Since the earthquake, brick and cement block production for house building has reached an all-time record. These workers, at Chimaltenango, receive part of their wages as WFP rations. - - Earthquake Victims WFP Food For Work. On 4 February 1976, Guatemala suffered one of the most devastating earthquakes in its history. Thirteen Departments were affected, mainly in the highlands. Government officials estimate more than 35,000 inhabitants died, some 105,000 were injured and between a fifth and a quarter of the population were 1eft homeless. The Director-Genera1 of FAO, on the recommendation of the Executive Director of the World Food Programme, immediately approved an emergency operation in which wheat flour and canned fish were distributed to the survivors of the earthquake. This was extended by WFP to a project of one year's duration in which rice and beans were distributed to supplement the diet of the population and to provide an incentive for voluntary work (Food-For-Work). This includes the clearing of rubble and preliminary rehabilitation such as the construction and erection of pre-fabricated houses and the making of bricks for new houses. These activities are performed manually or with simple tools by the villagers themselves. The total cost of the project to WFP is almost US$2 mi1lion.