Hurricane Eta, one of the most powerful storms of the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season, brought devastating rainfall, flooding, and landslides to Oaxaca, severely impacting rural and Indigenous communities. Families faced the loss of homes, crops, infrastructure, and access to essential resources.
The disaster occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, intensifying existing inequalities and creating additional barriers to recovery. For many Indigenous communities, damaged harvests threatened both food security and cultural practices connected to the land.
Earth Daughters partnered with local leaders to support recovery efforts across eight rural Indigenous pueblos in Oaxaca, providing essential supplies to address urgent needs including food, water, and basic necessities.
By directing resources to communities most impacted, the initiative supported locally led recovery efforts while recognizing the knowledge, leadership, and resilience of Indigenous communities.
The project highlights the importance of culturally grounded disaster responses that center solidarity, mutual aid, and the leadership of those most affected by climate-related disasters.
Beyond immediate relief, this work demonstrates how Indigenous communities continue to lead adaptation and recovery efforts through collective action, community care, and deep relationships with land and place.
