Last weekend, the Pacaya volcano in Guatemala became active. There were small earthquakes; then Tropical Storm Agatha rolled in, generating a dangerous combination of falling water, ashes and stones.
Yani Oprea and Max -- she's smiling, despite standing in one of the only undamaged parts of her home.
Regions of the Central American country are in a “state of calamity,” President Colom said.
No one in Westport knows about the destruction.
Yani Oprea does. The Staples graduate lives there.
Now she and her young son Max have lost their home.
The first Facebook posting — early Sunday morning — was a report from a friend. “She’s fine,” it said. “Though her house may have washed into the river.”
A day and a half later — yesterday, at 5:30 p.m. — Yani checked in. This is her remarkable status update:
Thanks, I appreciate the thoughts! We didn’t make out so well in this storm though. Lost my apartment & all my identification & belongings. But hey, we still have our health!”
Yani did not post today. Her friends — in Westport, on Facebook, and around the world — are worried, and want to help. No one is sure what to do.
“06880” has these suggestions:
- Go on Facebook, and search for Ileana Oprea. Add your thoughts to her wall.
- Click “Comments” at the top or bottom of this post — and offer any suggestions you have.
Yani Oprea, salvaging what she can.
