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 with significant flooding 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.

In Honduras torrential rainfall affected the whole central and north-east parts of the country. According to the official reports 60,483 persons were evacuated (approximately 10,080 families from 156 communities of the 10 Municipalities of the Department of Colon), 954 houses and 11 bridges were destroyed; 237 houses, 30 roads, 30 bridges and 66 drinking water systems damaged; and 4,3580 "manzanas" (3,112.9 hectares) of farm crops lost.

On 18 November 2005 an ACT Appeal was issued comprising an ACT Nicaragua Forum request for assistance. The current revision of the appeal includes a revised proposal for ACT Nicaragua adding the rescue and crisis response that was covered by Christian Medical Action’s own resources and not included in the original proposal.

This revision also includes a proposal from ACT Honduras Forum to assist 4,923 families with the rehabilitation of subsistence crops, recovery of drinking water systems, sanitation campaigns and risk management training.

Project Completion Date:

Nicaragua - 15 February 2006

Honduras - 30 November 2006

Summary of Appeal Targets, Pledges/Contributions Received and Balance Requested

Signed by:
Jessie Kgoroeadira
Acting Director, ACT Co-ordinating Office