By Richard Shephard
FCF Project Manager in El Salvador — project “Refugio de Paz.”

The 7.6 quake hit at 11:40, the morning of January 18th. Miraculously, neither of our two centers were damaged, but it was an awesome experience to watch the pavement of the streets moving and the buildings ripple with the waves. Once the reality of what was happening struck, people began to run in every direction in confused panic. Then it was over just as fast as it began.

One mile from where we live an avalanche that was set off by the quake completely covered 200 to 300 houses with dirt and debris up to 45 - 60 feet deep.

We spent the next eight hours shoveling dirt, manning the bucket brigade, shoulder to shoulder with people from every walk of life, all trying our best to reach any survivors. We had one team digging while my wife and two teenagers brought water and supplies for those laboring in the hot sun. Mass graves were dug for the 500 dead in that area.

On the second day international aid began arriving from the States, Mexico, and other countries. Many victims were being air lifted from other parts of the country where roads were blocked as a result of landslides caused by the quake. Temporary housing is being provided for the 1.1 million displaced.

Since the Refugio de Paz center is located only 1½ miles from where the landslide occurred January 13th; a tragedy which resulted in 800 deaths, we were among the first to appear on the scene to help dig out possible survivors. Our work was filmed, and we were interviewed by NBC news from the States, which was aired the following week.

Manning the bucket brigade trying to unearth victims buried by a landslide.	Richard and Michael helping to dig in search of survivors.

Cathy and Daisy, Refugio de Paz volunteers, at Las Colinas where over 800 lost their lives.	Teenage volunteers, Martin and Chris, manning the bucket brigade in rescue efforts.