Nicaragua Hurricane - September 2007

The category five storms slammed into the Northern Coast of Nicaragua near the border with Honduras on September 4th 2007. Winds of 160 miles an hour and 20 foot high waves flattened many small coastal villages killing hundreds of people and destroying around 9,000 homes.

The disaster affected more than 40,000 people. Much of the destruction happened in and around the Nicaraguan city of Bilwi (Puerto Cabezas) where the infrastructure was severely damaged. Miskito Indian communities, many of whom live in hard to reach villages and depend on farming and fishing, were among the worst hit.

In some areas, 95% of crops were destroyed and water supplies contaminated, leaving survivors vulnerable to the spread of disease.

Houses in isolated communities along the Coco River were completely annihilated and in hard to reach areas, supplies of food and medicines ran dangerously low as rescue workers battled to get through to survivors.

Vital resources provided

With the support of the Scottish public, SCIAF contributed £9,900 to pay for a five week emergency relief package. Working alongside local partner CANTERA, SCIAF provided practical help to survivors in five communities in Northern Nicaragua.

In the community of Santa Marta, roofing materials, enabled 25 families to rebuild their damaged homes. SCIAF also supplied 100 Miskito families with food packages to keep them going during the construction period.

You can help SCIAF to continue its life saving work – Donate Now.