Emergency Assistance to Nicaragua

Nicaragua

Hurricane Mitch, the powerful tropical storm that struck Central America late October 1998, leaving a trail of destruction in several countries including Nicaragua. High winds and torrential rain distructed the country's northern department of Chinandega, Chichigalpa, Leon and Esteli. Flooding and landslides are widespread cutting of many communities, entire villages have been swept away from the slopes of volcano Casitas. Estimates put the death toll at 1,300 and total affected population at over half a million. Roads, bridges have been severely damaged and large areas of farmland and inundated. The OPEC Fund's assistance contributed towards urgently needed relief supplies including food, drinking water and cooking utensils for 7,500 families.