Hurricane Beta

The north east coastal areas of Honduras and Nicaragua were affected by the remnants of a low- pressure system in the aftermath of Hurricane Beta at the end of October 2005.

In Nicaragua the most affected area was the Atlantic region. In the Atlantic Northern Region, Waspam, there was a significant evacuation of people as initially it was estimated that it would be the worst hit area. However, just hours before the hurricane landed it veered south towards Pearl Lagoon. Significant flooding was registered in the Atlantic Northern Region due to the torrential and continuous rains brought by Beta. Fourteen communities along the Rio Coco were inundated and had to be evacuated to schools, churches and health centres located above the flood level.

In the Atlantic south region, tropical storm Beta lashed several communities aggravating the situation of poverty in which the Miskitos, Garifunas and Maygnas indigenous people live. Their flimsy houses were snatched up in the winds and harvests were devastated. The municipalities of Laguna de Perlas and the estuary of the Grande river were the most severely hit municipalities. Around 5,000 persons were seriously affected, of these some 2,700 were at the centre of the impact and lost all their belongings. Around 80% of the buildings and infrastructure in the area were destroyed. Some 500,000 hectares of forests, coconut palms, palm trees, bananas, etc were flattened by the hurricane force winds. Livestock and livelihood materials were totally devastated. Water borne illnesses and pneumonia are on the increase and there are currently insufficient medical supplies available to tackle any outbreak of disease.

ACT Nicaragua Forum is proposing to respond to this emergency by providing food assistance, health services, reconstruction of latrines and housing materials to 266 families in 5 communities. ACT member Christian Medical Action (AMC) will implement this project along with ACT member Interchurch Center for Theological and Social Studies (CIEETS).

ACT members in Honduras have been assessing the situation and a project for Honduras might be forthcoming in a revision of this appeal.

Project Completion Date: 15 February 2006

Summary of Appeal Targets, Pledges/Contributions Received and Balance Requested (US$)

Total Appeal Target(s): 85,604
Less: Pledges/Contr. Recd.: 0
Balance Requested from ACT Alliance: 85,604

Signed by:
Jenny Borden
Interim Director, ACT Co-ordinating Office