Emergency: Rat infestation and worm plague in north-east Nicaragua

Date of Emergency: October 2005

Requesting Partners: Christian Medical Action, Council of Evangelical Churches, Interchurch Centre for Theological and Social Studies, Lutheran World Relief, Norwegian Church Aid, Christian Aid and Swiss Interchurch Aid

Implementing Partners: Christian Medical Action (AMC) and Interchurch Centre for Theological and Social Studies (CIEETS)

Details of the Emergency: A rat infestation, combined with a worm plague, has devastated 14,224 hectares of harvests in north-east Nicaragua, severely affecting 49,000 persons whose crops had been totally destroyed. The affected areas, the largest and poorest in the country, are the municipality of Waspan, located 634 km north-east of the capital Managua and the municipalities of Wiwili and San Jose Bocay in the Jinotega department. They are inhabited by indigenous Miskito population who depend on farming and fishing for survival. Due to the extreme poverty in the region and the high level of malnutrition -particularly among women and children- the situation is seriously threatening the survival of the population. In August, the Nicaragua government declared the "state of natural disaster" in 14 communities. However, according to a recent assessment by the municipality and organisations working in the area, the disaster is now affecting 129 communities.

Purpose of Response:

• To assist 600 vulnerable families with food assistance for one month.
• To assist government efforts in applying rodenticides to eliminate the rat infestation.

Proposed assistance:

Food assistance - Food assistance will complement contributions received from other humanitarian actors. ACT members will provide rice, oil, sugar and salt. Estimates of the quantities are based on the SPHERE standards and for a family of seven members in average.

Application of rodenticides - Transportation of government officials to apply rodenticides, a biological poison that does not affect humans, in the affected areas. Due to the remoteness of the areas, transportation is mainly by rivers, which is often costly.

Implementation methodology:
AMC and CIEETS are working closely with the local government and other humanitarian organisations responding to this emergency. A co-ordination committee, led by AMC has been established. The selection of the families will be made according to the joint- assessment made by this co-ordination.

Administration and reporting:
CIEETS will be responsible for the management of funds and reporting. AMC will implement the activities with the local government.

Implementation Period:
Implementation period will be one month from the day funding. A proposal for an Appeal is expected. The amount of US$38,250 from the RRF is to be recovered from the income against the forthcoming Appeal.

BUDGET

ACTION

The ACT Co-ordinating Office has approved the use of US$ 38,250 towards the budget from its Rapid Response Fund and would be grateful to receive contributions to wholly or partially replenish this payment.