This November Nicaragua has experienced an unprecedented TWO category 4 hurricanes, causing widespread catastrophic damage.
On November 4th Hurricane Eta slammed into the northern Caribbean coast, hitting one of the most vulnerable communities in the entire country. The hurricane brought 140 mph winds and 3 feet of rain, causing catastrophic flooding, 20 foot storm surges and mudslides.
Hurricane Iota arrived just two weeks later on November 17th while the country was only just beginning its recovery from Eta. The path of this storm was identical to the last. Iota arrived as a category 4 Hurricane as well, only 2 mph short of a category 5. With sustained winds near 155 mph, the storm is being referred to strongest storm to ever hit Nicaragua. More than 60,000 people were affected by the storm. Communications were cut off in many communities due to black outs and snapped power lines. Communities are still inaccessible due to flooding, damage to roads or downed lines. In essence, what Eta left partially destroyed, Iota finished.
The misfortune, loss and damage caused by these two massive hurricanes is still being calculated. The immense damage is not only affecting people, but their beloved animals as well. As you might understand, with the limited government resources, evacuations and aid were only offered to humans. Pets, working animals and livestock were all left behind to fend for themselves. We will never truly know the loss of life or amount of suffering.
Without an alternative, many animals were left to suffer or die alone while battered by these relentless storms. Currently, there are NO international programs or domestic agencies in Nicaragua helping these animals. Individual animal lovers and small local animal welfare organizations are working their best to manage swelling capacity with no extra financial support from their government. It is gut wrenching.
With years of political unrest, a poorly managed pandemic and now these two hurricanes, it has been a devastating couple of years for Nicaragua. We continue to offer as much support as we can for animal emergencies, sterilization and wellness clinics and our working equine support.
We at NicaLove want to offer relief to as many animals as we can reach. There is so much work to be done. We are truly grateful for your support.
