Two hurricanes devastated Central America less than two weeks apart in November. The heavy rain and strong winds caused extensive wind damage and flooding in coastal areas. Landslides remain a concern from the unstable, saturated soil.
“The beach washed away,” shared a staff member. “It used to come out to the post on the left. All the beachfront houses are gone.”
The hurricanes affected various countries in Central America including Nicaragua, Honduras, and Guatemala.
Hurricane Eta made landfall in Central America as a category 4 storm with wind speeds up to 150 mph. Only several days after Hurricane Eta, an even larger storm, Hurricane Iota, formed in the Caribbean. As the second hurricane rapidly intensified to category 5, thousands of people evacuated to escape the storm’s fury.
In late afternoon on November 16, Iota slammed into the northeastern coast of Nicaragua with winds of 155 mph. Nicaragua was still reeling from Hurricane Eta. Now the country sustained even more flooding. Torrential rains on already saturated soils led to extensive flooding and landslides. Nicaragua opened over 600 shelters, and more than 63,000 residents evacuated their homes. At least 28 people died in relation to the hurricane while 29 others are still missing.
Many homes look like this one, with trees and debris strewn about.
Residents face the tremendous job of cleaning up the mess in the aftermath of these two hurricanes. Storm surge and flash flooding washed mud onto roads and yards and into houses and cars. Homes and businesses are completely destroyed. More than 2.2 million people are affected by these hurricanes.
The floodwaters receded after several days and left behind a thick layer of mud.
What is CAM’s response?
CAM is reaching out in Nicaragua with food, chainsaws, roofing materials, literature, and medical supplies to help people who lost homes and possessions. CAM is also assisting Anabaptist churches in Nicaragua and Honduras who are helping with the daunting task of cleaning houses that are loaded with mud. In Guatemala, we are providing funding for food and other aid for those who have been impacted.
As the work in Central America continues, please pray for our contacts and staff members as they reach out with the love of Jesus by offering help to those affected by these disasters. Pray also that souls could be added to the Kingdom by the testimony that is shown through those providing aid.
Your support enables us to respond to the emergency needs after the two hurricanes devastated areas of Central America.
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