Nicaragua (MNN/FH) — In the wake of Tropical Storm Agatha which swept across Central
America on May 29, at least 145 people have been reported dead, and thousands
are homeless.
El Salvador and Honduras are in "red
alert," while Guatemala is under a "State of Public Calamity."
Neighboring Nicaragua fared somewhat better, but Food for the Hungry (FH) Nicaragua
staff member Nathan Sandahl says, "Intense rains caused flooding in the
northwest region of the country. In two of the communities that we focus our
work in, we had 100 homes which lost their roofing."
These regions of Central America are vulnerable to heavy rains and flooding due
to the mountainous terrain. Survivors in
these areas are in temporary shelters, and the need for food, water, blankets
and clothes remains high.
Heavy rainfall affected more than 1,600 people in Nicaragua. The government got to the worst hit, but
"some of the smaller peri-urban regions where we work have not been
attended with assistance in repair or anything of that sort."
The FH emergency response unit has provided initial financial help and is
working with staff in Nicaragua to determine the most effective response.
"We are planning to respond in coordination with the local leadership
and hopefully with some of the churches to provide roofing materials,"
says Sandahl. "The rains have stopped temporarily, but we are just at the
beginning of the rainy season, so a no-response will leave families exposed for
the next five months."
Urgent needs are the key to ministry. "As we care for people, doors open to be able to share that there's a God who cares about
them as well. In the past, situations
like this have provided lots of opportunities to share the love of Christ and
share the Gospel message of redemption through Christ."
Food for the Hungry is appealing for help to alleviate the suffering of
thousands in Central America, particularly FH communities in
Nicaragua. There is an urgent need for temporary shelter, hygiene kits and
non-food emergency supplies.
Your prayers and financial gifts will make a difference in the lives of many
who are in difficult circumstances right now. Click here for the details.
