Updates from Relief Organizations (Sept. 21-29)

A September 29 La Prensa article describes a hunger crisis in 13 communities in the Rio Coco region, including Klampa, Bun, Kiwastara, Auyapura, Rayapura and Lwis Cris. "They are dying of hunger," according to the Mayor of Waspam, Cornelio Tebas in the La Prensa article.



Alert.net (Reuters) had a September 29 article noting that 300 children were orphaned by Hurricane Felix.

Shakira announced Sept. 29 that she will donate $40 million through the Latin America for Solidarity Foundation to relief and recovery efforts in Nicaragua and Peru.

CEPAD (The Council of Protestant Churches) describes the official damage assessment:

• 27,281 families affected, or a total of 162,373


• 149 deaths, although the number may be much higher


• 19,202 houses affected. Of these, 10,145 are totally destroyed and 9,057 now without roofs


• 84 villages hard-hit; of these, some sources estimate that approximately 27 have not yet received any aid


• 400,000 hectares (988,420 acres) of forests destroyed in the Bosawas Biosphere reserve - the largest reserve in Central America.

Telecoms Sans Frontieres helped more than 1,000 families benefit and 20 organizations in Nicaragua. (Sept. 26 press release)

A Guardian 3-minute podcast (audio) from the affected area notes, "They have no way to rebuild their homes, or to feed themselves." (Sept. 26)

Oxfam is providing 250 tons of food to more than 7,400 people in Waspam who lost their harvest in the hurricane. Oxfam has also installed two clean water tanks in the communities of Sisin and Santa Marta, providing 10,000 people with clean water daily. (Sept. 24 press release)

Israel sends $25,000 of medical supplies (Sept. 23 press release).

The Mennonite Central Committee has provided $42,000 for a five-day supply of groceries and basic items such as water purification tablets and plastic sheeting to about 3,000 people. (Sept. 21 press release)

A Sept. 23 Nuevo Diaro article described a meeting of 150 pastors from Bilwi (Puerto Cabezas) with Nicaraguan relief officials It noted that Rev. Stedman Bent, the Moravian Church's delegate, called on all churches to work together to do what needs to be done in the region.


On Sept. 21, the Board of World Mission of the Moravian Church writes, "Crews Prepare for Nicaragua"

Hurricane Felix Recovery Volunteers
In the wake of Hurricane Felix there are approximately 150,000 people in Nicaragua left with no roof over their heads and little to no hope of having one anytime soon. Tarps are being supplied as fast as they can but it will take many more days to reach everyone in such a vast area. Food and water are being dropped to the villages by helicopter as soon as it reaches the airport in Puerto Cabezas. We are currently working to deliver portable saw mills and chainsaws to Nicaragua in hope to start cutting the trees that have been blown over by the storm. This lumber will be used to rebuild and repair homes, schools and churches. We will work with our sisters and brothers to train and support them as they learn to use this equipment.

This is where we will need to step up and send as many volunteers from North America as we can, to work in partnership with our sisters and brothers. This will be no easy job; it will be hard, dirty work, with no luxuries! You will be asked to live as they are living until housing can be built to accommodate volunteers, tents at best. I understand that these conditions are not for everyone, but I know that a number of you are up to the task! If you feel that you are ready for such a call, please pray and ask God for His will to be done in your life and join us to help restore hope to those we will serve. If you do not have a passport, start the process, don’t wait. If you do have your passport and can go within the next 6 to 8 weeks, please contact me , your Regional Volunteer Coordinator or the Board of World Mission, either office. Email would be the best way to contact our offices and please give some history of your skills and past service. The need for chainsaw operators is a priority at this time!

Please understand that all of the details are not final as yet, and the first few teams will most likely lay the ground work for teams in the future as we work out the “ how things” will proceed. Just know that these people need help now! The first two teams will be hand picked for various reasons so don’t think that we don’t need you if you don’t get a call right away. We WILL call you! All for now, I will be waiting to hear from you and may our Lord bless you to be a blessing as you step out in faith to serve Him and Humanity,

In His service and yours,
Mark Ebert, Director of Volunteer Ministries