Nicaragua-Atlantic Coast Hurricane Relief

AFP Blog: Recent News of Note: Impact of Nonprofits - News - Reston Connection - Connection Newspapers

2008-01-24T14:42:00.000-08:00

AFP Blog: Recent News of Note: Impact of Nonprofits - News - Reston Connection - Connection Newspapers

www.nonprofitroundtable.org

Thanksgiving is a Verb

2007-11-20T18:19:00.000-08:00

As Americans sit down to Thanksgiving dinner this week, we should all be grateful for what we have, remember those in need around the planet, including our brothers and sisters in Nicaragua, and share from our abundance.

Let us remember that, as much has been given us, much will be expected from us, and that true homage comes from the heart as well as from the lips, and shows itself in deeds. ~Theodore Roosevelt

Vivian Stromberg of Global Giving discusses “Harvesting Hope: Overcoming Hurricane Felix” on Nov. 19.

Beneficiaries of Harvesting Hope include over 2,000 Indigenous women and families in the village of Waspam and 104 surrounding communities, as techniques learned in Harvesting Hope trainings are shared with remote communities by project participants. Rose Cunningham, Wangki Tangni’s Director, reports that women from neighboring communities continue to attend Harvesting Hope trainings in record numbers, sometimes walking two or three days to get there, and participants say that the income-generating aspects of the project are helping them come closer to meeting their families’ immediate needs.

The Miami Herald issued an opinion on Nov. 16: The death and destruction left in Nicaragua by Hurricane Felix last September is now being compounded by a political disaster: the growing complaints that the Sandinista government is distributing relief aid based on party loyalty.

Laura Werner of Agros International blogs about a project they funded in the Matagalpa region.

MADRE is organizing a trip to the Atlantic Coast of Nicaragua on January 5.

The Canadian International Development Agency (or CIDA) will donate $4 million Canadian dollars to the World Food program which in turn will feed school children in Nicaragua for a year.

NicaNet writes Give gifts that keep giving! Fight climate change! Help Nicaragua recover from floods!

The European Commission donated 5 million Euros to hurricane relief in Nicaragua on November 5.

France Donates for Hurricane Relief and Recovery

2007-11-04T05:41:00.000-08:00

France is donating $425 million dollars (300 million Euros) for recovery efforts in Nicaragua’s North Atlantic Region, according to La Prensa on Nov. 2. The contribution is for the purchase of 356 tons of rice in the local market. A French official noted "making purchases local of foods (rice in this case) can help stimulate" Nicaragua’s local economy. The rations will be administered by the World Food Programme along with Nicaraguan partner organizations.

Also, a Nicaraguan business, Almacenes Alejandría, donated 5,500 articles of clothing and shoes according to this press release, to help people in the region affected by Hurricane Felix.

Report from Dákura

2007-11-03T18:09:00.000-07:00

Word and Deed has a Nov. 1 blog posting which chronicles the damage in Dakura (on the coast about 1 ½ hours north of Puerto Cabezas):

Dákura had 400 houses, literally all of which were completely destroyed. The residents have used fallen trees and limbs to make makeshift shelters and have been provided plastic by various government related agencies to cover the roofs. But the heavy November winds will undoubtedly blow those “tarps” away in several weeks.

The school and three churches completely destroyed.

Thirteen people were killed in this community alone, 8 of which were family members of one of the MINTS students who is a pastor. He was in Dákura at the time of the hurricane and buried his family members before returning to Puerto Cabezas.

They are about 500 metres from the ocean. Waves and water came through the village as high as the neck, washing away everything in sight.

Many Bibles, books were damaged and/or washed away as well as their clothes.

Some have started rebuilding their homes with whatever materials they could find. It was encouraging to see the initiative some were taking. Others are very depressed and have no idea how to proceed from here.

The soil has been contaminated by the salt water that came in from the ocean during the hurricane.

Felix Aftermath and New Flooding

2007-10-29T18:43:00.000-07:00

The El Paso Times on Oct. 28 noted that Ortega is warning of the possibility of disease and on Oct. 29 the Times-Union reported that a waterborne disease called Leptospirosis has spread through animal urine has killed nine people and sickened more than 1,600 in storm-stricken Nicaragua, health officials said Monday.

The New Security Beat blog has a good summary posting called An (Un)Natural Disaster in Nicaragua dated Oct. 26.

The United Nations response to flood victims is detailed in an Oct. 25 release.

NicaNet on Oct. 23 quotes officials from SINAPRED (the Nicaraguan Disaster Relief Management Agency) with the following damage from heavy rains in October: In summary, damages during the last 47 days are as follows: 216,000 people (37,287 families) directly affected, 109 dead and 135 missing, 22,000 houses partially or totally destroyed, 150 public buildings (schools, health centers and churches) destroyed, 255,000 acres of crops lost, 45,000 cattle lost, 1.7 million acres of forest destroyed, 9 bridges destroyed and 1,864 miles of road damaged.

ClimateArk on Oct. 24 writes about the hurricane and heavy October rains and the impact on crops and the Nicaraguan economy in an essay entitled Of Forests, Floods, Fatalities and Famine. “This is worse than Mitch,” says President Ortega, referring to the 1998 hurricane.

Oct. 14-19 Updates

2007-10-19T17:18:00.000-07:00

On Oct. 18, the blog Gringos in Nicaland recounted a presentation by the director of Accion Medica Cristiana about the relief effort. According to the blogger:

“After the hurricane struck, the government was unable to provide the necessary aid, and developed no effective venue to coordinate private and public efforts. As a result, food and water shipments arrived in some localities two and three times, and in others not at all. Many smaller and more recent developments got no aid because no one even knew they existed. For ten days after the hurricane thousands of people were stranded without shelter, potable water and food.”

An Oct. 17 Military.com article noted the contributions of U.S. Naval Forces:
“The devastating effects of Hurricane Felix along the coast of Nicaragua Sept. 4 created a need for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to thousands. USS Wasp (LHD 1), which was participating in the exercise PANAMAX 07, left Panama Sept. 5 to help deliver relief supplies to the Nicaraguan hurricane victims. Samuel B. Roberts relieved Wasp Sept. 9 and continued the delivery of supplies those in need. The embarked helicopter squadrons on Wasp and Samuel B. Roberts provided valuable assistance, conducting 34 medical evacuations of critically injured victims and airlifting 125,000 pounds of relief supplies to shore.”

Mission Network News reports on Oct. 16 that Nicaragua's hurricane survivors are still in need of aid and that World Vision has sponsorship program areas in northern Nicaragua. Last week, World Vision's Nicaragua staff sent an additional 64 tons of aid. 1,600 families will receive a week's worth of emergency supplies, including kitchen utensils, blankets, and personal hygiene kits.

On Oct. 15, the Mennonite Central Committee reported that is shipping canned meat and relief supplies worth more than $180,000 to communities devastated by Hurricane Felix in Nicaragua. Also, check out this 5-minute audio podcast from MCC.

York University of Canada, and staff from the Centre for Research on Latin America and the Caribbean (CERLAC) are mounting a fundraising campaign to help people in the area of Nicaragua devastated by Hurricane Felix. Support will be given through Rights Action. The same appeal points to these links:

Flattened by hurricane, Mosquito Coast faces hunger and disease

UN to launch $17-million appeal to feed 100,000 Nicaraguan hurricane victims

Naciones Unidas reforzará Comité de Emergencias de la RAAN

“Más de 300 muertos reportan comunidades”

Uraccan Update 1

Uraccan Update 2

Oct. 9-13 Updates

2007-10-14T18:47:00.000-07:00

I strongly recommend listening to this interview with the Rev. Norman Bent, a retired leader of the Moravian Church in Nicargua. (2 minutes, 30 seconds from CEPAD's website). He speaks about the impact of Hurricane Felix and poses a challenge to North American Christians to take action to help their Nicaraguan brothers and sisters in light of the emergency. (This video would be good to play for a group when conducting an appeal.)

Church World Service had a Oct. 10 update noting the response of its Nicaraguan-based partners to assist 21 communities in the affected areas of Tasba Pri, Llano Norte de Puerto Cabezas and Tasba Raya with the supply of food, personal hygienic kits and safe water. They will also rehabilitate roofs, support planting trees and vegetables and provide psychosocial care. The members will also support the communities in measures of disaster preparedness. All efforts are scheduled to be completed by Sept. 30, 2008. Also, see Accion Medica Cristiana's Sept. 18 report and CEPAD's report from Sept. 26.

El Nuevo Diario on Oct. 13 reported on the environmental devastation -- with half of the forest of the region having been wiped out by the hurricane. The damage will take years to resolve and will have a devastating impact on land and marine wildlife.

The Economist ran a brief article about President Ortega and noted this about US relief efforts: The United States ambassador openly campaigned against Mr Ortega's election. Since then, relations have been correct. The Americans donated $1.4m in aid after Hurricane Felix ravaged Nicaragua's Atlantic coast in September, and American troops shuttled in supplies by helicopter and aeroplane. Although the American embassy protested when the government seized tanks from a local subsidiary of Exxon Mobil to store Venezuelan petrol, the dispute has been settled.

Groups in Manchester, England are sponsoring a benefit on Oct. 29.

Although not directly related to hurricane relief, the World Bank announced $240 Million in assistance to Nicaragua over the next five years. A week earlier, the International Monetary Fund approved $111.

The Nicaragua Resource Network-North Dakota is raising funds and sending groups to provide assistance according to this Oct. 13 blog entry.

The Nica Times ran an Oct. 11 article, Autonomy Incomplete After 20 years.

Oct. 1-8 Updates

2007-10-08T18:21:00.000-07:00

An Oct. 9 La Prensa article notes that plans are developing to improve the distribution of aid in Puerto Cabezas and the RAAN.

An Oct. 3 El Nuevo Diario article describes the aftermath of Hurricane Felix – the destruction of crops and the ensuing hunger – profiling the communities of La Esparanza and Santa Clara. Oxfam is mentioned as providing some relief and developing a plan to distribute seeds for the next crop.

USAID reported that it has contributed $1.5 million in relief to Nicaragua including In addition, USAID airlifted 940 rolls of plastic sheeting, 3,552 hygiene kits, 3,875 blankets, 13,000 ten-liter water containers, and other essential supplies to Puerto Cabezas. (Earlier video about US relief added to YouTube on Oct. 6.)

Action by Churches Together International writes on Oct. 5: “The ACT members Christian Medical Action (AMC), Interchurch Center for Theological and Social Studies (CIEETS), Council of Evangelical Churches (CEPAD), the Nicaraguan Lutheran Church of Faith and Hope (ILFE) have assessed the damages in three zones of the affected region: Tasba Pri, Llano Norte de Puerto Cabezas and Tasba Raya. The loss of lives is particularly high in Tasba Pri where more than 60 people were reported killed, 423 missing and 123 wounded. The damages to housing and agriculture are tremendous, with up to 80% of the total infrastructure and harvests devastated. The very poor communities are cut off from roads. The population has no access to clean water and is threatened with water borne diseases.”

Oxfam posted this video on Sept. 30.

Here’s a heartfelt video on YouTube of some of the devastated areas. The author notes, “I put this video together in the hopes that it would generate some interest by various groups to help rebuild villages that were devastated by Felix. I am hoping some rich folks will see this and adopt a village. The video quality is poor, but it's the best I could do until I learn more about posting videos on the web. use your pause button to read the info on the slides. visit my website at: http://crosscountry4jesus.com/.”

The Wisconsin Coordinating Council on Nicaragua sponsored a fundraiser concert on Oct. 4 for victims of Hurricane Felix.

The Iranian Red Crescent Society noted that it had dispatched a medical team which was treating patients in Sandy Bay.

Report from Leimus, Nicaragua

2007-10-02T18:21:00.000-07:00

La Prensa ran an October 2 article which describes the hardships in the community of Leimus (near Waspam). Check out this helpful map by the World Food Programme.

The needs described by the victims include:

Mosquito nettings

Plastic covering for temporary shelters

Clothes

Food

Equipment to dig new wells

Chain saws

In addition, my opinion: donations of money to a reputable relief and recovery organization may be the best contribution -- money is the most flexible, and a local organization may be able to procure some items locally thus avoiding the costs of transport and stimulating the local economy.

Updates from Relief Organizations (Sept. 21-29)

2007-09-29T11:55:00.001-07:00

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

Damage Assessment - Presbyterian "Bridges" Program

2007-09-25T20:03:00.001-07:00

I found the following post helpful. For more details check out Hudson Happenings blog and click this link: Follow-up on Hurricane Felix.

Damage Assessment

The hardest hit areas are the communities between Puerto Cabezas and Waspam (Northeast Atlantic Coast, where the majority of the population is indigenous Moskito). As these communities are spread out and not easy to reach, the assessment of the damage keeps changing...meaning, the death toll keeps rising...as does the number of houses destroyed.
The greatest needs in these communities are: food, water, medical attention, psychological attention, and basic shelter. According to reports from Puerto, the World Food Program stated that the biggest need in this region is for food. Puerto and the neighboring communities will need to have food supplied to them for at least six months. Why?

all crops were destroyed
all food supplies on hand (such as a month's worth of beans and rice that a family -in a community would have) were all destroyed.
the greatest sources of income other than crops is fishing.

It is being estimated by local environmental groups that the hurricane has effectively driven away the fish and lobsters and that it may take 1 to 2 years for the fishing industry to recover.

Preparing for a Work Trip in Nicaragua - Health Tips

2007-09-24T18:32:00.000-07:00

Scott Snider writes:

Hey Chuck, I’ve been following your post for a few weeks now, I do appreciate it. By the way, I’m a seventh generation Moravian from Charlotte, although I attended high school in Hastings, MN.

At this time I’m preparing to head down on a mission trip in 6-8 weeks with Mark Ebert’s first group. I thought it might be of interest to post what I found on cdc.gov about "Preparing for Your Trip to Nicaragua"…

From the Center for Disease Control

Before visiting Nicaragua, you may need to get the following vaccinations and medications for vaccine-preventable diseases and other diseases you might be at risk for at your destination: (Note: Your doctor or health-care provider will determine what you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities.)

To have the most benefit, see a health-care provider at least 4–6 weeks before your trip to allow time for your vaccines to take effect and to start taking medicine to prevent malaria, if you need it.

Even if you have less than 4 weeks before you leave, you should still see a health-care provider for needed vaccines, anti-malaria drugs and other medications and information about how to protect yourself from illness and injury while traveling.

CDC recommends that you see a health-care provider who specializes in Travel Medicine. Find a travel medicine clinic near you. If you have a medical condition, you should also share your travel plans with any doctors you are currently seeing for other medical reasons.

Sept. 17 Report - Board of World Mission Damage Assessment Report

2007-09-20T19:42:00.001-07:00

Hurricane Felix Damage Assessment Report
Mark Ebert and Kevin Frack
September 17, 2007

Greetings in the name of Jesus, our Savior and Lord, who calls us to proclaim Good News to all the earth! We give all praise and thanks to God, whose Sovereign power is greater than the storm, and whose mercy and love reach beneath the depths of the woes and circumstances of those in despair.

Mark Ebert, Director of Moravian Disaster Relief for North America and Kevin Frack traveled to Nicaragua September 10 – 16, 2007 to demonstrate the love of Christ with our presence as a message of solidarity in their time of crisis, and to make an assessment of damage from Hurricane Felix.

We met with the following persons, all of whom seem to play a significant role in the recovery:
-Rev. Cora Antonio, President Nicaraguan Moravian Church
-Daily meetings with Nicaraguan Moravian Church Commission on Hurricane Felix Response, chaired by Steadman Bent and PEC second Humberto ?
-John Bowman, Central American Coordinator for Samaritan’s Purse and his five man team.
-Galio Gaudin, Nicaraguan Director of United Nations program of World Food Relief (PMA in Spanish).
-The Mayor of Puerto Cabezas
-Rev. Norman Bent, retired Moravian Pastor, former Director of CASIM (Moravian Church Social Action Committee). Norman has many contacts in government, NGO’s, and ecumenical circles.
-Lamberto Cambell, President/Director of Council of RAAN (Autonomous Region of the Atlantic, North)
-Cora and Luigi Mejia Ruiz (504-333-50300) from Puerto Lempira, Honduras, appointed by Honduran government to fly over the Rio Coco region and assess damage on Honduran side of the border.
-Humberto Thomson, Executive Director CEDUPAZ (Centro de Educacion para la Paz y la Justicia)
-Pastors from the Ecumenical Council of Pastors in Puerto Cabezas, including: Moravian, Baptist, Church of God, Roman Catholic, Anglican Episcopal, Church of the Word (Verbo), Assembly of God.
-Leadership of CEPAD (ecumenical Christian action in Nicaragua)
-Larry Palmer, retired former treasurer of the BWM and of the Nicaraguan Province.
-Ray Griggs, Ag Engineer/Business Development from Unity of the Brethren in Texas, living in Puerto Lempira, Honduras, but working 80 % of time in Puerto Cabezas. Ray has more than ten years of experience working in La Moskitia and in developing small businesses, currently a wood management, door fabrication, and export business.
-Marcos ?, UN worker with World Food Relief, from Switzerland told us about inability of shipments to reach Musawas and that food is stored in Siuna.
-Community leaders in Sandy Bay Tara and Panwa.
-US AID Executive Official David Hallengren out of Managua. Email dhallengren@usaid.gov
-US AID Regional Coordinator Timothy Callahan out of Costa Rica . Email tcallahan@ofda.gov

In addition to assessment of damage, we hoped to identify the key points of coordination and communications among relief efforts. Since there is a certain amount of confusion with so much aid pouring in, it was our hope to ensure that the main players work together to avoid duplication of efforts and that no village would go unattended to. We were very impressed with the measure of organization at the Puerto Cabezas airfield. As planes loaded with relief supplies arrived, teams of local residents and Nicaraguan army personnel unloaded supplies onto trucks which were immediately transferred either to awaiting US Navy and Nicaraguan helicopter crews for distribution to communities unreachable by road, or to warehouses in Puerto Cabezas for later shipment by road. This was truly a miraculous testimony to how well quite disparate groups can work together for the common good when the proper motivation exists.
We noted relief supply participation from:
-US AID
-UN World Food Relief (PMA)
-Red Cross
-Samaritan’s Purse
-Venezuelan air cargo planes and helicopter medical teams
-Mexican naval medical teams
-Cuban medical teams
-Guatemalan cargo planes
-Honduran cargo planes
-US cargo planes, Navy helicopters for remote distribution, and airfield control units
-El Salvadorian air cargo planes
-MAF cargo planes
-Nicaraguan Army and helicopter teams
-North American work crews began arriving to repair some of the various church properties from other denominations (Baptist, Church of the Word, Assembly of God).

The worst of the hurricane damage seems to have been confined to a corridor north of Puerto Cabezas and south of the Rio Coco River, running diagonally southwesterly for at least 60 miles inland. There was not evidence of much water damage from tidal surge, but most cement structures in this zone lost their roofs, and nearly all wooden structures were rendered uninhabitable. Within this strip 40 miles wide, most large trees both in towns and in the jungle were flattened, trees stripped of all leaves by the 160 plus mile/hour winds. This means the complete destruction of farm crops and fruit trees. Many food animals have been killed by wind and falling timber, raising concerns for impending health danger as they are still buried under piles of brush. The number of downed trees, while on the front end is catastrophic, during recovery, may provide a valuable resource in reconstruction. The villages surrounding Sandy Bay along the coast, the villages around Sisin and Santa Marta along the highway to Waspam, and the villages around the mining region seemed to be the hardest hit. Some villages had still not been heard from at the end of the second week.

We were informed that the 10 communities of Musawas were cut off by an eight mile stretch of highway which was completely blocked with ancient trees. Only two chain saws in Musawas were working to clear the road. As of Friday, aid intended for Musawas had been redirected, since trucks nor helicopters were able to deliver their goods. We tried to connect the Moravian Church with UN World Food Relief who informed us that food was being warehoused in Siuna, with the intention to get it to Musawas.

In the village of Panwa, about 20 miles by road from Santa Marta, we were the first outsiders in the village. The only building with walls standing was the Moravian Church. People were huddled in rubble. This village, once rich with citrus trees had been decimated. We had brought tarps with Samaritan’s Purse for each family to at least get out of the weather while they slowly rebuild. They mentioned that many animals had also perished, but no human lives had been lost.

On the data board outside the Moravian Provincial Office building in Puerto Cabezas, updated information estimated that 150,000 persons were adversely affected by storm damage. At least 35 Moravian churches and pastoral houses were destroyed. While it is still difficult to get an accurate count on fatalities, current death toll seems to be about 125, mostly killed off the coast on the fishing industries of Miskito Keys or on boats fleeing the storm. Leaders in the town of Sandy Bay told us they still had 150 residents missing. The welfare of their dependants is a major concern. Rev. Padilla, Moravian Pastor in Dakura, north of Puerto Cabezas, was killed along with his two grandchildren when a tree fell on them. He had decided to ride out the storm with his people.

Puerto Cabezas, south of the worst damaged region, received the most publicity for damage because it is the most accessible. We noted that most buildings in Puerto Cabezas had some damage: cement buildings lost some or all of their roofing sheets; most wooden structures had some structural damage. Almost every large tree in Puerto Cabezas was down. Power had been turned off in anticipation of the storm, but with the help of work crews from Managua, power was being restored one street at a time. By the time we left (09/15) only the outlying regions had yet to be put back online. The main road to Managua had been out, but the ferry had been repaired and trucks began the 15 plus or minus trip last week. Several Moravian Buildings in Puerto Cabezas are severely damaged: the Jan Amos Comenius High School (most of roof), ADSIM office building (lost complete roof), Santa Trinidad Church building (lost complete roof), Moravian Elementary School building (completely destroyed). The priority in Puerto Cabezas seemed to be clean-up from the unimaginable amount of downed trees. We were quite impressed with how much had already been accomplished against the overwhelming task to beat the onset of disease. There was a strong desire to resume Moravian school classes as soon as possible to restore some pattern of normalcy for the children, regardless of whether the government schools would close or not.

The emergency relief council designated that Puerto Cabezas was not a priority to receive emergency aid in favor of the more completely destroyed villages in remote sections. This created some anger from residents of barrios (neighborhoods) around Puerto Cabezas whose wooden structure homes were severely damaged. Many of the poorest of Puerto Cabezas were unable to put a dry roof over their heads and had spent a frustrating week wet, overwhelmed to rebuild, yet seeing great quantities of aid going out to others. These people are also in need.
We spoke with Cora and Luigi Mejia Ruiz (504-333-50300) from Puerto Lempira, Honduras. They were appointed by the Honduran government to fly over the Rio Coco region and assess damage on Honduran side of the border. It was their assessment that Honduras was spared the level of destruction Nicaragua suffered. There is some flooding, and a large percentage of Honduran farm crops will be lost along the border. There were five reported deaths of Hondurans, but they added that these were killed in the fishing business off the Miskito Keys. The town of Raya, near the border with Nicaragua had ten houses blown down. However, it was their opinion that Honduras will have some crop failure and short to medium term needs for food assistance, but the level of structural damage was minimal.

While there seems to be ample emergency food for several weeks, most aid providers informed us that they were not planning a long term presence. This leaves the Moravian Church and local coalitions with a daunting challenge to rebuild. US AID did make a grant of $10,000 available to the Moravian Church in Nicaragua as a test run to see whether the Moravian Church could show transparent and effective use of funds for the greatest good. They suggested that much more money could be forthcoming if the initial amount is well handled.

In our conversations with the Moravian Commission on Relief, it is their opinion that the priority of assistance is to care for pastors and their families and to rebuild the churches and as the center of community life. When we suggested that rebuilding peoples’ homes was critical, they insisted that since pastors depend upon the generosity of congregations, who would be preoccupied with personal concerns, that maintaining the pastoral family in the presence of their congregations throughout the crisis would fulfill a vital role of leadership and spiritual healing. Also, by rebuilding the church and church schools as a common gathering place, the psychological benefit of restored worship and community gathering would have far reaching effects in rallying folks to then rebuild their own family lives.

It is our assessment that we are talking about years rather than weeks or months needed for rebuilding. While the Moravian Church in Nicaragua has many talented and gifted individuals, they may need help to equip the right people to serve in the best places of leadership and development. The presence of North Americans at other churches seemed to have an extremely positive effect on the morale of those working with them. While necessarily and only at the invitation of the Nicaraguan Moravian Church, we believe there is value in beginning to send US teams sooner rather than later, and to carefully coordinate their efforts in culturally sensitive cooperative ventures. The task of cleanup is overwhelming without adequate tools and manpower, let alone the work of reconstruction. This would need to be worked out with complete respect to Nicaraguan culture and leadership. While there is need for general labor at all levels, we believe that North American workers with specific skills could work side by side with Nicaraguans to develop Christian friendships and disciple/train for future benefit. Already a Youth Partnership is in development with the Director of Youth Ministries for Nicaragua for joint Nicaraguan/North American teams of young people to work on reconstruction together.
The Moravian Church in Nicaragua developed an extensive list of needed items (see attached) in response to the emergency caused by Hurricane Felix. The prices considered were a best-guess estimate from Nicaragua. We are certain that more favorable prices are available in the U.S. As good stewards we suggest contacting Rose Taylor with Miami’s Home Depot system (cell phone: 305-522-5297; email: rose_taylor@homedepot.com. She is interested in helping us with a discount on large quantity purchases of supplies and materials. We recommend purchasing needed items here and arranging for container shipment to Puerto Cabezas from Miami.

Ray Griggs also submitted a plan to lease idle sawmills from the Moravian Church, put them into working condition, employ five-man crews to begin sawing the billions of dollars worth of downed trees, first for reconstruction lumber, and then, for economic recovery. His initial proposal was favorably received. Attached, please find Ray’s proposal and the other following reports:
-Iglesia Morava En Nicaragua Comisiones Formados Oficialmente (Emergency Commission and sub-commissions officially formed)
-Gobierno De La Region Autonoma del Atlantico Norte . . . Danos Ocasionados por El Hurican Felix (Government Damage Report From Hurricane Felix)
-Various census reports on the different regions affected
-Ray Griggs Proposal "Wood Mizer Thoughts and Plans"
-"List of Needed Items in Response to the Emergency Caused by Hurricane Felix" from the Nicaraguan Moravian Church.

Phases of Possible North American Assistance:

Short Term – Emergency Relief
Prayer
Donations of food, clothing, tarps, medicines
Donations of tools for cleanup and initial reconstruction, including chain saws, and hand tools as per list of needed items
Training in basic machine tool care and maintenance
Healthy communications and cooperation with all helping agencies addressing emergency assistance
Work teams to help in cleanup and preliminary repairs
Repair churches and church schools
Assure sources of clean drinking water

Medium Term – Reconstruction
Prayer
Personal, spiritual, psychological, physical healing
Building materials as per list of needed items
Development of healthy inter-cultural partnerships for rebuilding
Rebuild homes
Replant farms and trees
Portable sawmills to provide employment, building materials, local economic development

Long Term – Redevelopment
Prayer
In development of agri-business projects for pastor/village support
In development of infrastructure for fourth sector funding of mission opportunities
In development of models for Nicaraguans to help others recover in the future
It is our humble trust that you will be moved in mercy to respond in Christian love to a part of the Body of Christ in pain. Perhaps more than the physical needs, which words cannot possibly depict, is an opportunity to sensitively come alongside Nicaraguan sisters and brothers, not in paternalism to fix something for them, but to experience God’s renewing presence together for a new tomorrow. Please let us know if we can offer any more detailed information at this time.
In His service,

Kevin Frack and Mark Ebert

Blog Contents -- Please add suggestions on how to help

2007-09-16T11:36:00.000-07:00

If you have damage assessments or suggestions on ways to help, we want to hear from you. You can post a comment at the end of one of the entries (click on the 'comment' button), or send me an email at beanchuck@gmail.com and I'll put it up for you.

Here is how the postings are currently organized below:

Organizations Helping Nicaragua's Relief & Recovery Effort

Blog Roll about Nicaragua Relief & Recovery

About Nicaragua's North Atlantic Coast

NicaLiving.com Discusion Forums about Felix Relief

Organizations Helping Nicaragua's Relief & Recovery Effort

2007-09-15T09:00:00.000-07:00

In my opinion, if you want to help, channel your support through the Board of World Mission of the Moravian Church which has very strong ties with the Miskito people throughout the affected region in Nicaragua from Bilwi (formerly known as Puerto Cabezas) to the Rio Coco river on the Honduran border. The Nicaraguan Moravian Church's social development organization is called IDSIM. Here's a link to more about IDSIM's work on the Atlantic Coast. The Board of World Mission asks that all donations be designated for The Moravian Disaster Response (MDR) Fund at PO Box 1245, Bethlehem PA 18016-1245. (The Indian Law Resource Center also recommends the Board of World Mission.) See the appeal letter by clicking here.
A September 11 Nuevo Diario article quotes Nicaraguan Moravian Superintendent Cora Antonio Matamoros saying that "la Iglesia Morava reporta unas 150 iglesias destruidas" (150 destroyed Moravian Churches) -- the article also notes that the first direct flight from Miami was distributing water in the region.

Other organizations which are providing relief and recovery:

The Red Cross' appeal and action plan (dated September 12) is here in a 7-page report.
Here's a pretty good video (posted Sept. 11) with footage from Puerto Cabezas and Krukira from Operation Blessing.
UNICEF's September 11 release includes updated damage assessment information and outlines their plans for immediate response (September-December 2007) and "rehabilitation" (January - March 2008). The release notes, "Four out of eight municipalities from the North Atlantic Autonomous Region (RAAN) were directly affected by Felix and 34 communities were completely destroyed. In total, 52,000 children are younger than 5 years of age, with an estimate of 25,000 in the affected area. The already precarious situation of this population may be worsened by flooding, scarcity of food due to the loss of their crops, water contamination in wells, increase of malaria and dengue infections and increased chronic malnutrition."
A September 10 Miami-Herald article noted that the Miami-based Nicaraguan Civice Task Force and other nonprofits loaded a plane with donated water, food, medicine and enough supplies to provide 20,000 people with water for days flew from Miami to Puerto Cabezas. On a related note,Ted Wilde (retired long-term Director of the Board of World Mission), writes, "I have heard from Moravians in Nicaragua yesterday (Sept. 10) that the wharf at Puerto Cabezas can receive goods from boats. They expect the road from Managua to Puerto Cabezas to be usable soon. So international aid and in-county purchases with international funds can both contribute to meeting the immense immediate needs and the start of rebuilding."
A September 10 La Prensa article notes that the World Food Programme delivered tons of food in the Tasba Pri and "Mines" area.
A September 10 press release says that The Christian Reformed World Relief Committee with Nicaraguan partner, Accion Medica Cristiana is providing food, water, sanitation and roofing supplies to outlying communities near Puerto Cabezas.
Oxfam will assist 30,000 people according to a September 10 La Prensa article. They will center around 45 communities in the Rio Coco, Bilwi, Sasha and Siuna.
A September 10 Miami-Herald article noted that the Miami-based Nicaraguan Civice Task Force loaded a plane with donated water, food, medicine and enough supplies to provide 20,000 people with water for days flew from Miami to Puerto Cabezas. Ted Wilde (former Director of the Board of World Mission), writes, "I have heard from Moravians in Nicaragua yesterday (Sept. 10) that the wharf at Puerto Cabezas can receive goods from boats. They expect the road from Managua to Puerto Cabezas to be usable soon. So international aid and in-county purchases with international funds can both contribute to meeting the immense immediate needs and the start of rebuilding."
In a post on September 9, Mission Aviation Fellowship is helping provide an "air bridge" from Managua to Puerto Cabezas and the RAAN. A September 13 article notes that the air bridge will wind down in a few days with the expectation that the road from Managua to Puerto Cabezas will reopen.
The nonprofit organization "Madre" receives recommendations from many people. Here is a letter from Myrna Cunningham, also a board member of the Global Fund for Women.
CARE has prepared for immediate Hurricane Felix relief efforts to reach 23,000 people with food, water, sanitation services and shelter supplies. CARE has also allocated $2 million to sustain relief efforts for 90 days following the emergency.
The American Red Cross and the International Red Cross Federation is seeking to raise $825,000 in support of the Nicaraguan Red Cross to supply some 23,000 people (4,600 families) with emergency items including tents, mosquito nets, blankets, jerrycans, clothes, bedding and plastic sheeting.
The Catholic Relief Services response in Nicaragua will focus on the Waspam area, northern Matagalpa, and northern Jinotega where it is currently carrying out risk mitigation and agricultural rehabilitation activities. Depending on the course of the storm, Jinotega, Matagalpa, and Estelí are areas where CRS and its partners have strong on-the-ground presence and capacity to provide emergency and rehabilitation assistance. Immediate needs include the distribution of emergency rations, essential non-food items, and plastic sheeting for temporary shelter, all of which were pre-positioned in CRS warehouses. A CRS official in Nicaragua said in a September 11 interview: "The crisis is not close to being over, but we are finally getting an idea of what the main obstacles to recovery are - transportation and logistics...What is most useful [from donors] is money. As much as people will want to send goods such as food or clothing, transportation is a serious problem, and we may incur great expenses transporting the goods to the impacted communities."
World Vision notes in a September 7 release that Nicaraguan staff members coordinated with the national air force to send a shipment of clothing, shoes, plastic sheeting, medicines, and medical supplies to assist storm survivors in Puerto Cabezas, one of the most affected areas. They also have negotiated with the Nicaraguan government to send a second relief shipment into the disaster zone. In addition, plans are underway to seek funding to assist with reconstruction efforts.
Save the Children is now distributing plastic sheeting for shelter, water and hygine kits and special materials for children as it expands its relief assistance to thousands of children and families forced from their homes in Nicaragua a result of Hurricane Felix.
Adventist Development and Relief Agency has a team of 10 emergency rescue specialists based in Managua is flying to the heavily hit Atlantic coast to provide emergency aid, including first aid kits, blankets, and food baskets for 1,200 displaced survivors in the affected towns of Puerto Cabezas, Tasba Raya, and La Tronquera.
San Francisco de Asis (SFA) a nonprofit organization based in Nicaragua. Established in 1993, SFA providesopportunities for the poor by facilitating year round basic human needssuch as nutrition, education, health care, psychological counseling,housing and vocational training.
Christian World Service will support "Action By Churches Together" ACT-Nicaragua members. A September 11 press release notes that $50K was sent.
- Christian Medical Action (AMC) -- this organization is also a partner of Tearfund - Tearfund had this September 14 posting about impending food shortages
- Council of Evangelical Churches for a Denominational Alliance (CEPAD)
- Interchurch Center for Theological and Social Studies (CIEETS)
- Interchurch Organization for Development Co-operation - Kerkinactie (ICCO/KIA)
- Nicaraguan Lutheran Church of Faith and Hope (ILN)
- Lutheran World Relief (LWR) - Central America Office
- Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA)
A Sept. 14 article describes plans of a Baptist work group.
Mennonite Central Committee partners in Nicaragua include Accion Medica Cristiana, which provides health care in eastern Nicaragua, and the Anabaptist Emergency Commission, which is a partnership of Nicaraguan Mennonite and Brethren in Christ churches.
Telecoms Sans Frontieres sent 5 technicians to the Atlantic Coast, providing assistance to the relief organizations and United Nations agencies by deploying communication centers in Puerto Cabezas. These installations include Inmarsat terminals, BGan, Gan M4, Minis M and laptops. A TSF press release notes, "Efficient telecommunications infrastructure plays a crucial role ensuring the success of emergency coordination." Additional TSF centers will be installed in Sandy Bay and Waspan.
The Rainforest Foundation is raising funds for the Awas Tingni community, a Mayangna (Sumo) indigenous community that was in the path of Hurricane Felix.
La Prensa's September 5 list of places receiving donations has detailed contact information and lots of photos.
This is a 2007 directory of development organizations in Nicaragua (30-page pdf).

Damage Assessments

2007-09-14T08:45:00.000-07:00

This September 18 report from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs is a comprehensive and straightforward damage assessment.
However, if you want a a lot more place-specific data, this is a very detailed damage assessment from the Nicaraguan emergency management agency, dated Sept. 10. (37 page pdf)
On September 14 the UN issued an appeal for $40 million citing damage estimates that "just over half of the population of RAAN, living in 49 communities, was affected by the hurricane. While the confirmed death toll stands at 67, and an additional 110 people remain missing. Almost 10,000 houses have been affected, of which almost 8,000 have been completely destroyed. In addition, the storm damaged over 5,000 wells and destroyed almost 6,000 latrines."
A Sept. 13 Bloomberg article quotes a statement from the top UN person in Nicaragua (William Hart) saying that residents of the devastated area "have been left with literally nothing...Everything is destroyed and their lives are in pieces. What we are discovering as we visit these remote areas is a desperate swathe of humanity that has been invisible to the outside world, and which now more than ever needs the help of outsiders.''
I recommed the "interactive web map" of the Nicaraguan Government agency SINAPRED (Sistema Nacional para la Prevención, Mitigación y Atención de Desastres).
Click here for excerpts from an "Engineer Damage Assessment," apparently by US Joint Task Force Bravo, of Tuapi, Krukira, Sandy Bay, Bahurina, and Nina Yari. (On or about Sept. 10.)
The International Herald-Tribune reports that "The Nicaraguan army said Wednesday [Sept. 12] that at least 101 people were killed by Hurricane Felix, after more bodies were pulled from the sea or retrieved from the country's northern jungle."
The Red Cross reports on September 12 that the Nicaraguan government confirms 25,096 families (151,834 people) have been affected. Damage and needs assessments report that Felix’s severe winds and rain destroyed 9,785 houses. There have been 13,500 people evacuated, 65 casualties and still 48 people missing.

CEPAD (Council of Protestant Churches of Nicaragua) had this report on September 10: 67 dead
24,891 families directly affected, comprised of 150,542 persons
84 villages with more than 70% of infrastructure damaged
1,277 persons in 13 shelters. In some shelters there have been outbreaks of meningitis
138 missing persons; 135 rescued alive. Also, I recommend this September 7letter from CEPAD's director with other details.

Krukira damage report from September 10 of the International Federation of Red Cross Societies.

This Nuevo Diario article describes the near-total devasation on the Miskito Keys.

A September 10 Nuevo Diaro article notes that even a week after Felix made landfall exact data and missing people is hard to determine ("each day the Civil Defense gives new numbers"). It reports a logistical problem: "Con toda la ayuda que ha llegado las bodegas ya están llenas debido a que Sinapred no tiene la capacidad para distribuir la ayuda a las comunidades, debido al difícil acceso a las mismas." (My translation: With all the aid that has arrived [in Puerto Cabezas], the warehouses are full because Sinapred does not have the capacity to distribute the aid to outlying communities because it can access them.) "Sinapred" is Nicaragua's disaster agency.

An online El Nuevo Diario article notes that 86 communities around Rosita and 31 around Bonanza, more than 30 thousand people lost their crops, half lost their roofs and more than a thousand families had their homes destroyed.

El Nuevo Diaro reports that 16 people died in Sahsa, many are missing, and Acción Médica Cristiana and a Spanish nonprofit Acción Contra el Hambre are providing services.

USAToday reports on 9/9 that 300 families have been cut off from assistance in the Bonanza region.

The Moravian Church Northern Province website has reports from Bishop Oliver Hodgson and Dr. John Gilliland (who served in Nicaragua and Honduras).

YouTube has this video about Sandy Bay from a Nicaragua television station, and this video about Puerto Cabezas taken on September 5, a story about the search for survivors, and an overview video.

The MiskitoMissions.com website has regular updates from the Palmer family, missionaries based in Puerto Cabezas.

An article on Reliefweb on September 7 notes, "The latest Civil Defence count reported damages to 8,648 homes, 7,995 of which were totally destroyed; 13 public buildings, including schools, health centres and a military post; and 30 private buildings, most of them schools."
Close to 60,000 people are homeless, and 18,477 of them have found refuge in 101 shelters.

NicaNet writes that Rev. Felton Allen, of the Moravian Church of Sandy Bay, traveled to Bilwi to report on 10 communities destroyed by Felix with 16,000 inhabitants left without roofs over their heads and without food or medicine. “Only the concrete posts of the houses are left; the roofs disappeared and the walls fell away as if they had been made of cardboard,” Allen said upon arrival at the offices of the North Atlantic Regional Government in Bilwi.

Summer Palmer, a long-term missionary volunteer with Southern Baptist International Mission Board is quoted in Journal Chretien saying that, "Sinsin, Santa Marta and Twapi are in bad shape" and that "the aftermath of Hurricane Felix will most likely destroy the rice crops in the whole region.”

The same Journal Chretien notes that Norman Bent of the Moravian Church in Managua launched an appeal for help to rebuild or repair up to 200 churches, pastoral residences, high schools, a seminary and a hospital that were damaged by the hurricane.

USAID: Here is a briefing on September 6 by Ky Luu, DirectorOffice of Foreign Disaster Assistance.

UN: The U.N. representative in Nicaragua, Alfredo Missair, said on September 7 that more than 100,000 Nicaraguans were directly affected by the storm and the country will need US$43.5 million in aid over the next six months.

The Canadian Press reports that "Miskito Indians vent anger at Nicaraguan Government in wake of Felix"

Nicaragua’s President, Daniel Ortega, declared the Sandy Bay area, to be the worst hit by the passage of Hurricane Felix on Tuesday, according the International Federation of Red Cross Societies on September 6.

The spokesman for a German nonprofit called Welthungerhilfe says, "It's really, really a disaster. We are speaking about 30 to 40 communities where there's nothing left - no houses, no schools, no churches - nothing," says Schmidt. "There's no wood left - all the rice, trees, yucca - everything's gone," according to a September 7 Reuter new article.

This YouTube video (a slideshow with music) "Before, During and After Hurricane Felix" might be good to show to groups.

See also a separate entry about the Board of World Mission of the Moravian Church's initial damage assessment received on September 6.

Damage Assessment-Prepared by JTFB J37

2007-09-13T19:36:00.000-07:00

The following are excerpts of a powerpoint presentation (on or about Sept. 10-12), apparently from U.S. military engineers. [This is a link to the presentation with photos: http://www.metalake.net/helpnicaragua/HurricaneFelixUS.ppt.]

(Related: see postings about US Southern Command support).

Hurricane Felix Engineer Damage Assessment
Prepared by JTFB J37
CPT Jon-Paul Lavandeira , Tsgt Heather Prater

Overall Engineer Damage Assessment
•Upwards of 85%+ of structures destroyed or heavily damaged (i.e. entire communities will need temporary shelter)
•Flooding still apparent in many low lying areas (i.e. ground transport of HA supplies not an option)
•Roads/trails extensively damaged
•No apparent electricity/phone present

Engineer Recommendations
•Ship HA supplies via HELO or maritime
•Temporary shelters need to be erected for displaced
•Basic services will need to be re-established once population is resettled

Damage Assessment for Tuapi
•80%+ structures destroyed (roofs blown off, knocked down, etc)
•Many downed trees
•Flooding receded, dirt roads appeared usable
•No visible electrical or phone lines

Damage Assessment for Krukira
•Roofs of all structures blown off
•Minimal to moderate flooding damage apparent
•Flooding receded, dirt roads appeared usable
•No visible electrical or phone lines

Damage Assessment for Kaska
•90% of all structures heavily damaged (i.e. unsalvageable)
•Heavy flooding damage apparent
•Flooding still present, dirt roads unusable
•No visible electrical or phone lines

Damage Assessment for Bahurina
•80%+ of structures damaged
•Moderate flooding damage apparent
•Flooding receded in areas, some dirt roads appeared usable
•No visible electrical or phone lines

Damage Assessment for Li Daku
•80%+ of structures heavily damaged particularly along lagoon shore
•Minimal to moderate flooding damage apparent
•Flooding receded, dirt roads appeared usable in most sections
•No visible electrical or phone lines

Damage Assessment for Nina Yari
•90%+ of all structures heavily damaged
•Extensive flooding damage apparent
•Some dirt roads appeared usable
•No visible electrical or phone lines

Nicaragua Moravian Church Reports (3 Reports)

2007-09-12T19:14:00.000-07:00

NOTE ON WHAT FOLLOWS, WITH THE MOST RECENT ON TOP:

A "Second Report" from Bishop Oliver Hodgson (Sept. 9 or 10)
A "Preliminary First Report" from Bishop Oliver Hodgson (Sept. 7 or 8)
An Initial Damage Assessment from Board of World Mission of the Moravian Church (dated September 6)

This is the text of Bishop Oliver Hodgson's Second Report on (or near) September 10.

HURRICANE FELIX - SECOND REPORT

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

Receive our love in midst of sadness, despair and loneliness in a confused situation of death and destruction as our brothers and sisters residing in the North Atlantic Autonomous Region are crying and lamenting the death of their loved ones in correlation with the devastated panorama throughout urban cities and rural communities.

Situation in the North Atlantic Autonomous Regions changes every hour and day. Indeed, we are perplexed, saddened and worried. In my first report I mentioned that unemployment rates up to 85% on the Atlantic Coast. It will be very difficult for us and will take us many years to return where we were before. Here I share the second report of the impact of hurricane Felix on the East Coast of Nicaragua:

Deaths 108
Missing 106
Destroyed communities 52
(Most of these communities have Moravian Churches with a growing statistic. The destruction extends all the way from Puerto Cabezas (Bilwi) to Jinotega, passing through the Mines and the Rio Coco/Wangki)

Contaminated wells. 5,475
People evacuated. 18,4577
People rescued. 102
Destroyed houses 7,798
Affected homes. 8,848
People not evacuated 30,000
Isolated communities in the area of Tasba Pri. 30
Massive destruction in the Rio Coco/Wangki. Flooded rivers. Total destruction of crops throughout the region.
Awastigni: Total destruction. 14 missing.
Sang Sang: 20 missing

It is very difficult to give an exact report because the destruction is way beyond human expression. It’s incalculable.

Sandy Bay was seriously hit by Felix. Extra-official report stated that 300 died, 1000 missing and 63 wounded. The army reported that the death toll may increase to 3,000 because there are zones and areas un-inspected as of yesterday.

Bro. Larry Palmer would like to inform Bro. Mark Ebert to bring sufficient flashlights and batteries. He’s also asking to bring repair materials for the water holding tank at IDSIM’S office. This was destroyed. Water is very much needed.

Most important needs: Carpenter tools, building materials, black plastic for roofs, medicine, water, food, clothes, motor hand saw and a will to work.

Bishop Sam Gray. Thanks for your concerns. I’ve shared it with the Provincial Board. Hope to meet you very soon.

Today, electricity in Bilwi have returned but moderately and limited.

Please remember us in your prayers. Please read and share with others. From your brothers and sisters in Nicaragua

Bishop Oliver Hodgson

This is the text of Bishop Oliver Hodgson's "First Preliminary Report" on (or near) September 7

HURRICANE FELIX - FIRST PRELIMINARY REPORT

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

In midst of a devastating and sad memory of heavy, rushing, windy and apocalyptic experience, hurricane Felix landed on the East Coast of Nicaragua creating chaos and destruction amongst its residents and mostly Moravian communities. Filled with tears, sadness and hope in a region where unemployment rates up to 85% we now look and called upon all who might be willing to help us in midst of a wordless expression. We are filled with sadness, our eyes are filled with tears as our brothers and sisters approaches us with extended hands and we just don’t have anything to offer. This is a difficult situation as we called on you TO PLEASE HELP US. The first preliminary report states that over 74,000 people are affected.

The City of Puerto Cabezas (BILWI) is very much destroyed. There isn’t and electricity and no communication abroad. The only way to reach the destroyed area is by air. Therefore, the Provincial Board of the Moravian Church in Bilwi organized an emergency committee and has asked me (BISHOP OLIVER HODGSON) to inform Moravians and others of the present situation. The following reports were received about two hours ago. The reports only cover some of the communities. The Provincial Board and I are monitoring the effects in the other communities. We must say sadly that we do not have any reports about the communities where the hurricane really hit with all its force; namely, the Northern part of Bilwi, The Coco River or Wangki, The mines and Cape Gracias. Therefore, figures may climb much higher.

The Provincial Board of the Moravian Church needs urgently $6,000.00 to help us meet with emergency needs for right now. There isn’t water, food, medicine and zinc. The provincial Board treasurer told me after meeting with the emergency committee that any possible help can be deposited to the following account at the Bank BANPRO. The name of the account IN $ is IMNIC-PROYECTO DE CONSTRUCCIÒN, No. 1001 271 521 5978.

The President of the PEC is making her way just now to some of the affected Moravian Communities. I asked you to remember her in your prayers. Here are some of the preliminary reports. Please share this reports with others.

PTO CABEZAS (Bilwi):
Totally destroyed neighborhoods- Alemán, The Beach, Loma Verde, San Judas and Punta Fría.
Two Radio Stations: Caribe and The Evangelical Voice of the Caribbean Coast (Radio Veca).
11 Moravian Churches without roof and partially destroyed. Mission houses without roof. Some destroyed others partial. Robert Iobst Hall (Destroyed) Stortz Hall partially destroyed. IDSIM’S Central Office without roof and partially destroyed. IDSIM’S Warehouse (destroyed). Church Bookstore (Destroyed). Superintendent’s home (partially destroyed). John Amos Comenius High School: 10 class rooms destroyed. Moravian Schools in Bilwi without roof. Fallen fruit trees and others (80%). The entire City of Bilwi destroyed in an 80%. The Nipco and the Wawa River are still flooded.

DESTROYED COMMUNITIES NEAR PUERTO CABEZAS- PRLIMINARY REPORTS

KAMLA Destroyed
KRUKIRA 160 destroyed homes
BETANIA House without roof (1 person died)
AWASTARA 360 homes destroyed+ 20 wounded
DAKURA Community destroyed+ 9 died
TWARA Total destruction
PRATA 50 destroyed homes + 1 person died.
SISIN Total destruction including the Church building. M.House no roof.
Nazareth 101 destroyed homes.
AUYA PIHNI Destroyed homes. (1 wounded)
STA MARTA Only 4 houses remain standing.
TWAPPI 16 houses destroyed. Medical Clinic without roof.
KARATA 6 destroyed houses. Ecological destruction
WAWA BAR 10 houses destroyed
SAASHA Total destruction+ 4 died

I’ll keep you posted with fresh reports. Keep us in your prayers.

Love in Christ,

The Rt. Rev. Oliver Hodgson

Initial damage assessment from the Board of World Mission of the Moravian Church dated September 6 for Moravian Communities in Nicaragua and Honduras

Nicaragua: The Board of World Mission of the Moravian Church of North America has received an initial report on the extent of damage as a result of Hurricane Felix, which made landfall yesterday, September 4th, on the east cost of Nicaragua near Bilwi, also known as Puerto Cabezas. Bishop Oliver Hodgson was contacted in Puerto Cabezas today and he stated approximately 80% of the homes in Puerto Cabezas were destroyed. Bilwi (Puerto Cabezas) and communities north up to the Rio Coco also experienced severe hurricane damage. The two schools in Bilwi were destroyed and the roof of the Hospital is gone as are most roofs all buildings in Bilwi. The home of the President of the PEC in Nicaragua was partially destroyed. Most wooden structures have been destroyed. All highways and roads into Bilwi are gone and the harbor wharf was destroyed. The only way in to deliver supplies are by Military Air lifts. There is no electricity at this time in Bilwi.

Bishop Hodgson is the emergency responder contact for the Moravian Church in Nicaragua. An initial assessment of the damage is being conducted today by leaders of the Nicaraguan Moravian Church and a full report will be sent to the Board of World Mission by the end the day. The BWM will make the report available once received.

Honduras: Initial reports from Honduras indicated that coastal communities in Gracias A Dios were spared from high winds and have received much rain and some flooding. Contacts in Cocobila and Puerta Limpera, Honduras report little wind damage. The BWM hopes to be in contact with the Clinica Evengelica Moravia today by radio to learn of any possible Hurricane related damage.

Response: There have been no reports of casualties at this time by church leaders. Please continue to pray for our Moravian Brothers and Sisters during this difficult time. A Moravian Disaster Response Team is preparing to leave for Nicaragua within the next week. Once in place, the response team will be able to make further assessments of damage and ways to assist in the rebuilding of churches and communities damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Felix.

Sample Appeal Letter (From Lions Club in Miami)

2007-09-11T18:38:00.000-07:00

THIS IS A GOOD SAMPLE APPEAL LETTER THAT OTHERS MAY WISH TO MODIFY FOR LOCAL FUNDRAISING

APPEAL TO LIONS OF MULTIPLE DISTRICT 35

An appeal for donations is hereby made to all Lions of Multiple District 35 in view of the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Felix on the northeastern portion of the Atlantic Coast of Nicaragua.

Hurricane Felix made landfall in the northeastern town of Sandy Bay, Nicaragua on September 4, 2007, blowing off the roofs of 90 percent of the houses and knocking out electricity over a wide area.

Puerto Cabezas was the city most affected by Hurricane Felix, which hit the area as a Category 5 on the Saffir-Simpson scale.

UN rescue workers have been stunned by the intensity of the destruction wrought along the impoverished country’s northeastern coast.

90% of the area’s infrastructure was destroyed.

16,000 homes have been destroyed or d0amaged.

A total affected population of up to 300,000, mainly scattered among disperse communities, where transport and communications are extremely difficult.

Although official reports indicate that there are over 108 dead and 106 reported missing; extra-official reports put the numbers at 300 dead, 1000 missing, and 63 wounded. One report called out possible 3000 dead due to areas that have still were not inspected as of September 10^th.

5,400 wells were contaminated and 6,000 latrines destroyed

Of the 300,000 affected, 50,000 have lost everything they owned.

A fear of the spread of infectious diseases is at hand due to dead animals in/around riverbeds and other water sources. Many cases of pneumonia, respiratory ailments, malaria, and diarrhea, especially among children and adolescents have been reported.

The victims of this catastrophe are among the poorest and most vulnerable people, not just in Nicaragua, but in the whole Latin American region.

The ethnic Zumo and Mayagna Indian community of Awastingni, located in the jungle about 55 miles, northwest of Puerto Cabezas, was completely wiped out.

Preliminary reports indicate that
- More than 7,413,000 acres of forests were wiped out.
- Seven natural reserves are ruined or have disappeared.
- Six hydrographic river basins were affected.

Millions of trees were destroyed, thus increasing the chances of erosion and flooding and landslides which continue to be reported even two weeks after Felix’s run.

Hurricane Felix also ripped out large quantities of coconut, banana and mango trees, depriving inhabitants of basic foods. The upcoming harvest of rice and other vital crops has been lost, and due to salt water damage to fields it is expected that December’s harvest may be lost or severely reduced.

Communities have lost all their crops and food reserves, which is going to aggravate the already severe level of malnutrition in the area, where chronic malnutrition is estimated at 24 percent as compared to the national average of 16 percent. Livestock as well as wild animals suffered a great toll.

Extensive damage has also been reported among those living as much as 65 miles back from the coastline.

R<escuers and aid workers have struggled to reach remote villages, and so the full extent of the death and destruction is unknown.

The logistics of all emergency and rehabilitation activities is very complex, which increases costs for both transport of supplies and personnel.

The affected population is still in need o f water, medicines, food (especially powder milk and baby formula), bedding, flashlights, batteries, pampers, feminine hygiene and kitchen items (pots, pans, plastic plates, cups/glass).

An urgent call is being made for building materials, including carpentry tools, motor hand saws, saws, nails, hammers, picks, etc. If anyone has a contact with any of the hardware stores, your intercession would be greatly appreciated.

Important Note: In terms of food, rice and beans are staples of their diet. Rice and bean packets are the best source of energy they could receive. When we think relief food, we sometimes think of cans and non-perishable like that. Keep in mind that these people do not have can openers and most are not even aware of 'pork n beans' or peanut butter.

Local Lions Clubs can drop off donations to: 2201 SW 1 Street – Miami.

As soon as the container is filled it will be sent.

Your monetary donations will be greatly appreciated as transportation of donated goods is a serious problem, and great expenses are being incurred transporting the goods to the impacted communities. Additionally, rice and beans can be purchased locally in Miami, at a much cheaper price than having it shipped to Miami.
Please make all checks payable to Miami Nicaraguan Lions Club with a memo reading “Hurricane Felix”.

We Serve

Disaster Appeal from Board of World Mission (Sept. 6)

2007-09-10T14:24:00.000-07:00

Hurricane Felix Disaster Appeal

Board of World Mission of the North America Moravian Church

September 6, 2007

To: Moravian Churches in the United States and Canada

From: Will Sibert, Executive Director

The situation: Hurricane Felix struck the east coast of Nicaragua early Tuesday morning, Sept. 4 just south of Bilwi (Puerto Cabezas), provincial headquarters for the Nicaragua Moravian Church. Hurricane Felix was a category 5 storm with winds in excess of 150 mph., and destroyed over 5,000 houses and impacted 90% of the buildings in the region, according to latest estimates. Over 40 people are confirmed dead and the number continues to climb. Estimates of the financial toll of Hurricane Felix will be felt for years to come.

The Board of World Mission is sending Mark Ebert, Director of Volunteer Ministries as well as Coordinator for Moravian Disaster Response (MDR) to Nicaragua by the end of next week at the invitation of the Nicaraguan Province. Mark and his team will bring a caring spiritual presence and words of encouragement, as well as participate in assessing how best to organize work crews coming from North America to rebuild church facilities.

The following excerpts are from various sources on the ground and are intended to give a clear sense of the scope of the damage as well as the needs.

Bishop Oliver Hodgson, coordinating the Nicaragua Moravian Churches’ response, reports:

PTO CABEZAS (Bilwi): Totally destroyed neighborhoods - Alemán, The Beach, Loma Verde, San Judas and Punta Fría. Two Radio Stations: Caribe and The Evangelical Voice of the Caribbean Coast (Radio Veca). 11 Moravian Churches without roof and partially destroyed. Mission houses without roof. Some destroyed others partial. Robert Iobst Hall (Destroyed) Stortz Hall partially destroyed. IDSIM’S Central Office without roof and partially destroyed. IDSIM’S Warehouse (destroyed). Church Bookstore (Destroyed). Superintendent’s home (partially destroyed). John Amos Comenius High School: 10 class rooms destroyed. Moravian Schools in Bilwi without roof. Fallen fruit trees and others (80%). The entire City of Bilwi destroyed in an 80%. The Nipco and the Wawa River are still flooded.

Dr. John Gilliland of Hope (Indiana) Moravian Church who served in both countries –

We who have been in touch with those there who had cell phones in Honduras and Nicaragua over the past 24 hrs.

Hit hard was Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua, a coastal city about 25 miles or so from where the eye of the storm hit. It came in as a cat 5 with over 160 mph winds. It was described as "like you had dropped a bomb on the city" with the majority of the houses in the town either gone or badly damaged. Even the strongest ones were missing their roofs. Most of the trees were blown down. The smaller neighborhoods in the beach area were leveled. Nearby small communities were leveled. Many areas have not been heard from yet. So far 4 deaths have been reported in Puerto Cabezas, but more are expected as contact is made with the surrounding villages, as well as some unaccounted -for fishing vessels off shore.

Myra Rudy called and had been in contact with her son and family, Drs. Gerard and Norvelle Goff Rudy at the medical clinic/hosp. in Ahuas, Honduras. The report is that the storm went south of Ahuas and the main concern is heavy rain and the aftermath of what that means. The winds were 80 mph there. Our understanding was that there was no major structural damage there. There was no report about what happened in Cauquira, Honduras, another medical outpost facility, which is located right on the coast and closer to where the eye of the storm was.

Oswaldo Rivas reporting for Reuters
PUERTO CABEZAS, Nicaragua, Sept 5 (Reuters) - Hurricane Felix killed at least 38 people on Nicaragua's Caribbean coast and more than 80 people were missing after the storm destroyed thousands of flimsy homes, the government said on Wednesday.
As soldiers combed the area around Puerto Cabezas port, the Navy tried to reach settlements on marshy spits of land or on keys to look for more casualties from Felix, which crashed into the coast on Tuesday as an extremely powerful Category 5 hurricane.
"We had 21 dead at midday and we've now found 17 more. This figure could go up," disaster prevention chief Col. Ramon Arnesto told reporters. "There are a lot of missing people, we don't know, there could be more or less 80 people," he said.
People wept at the harbor in Puerto Cabezas, inhabited mostly by Miskito Indians, for 12 fishermen they said never returned from work.
Visiting the area, Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega said about 9,000 homes in the area were destroyed. Residents worked with police and soldiers to try to clear dozens of uprooted trees lying in the street.
"We are talking about really serious damage," Ortega said.
It was the first time on record that two Atlantic hurricanes made landfall as Category 5 storms in one season.

How Moravians can respond.

· The Board of World Mission urges sustained and continuing intercessory prayers for the victims of the hurricane and for those governments, disaster agencies and individuals who are trying to help. Moravian congregations participating in the Unity Prayer Watch in the next several months should by all means include the people of the Nicaragua and Honduras.

· The Board of World Mission is able to send immediately some funding to the Nicaraguan and Honduran Churches from reserves we now hold for just such emergencies. However, much more will be needed than what we have on hand. We encourage individuals and churches to make generous financial contributions to aid in the recovery and reconstruction efforts. The BWM is able to receive such gifts and will be happy to act on behalf of individuals and churches.

In order to create the greatest flexibility and responsiveness, the BWM has established the Moravian Disaster Response (MDR) Fund. The MDR Fund is a ready reserve of funds available immediately to buy supplies or food, send block grants if need be, insure that the necessary logistical apparatus is in place to move both people and materials as quickly to the site of the disaster as is possible, and warehouse materials and supplies so responses can be made timely and effectively.

Therefore, the BWM ask that all donations sent by congregations, organizations, and individuals be designated for THE MDR FUND, and NOT specify any particular disaster. The BWM will send out detail reports regarding how it expends these funds in support of its disaster response efforts so that the highest level of transparency and accountability is consistently available. In using this basic designation - MDR FUND – the BWM can serve both our North American Moravian Church’s needs and those of our Unity sister provinces in the most appropriate and flexible way possible right at the point of need.

· As noted earlier, the BWM is preparing to send Mark Ebert to Nicaragua next week to formulate in consultation with Provincial leadership a comprehensive rebuilding program. We anticipate that work teams will be needed well into 2008. The Board of World Mission invites persons wishing to volunteer for this kind of service to contact one of the following persons:

If your congregation wants to help in sending a team, please contact Mark Ebert at the Board of World Mission Office in Winston-Salem, 1-336-631-9050 ext 1204

The staff of the Board of World Mission is eager to answer any questions about the disaster needs in the Nicaragua and Honduras. Please contact Lisa Mixon or Kim Bartholomew in the Bethlehem office or Sheila Beaman in the Winston-Salem office.. Please send financial contributions to the Bethlehem office: PO Box 1245, Bethlehem PA 18016-1245.

Thank you for the important role of ministry and support you will have in this time of need!!

Blog Roll

2007-09-10T06:40:00.000-07:00

LoudCry has some details about the Adventists in the RAAN.
Word and Deed has some specific postings about cleaning up wells in the RAAN.
Facebook has a group called Huracán Félix-Nicaragua with lots of good resources.
Asi es mi Paiz has good links on how to help.
The Responder has a September 11 posting about United Methodist Committee on Relief's appeal.
Bridges to Community had a September 7 posting about their efforts to help in Puerto Cabezas.
The Galloping Beaver has a post on September 8, including concerns about evacuation of the Miskito Keys.
Disturbing the Comfortable has an entry entitled, "Felix's First Responders" about Rose Cunningham, a 50 year old Miskito woman who is associated with Madre.
Now Public has several links with concise syntheses of news items.
Alert.net wrote about how the Nicaraguan newspapers are covering the relief effort (September 7 posting).
Alterdestiny has a posting about how forests may have helped prevent mudslides.

Who is Funding the Relief/Recovery Effort?

2007-09-07T18:32:00.000-07:00

This is a memorable picture of Nicaragua's President Ortega greeting U.S. military officials and thanking them for the support of the relief efforts.

According to the International Herald-Tribune on September 6, Nicaragua estimates it will need at least US$30 million in recovery aid after Hurricane Felix.

United States Government

Here is a September 8 press release from the U.S. Southern Command which has delivered more than 75,000 pounds of emergency aid.

David Adams has an interesting piece on the St. Petersburg Times website about the U.S. effort, noting, "U.S. officials say the American response was already on the move before Felix hit. Before hurricane season, U.S. aid officials say they had prepositioned about $45,000 in emergency relief supplies such as hygiene kits and kitchen sets with the Nicaraguan Red Cross. In addition, the State Department had $1.5-million of emergency relief supplies ready to go in Miami."

A September 11 USAID press release noted that "USAID airlifted five planeloads of emergency relief commodities to the city of Puerto Cabezas, to help meet priority needs identified by the Nicaraguan government. The USAID commodities included 820 rolls of plastic sheeting, 3,875 blankets, 1,000 five-gallon water jugs, 3,552 family hygiene kits, as well as other emergency relief supplies."

The following is from a Sept. 7 USAID press release:

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) will provide, with disaster funding and material support, a total contribution of $1.04 million to Nicaragua in the aftermath of Hurricane Felix to date.
On September 7, USAID provided an additional $200,000 in disaster funding to Nicaragua to support immediate relief efforts in the affected areas. USAID is also providing $300,000 to the Pan American Health Organization for emergency medical activities in Nicaragua.
Additionally, USAID is airlifting more emergency relief commodities to Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua, to help meet priority needs identified by the Nicaraguan government. Identical to USAID's first shipment which arrived yesterday, the second shipment of commodities which arrived September 7th contains 120 rolls of plastic sheeting used for temporary shelters, 1,500 blankets, and 1,536 family hygiene kits. The total value of these commodities, including transportation, is $99,291.
The third and fourth airlifts, containing an additional 360 rolls of plastic sheeting and other essential commodities, will arrive in Nicaragua in the coming days. The total value of these two shipments, including transport, is $170,980.
In response to the Government of Nicaragua's request for international assistance on September 4, USAID immediately provided $150,000 to support relief efforts in addition to the $25,000 for preparedness provided prior to Felix's landfall. As a preparedness measure prior to hurricane season, approximately $45,000 in emergency relief supplies, such as hygiene kits and kitchen sets, was pre-positioned with the Nicaraguan Red Cross. These supplies are now being utilized in the affected areas.
A USAID assessment team is in Puerto Cabezas conducting on-the-ground damage and needs assessments and facilitating the distribution of commodities. Access to the affected areas is challenging. Local officials, USAID and nongovernmental organizations are coordinating efforts to quickly distribute commodities to those in need. (From a USAID press release dated Sept. 7)

Inter-American Development Bank
The Inter-American Development Bank (I.D.B.) announced September 10 a donation of $700,000 in aid of emergency for the population damaged by the hurricane Felix in the RAAN of Nicaragua, acording to El Nuevo Diario.

European Commission
Sending US$1.4 million for food, fresh water and medical supplies.

Venezualen Government
A Venezuelan Air Force plane landed on September 6 in Managua with 12 tons of supplies for the estimated 50,000 people affected this week by Hurricane Felix as it tore through the country. The C-130 plane contained drinking water, food, medicine, tools, blankets, tents and hammocks. Venezuela sent Cuban doctors and experts in damage evaluation.

Photos

2007-09-07T18:19:00.000-07:00

The photo on the left is of Puerto Cabezas after Hurricane Felix. I think the larger building in the lower right corner may be a church (see the red steeple). This photo was taken by the U.S. Navy and released on September 7.

Other photos of the area:

Miami Herald - a great series

El Nuevo Diaro - a Nicaraguan newspaper

La Prensa - a Nicaraguan newspaper

Musings on Society by Sontín Waslala

Sub Ocean Safety's Blog about Aid to Puerto Cabezas and Big Sandy Bay

2007-09-06T10:43:00.000-07:00

This blog is worth checking out for some details about delivery of water and other assistance to Puerto Cabezas and Big Sand Bay. It sounds like they're doing good work.

September 1o: Good details about contacts with Miskito leaders on the ground in the relief effort (and Sub Ocean Safety's fast relief work)
September 8: "The only way in is by air ... NOT" - that boats can get to Puerto Cabezas from Bluefields
September 7: "Critical: First water to reach Puerto Cabezas" and note some needs (donations could go to Sub Ocean Safety.com). He writes: 1) We need hundreds of huge (High "Mill" thickness) black plastic tarps to catch rainwater. This is a light and cheap donation...the best kind.2) Cash for hundreds of gallons of diesel fuel for this ship and hopefully more.3) Small operating cash for Josh, Jason and Juan. Food, batteries, minutes, hats, whatever. Sunscreen!"

About Nicaragua's North Atlantic Coast

2007-09-06T08:00:00.000-07:00

Geography

This region of Nicaragua is called the RAAN the acronym for Region Autonoma Atlantico Norte or North Atlantic Autonomous Region.

This is a good detailed map of the region: http://209.15.138.224/inmonica/m_rannx.htm.

This link is a good geographic directory of the cities and towns in the region at http://www.fallingrain.com/

Some of the prinicipal towns most often mentioned in damage assessment reports include:

Puerto Cabezas (now called Bilwi) - map

Tuapi (located north of Puerto Cabezas) - a pre-hurricane video "Paseo a Tuapi"

An article about Krukira from the International Federation of Red Cross Societies
Dukura

Miskito Keys (or Miskito Cays) - photo

Sandy Bay [or Big Sandy Bay] (located north of Tuapi) - here's a YouTube video

Siuna - in the mining area

Waspam (on the Rio Coco on the border with Honduras) -- here's another link with a lot of pictures

The photo is of the pastor of the Moravian Church in Krukira -- families sought refuge in the church building as the eye of the hurricane passed directly overhead.

Culture, Autonomous Government

Native Languages' site has several links for Miskito language and culture.

Cultural Survival has several articles on the indigenous people of the Atlantic Coast. Here's an interesting one about higher education for the multicultural communities served by the University of the Autonomous Regions of the Caribbean Coast of Nicaragua.

The Inter-American Development Bank has a good 2001 article about governance systems in the RAAN entitled, "The Search for a New Kind of Government."

NicaLiving Discussion Forums

2007-09-05T11:53:00.000-07:00

While I didn't find the following discussion forums too helpful, the questions and answers may pick up. Here are a couple Nicaliving.com discussion forums: