It's now been 2 weeks since Hurricane Felix slammed into the northeastern coast of Nicaragua. Due to the remote landscape (there are no roads from the pacific coast to the northeast coast...all travel is by boat or helicopter), information has been slow in coming. According to the latest news, it seems like the situation is much worse than originally thought. As many as 70,000 people (unofficial number) have been affected in some way. There are still also some extremely rural areas have yet to be surveyed. The most urgent needs right now are food and water. Virtually all sources of fresh water in the region were contaminated by the hurricane. In addition, virtually the entire crop was destroyed, meaning that there is little natural food available for people in the forests and surrounding lands. Food stored in houses was either blown away by wind or ruined by flooding and rains. The situation for many families is extremely dire.
Last week, the director of a community development organization (he's also a Mennonite pastor and worked w/ MCC in Mexico 6 years ago) here in Managua was invited by the Nicaraguan Army to survey some of the affected region. He flew by helicopter with several other relief organization leaders and took these photos. They show several scenes of damage (note the absence of roads, power lines, etc.). One photo shows people gathered under the helicopter for food & water that was dropped. He reports that the conditions for many people are very difficult.
MCC is coordinating with this organization (CIEETS) and others to provide immediate financial assistance which will be used to purchase food and water. It is clear, however, that the relief and recovery efforts will extend for many months, and MCC is also working on these long-term plans.
You can click here for an updated report on MCC's response in the region.
Thanks for your continued prayers.
2 comments:
This is actually about the independance day post: I have two theories about the lack of fireworks.
1) There were fireworks, but you didn't notice them because you've gotten used to hearing them all the time. (I didn't hear fireworks from christmas on)
2)They're still out of fireworks because they shot so many off last christmas.
I am plagiarizing your post on church. I am saying a few little things to my College and Career tonight and there are some things which you just phrased so beautifully. I quoted you anyway.. so thanks. espero que no esten disappointed conmigo.
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