on the Mexican Caribbean, below Cozumel, making it likely that it would pass near Playa del Carmen and adjacent areas, such as Akumal.
Day Two, July 15
In the evening, CEA staff and volunteers gathered to make the necessary plans in preparation for the possible arrival of the hurricane. Teams were formed to carry out various activities: purchasing, buoy removal, boarding-up of offices, and storage of equipment and important documents. While we were hoping for a change of course that would bring better news the following day, there were widespread doubts about the reliability of CEA vehicles to evacuate personnel.
Day Three, July 16
An early morning meeting was held after the news services confirmed that Emily, a category 4 hurricane, would most likely indeed make landfall between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, meaning Akumal and surrounding towns would take a direct hit. CEA staff immediately implemented the plan decided upon the day before, adding one important detail: our highest priority being the safety of staff and volunteers, a decision was made to evacuate. We would be taking only essential documents and a few changes of clothes. Everything else was to be stored as safely as possible.
All staff and volunteers instantly began to follow the contingency plan, protecting offices and dormitories, removing buoys from the bay, and protecting important documents and equipment.
Seeking a destination far from the hurricane, 12 CEA staff members and volunteers, along with three pets—dogs Dzeban and Bella, and cat Ven Aca (Come Here)—climbed into rented and borrowed vehicles and headed for Palenque, Chiapas. Two staff members decided to stay behind.
Day Four, July 17
After a brief stop in Chetumal the night before, the journey to Palenque continued, with tense silence occasionally broken by nervous laughter. The morning news was not good; predictions were still for a direct hit in Akumal.
Day Five, July 18
Emily slammed into the Peninsula, and the news from Akumal was scarce, but alarming. Damage to buildings was expected, as was the loss of turtle nests, and damage to reefs and the creatures that inhabit them. It was also rumored that CEA facilities, in particular, had been heavily damaged. Rumors claimed that CEA offices and dormitories had been partially destroyed. Along with our fears and uncertainty, we took comfort in having accomplished our most important goal: that of safeguarding CEA staff and volunteers. Now it was time to return and rebuild.
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