November 6, 1998
November 2, 1998—Hurricane Mitch has proved to be one of the most devastating storms to hit Central America this decade.
Without counting the hundreds who have still not surfaced after mud and rock slides in many communities, the storm has reportedly killed more than 5,000 people in Honduras alone, including Mayor Cesar Castellanos of Tegucigalpa. In Nicaragua, an estimated 1,500 people are reported dead. Estimates for the other countries of the Central American region put the death toll at 400.
Nicaraguans are astounded by the number of deaths in their country and have compared this storm to the earthquake in 1972 that took thousands of lives. Wiping out bridges and flooding roads, the people of the cities and villages throughout Central America find themselves isolated, without food, electricity, running water, and often, their homes.
With this degree of isolation, hunger, and lack of sanitation, water-borne diseases are a major threat to these populations.
The national Red Cross societies have been dispatching volunteers and staff to evacuate victims and distribute emergency supplies. Food needs are being assessed, as many communities in Honduras and Nicaragua have lost crops.
Other materials for distribution include blankets, chlorine, kitchen tools, soap, and hygiene kits to the over 4 million affected people throughout Central America.
As the needs of the communities escalate with each passing moment, the need for assistance grows dramatically. With the destruction of so many homes, the housing needs of thousands throughout the region will also be a major Red Cross priority in their relief effort.
Red Cross Action in Affected Countries
Nicaragua
Because of the level of destruction this storm has caused, it is not yet clear how many have died. The exact number of Nicaraguans affected by this catastrophe is not known, but it is estimated to be at least 225,000.
Several communities in Nicaragua have been dismembered as mud and rock slides covered their neighborhoods; in one community at the foot of the Casitas Volcano, just under 100 of 2,000 residents have been confirmed alive, and the rest have been classified as missing.
Despite the challenges presented by flooded roads, fallen bridges and the lack of operational communication systems, the Red Cross has been rescuing those buried in the mudslides, and stranded by flooding. A team of Red Cross workers cooperated with firefighters over the weekend to rescue survivors in the villages wiped out by mudslides at the foot of the Casitas volcano.
The emergency phase of this operation is expected to be quite lengthy due to the scale and magnitude of the emergency.
Honduras
The State of Honduras has declared a state of emergency. In the capital alone, victims have lost nearly one-third of their homes, most bridges, and over 130 people have died.
Nationwide, the scale of the ruination is clear: bodies floating in muddied flood waters in the cities, people standing on rooftops seeking rescue, homeless residents crowding into badly equipped shelters, closed schools and public buildings, and looted supermarkets. The airport in Tegucigalpa remains closed, and communication lines are disabled, making relief operations much more difficult.
El Salvador
On Saturday, El Salvador also declared a state of emergency. Thousands of storm victims have been evacuated, hundreds are missing, and many are now homeless, seeking refuge in shelters. At this point, communications in many parts of the country have failed, including the Gulf of Fonseca area, because of this the Red Cross regional societies have not been able to establish communication among themselves, making rescue operations even more complex. Like in the rest of Central America, there has been great loss of infrastructure in El Salvador including the destruction of bridges, lines of communication, crops, and homes.
Guatemala
An estimated 40 people have died in Guatemala, and another 150 are reported missing. Twenty seven thousand people have been evacuated from their homes, and are currently being housed in shelters in Izabal, Zacapa and Alta Verapaz. Several communities are completely isolated and struggle to survive.
Costa Rica
The National Emergency Commission has declared the country under red alert as the Pacific coast has been drenched by strong rains and mudslides. Three people in Costa Rica have already died and another three are missing. Overflowing waters from the Balaazar River have forced the evacuation of over one thousand people, including those in a local hospital. The storm has caused notable damage to infrastructure including bridges, schools and homes.
Mexico
Last week 25,000 tourists were evacuated and 20,000 residents sought refuge in shelters. One person has died in the storm.
Panama
Over 15,000 people have been affected by serious flooding in Panama. During a two-week period, the Red Cross will provide 1,500 families with food parcels.
American Red Cross Action
The American Red Cross has committed $25,000 for immediate disaster relief operations. In addition, the organization is exploring the shipment of selected relief supplies to affected areas, with special consideration to priority items as assessed by national Red Cross Societies. Assistance will be provided in close coordination with the national societies of each nation.
Disaster Welfare Inquiries
International Disaster Welfare Inquiries should be made through your local Red Cross.
For inquiries concerning U.S. citizens, please call the U.S. Department of State, American Citizens Services for Hurricane Mitch, at (202) 647-6614. This number is frequently busy during the first days of a large disaster.
Currently, the Red Cross is assessing food needs and extent of damage, and plans to distribute food parcels, soap, and blankets to 2,500 families. Warehouses are now available and ready to house such relief items as food, blankets, clothing and water, that are so desperately needed. If you can help with the relief effort you can contact the the local Red Cross office at the following address:
San Diego/Imperial Counties Chapter
Address:
American Red Cross
3650 5th Ave
San Diego, CA 92103-4220
Phone: 619-291-2620
Fax: 619-295-8659
Return
to Homepage