(PORTLAND, ORE. - Nov. 2, 2007) With nearly 1 million people affected by flooding in the Mexico Gulf state of Tabasco, Medical Teams International is sending two relief workers to the water-logged region this Sunday.

Senior staff members Buck Deines and Karen Smith Geon are headed to Medical Teams International's Mexico office in Oaxaca, about 250 miles from the flood's epicenter. The two will join in-country staff to work with Mexico's military and health care officials in the disaster area.

A week of torrential rains has brought the worst flooding in 50 years to the area, causing Mexico's president to call it one of the worst natural disasters in the country's history. With more rain predicted this weekend, rivers are expected to rise and along with them, the number of communities needing assistance.

"Reaching people quickly is the biggest challenge in flooding," says Bill Essig, vice president for international programs at Medical Teams International. "With limited access to food, clean water and adequate sanitation, outbreaks of cholera and other waterborne illnesses are a real concern in this type of disaster."

Along with the initial disaster response, Medical Teams International will assess where volunteers and supplies are needed. Hundreds of thousands of rescued families are scrambling to find temporary housing in makeshift shelters, including parking garages and abandoned buildings. Although Tabasco experiences annual flooding, the severity of this year's torrential rains have soaked more than 70 percent of the Mexican state and destroyed all of its banana and other crops.

Medical Teams International has been working in Mexico since 1985 when it first sent volunteer teams and medical supplies in response to the Mexico City earthquake. Since then, nearly 1,000 volunteers have partnered with local Mexican communities to provide medical care, health care training, sanitation and water projects. To donate to the Mexico Flood Disaster fund, please call 1-800-959-4325, give online at our secure Web site www.medicalteams.org or mail gifts to PO Box 10, Portland, OR 97207. Donations can also be made at any U.S. Bank branch.