Direct Relief today sent an air shipment, carried by partner group Aeromedicos, containing more than $11,000 (wholesale) worth of medical supplies and pharmaceuticals to the town of Mulege in Baja California Sur, Mexico, which was badly affected by Hurricane Jimena earlier this month.

Direct Relief’s donation included antibiotics, primary care supplies, and nutritional products for adults and children. Aeromedicos volunteer pilots flew the consignment by private planes to Mulege. The materials will be used by volunteer U.S. doctors and health professionals with Aeromedicos to provide needed medical assistance and nutritional support to patients at the Mulege Clinic and to displaced families living in temporary shelters.

The category-4 hurricane, with peak winds of 150 mph, dropped to category 1 when it reached land, but dumped torrential rains on the region, causing the widespread flooding that drove people to evacuate or remain trapped inside their homes. Village residents reported that floodwaters crested over the roofs of many houses and swept other homes away completely. One resident drowned when his house flooded during the storm.

Direct Relief has supported Aeromedicos’ work in Mexico for several years, including its emergency response to Hurricane John in 2006. Aeromedicos serves vulnerable populations in Mexico who receive little in healthcare services from local or national government systems.