Christian Aid has launched a fundraising appeal to help those left without shelter, food or water following the devastating effects of two category 4 hurricanes – Eta and Iota - in Central America. Reports indicate that more than five million people have been affected across the region with a significant percentage left without safe homes or a means to earn a living.
Christian Aid had already started a response in Nicaragua through local partner Soppexcca thanks to £40,000 from the Start Fund to help people affected by Eta. Distributions of food and hygiene kits had barely begun when Hurricane Iota hit the country last week, exacerbating the already dire situation and increasing the need for humanitarian assistance.
Moises Gonzalez, Christian Aid’s Head of Latin America and the Caribbean, based in the capital, Managua, said: “Climate change is making weather more extreme and more unpredictable and is hitting our poorest and most vulnerable communities hardest. These two major hurricanes, striking within two weeks of each other, have devastated parts of Central America.
“The added threat of COVID-19 is compounding the vulnerability of affected people in Nicaragua, Honduras and Guatemala, making their situation twice as difficult and making it more challenging for us and our partners to reach them safely. International aid must coordinate with government and support its capacity and that of civil society.”
Christian Aid is working with local partners in Nicaragua, Honduras and Guatemala. Relief efforts will concentrate on where the need is greatest.
To donate to the appeal, please visit
www.christianaid.org.uk/appeals/emergencies/hurricane-iota-emergency-appeal
Notes to editors
1. According to the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, a category 4 hurricane typically has wind speeds between 130 and 156 miles per hour and catastrophic damage will occur. Homes may lose most of their roofs and some exterior walls, and most trees will be uprooted or snapped. Fallen power poles and trees will isolate residential areas. Power outages may last weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.
2. The Start Fund is collectively owned and managed by Start Network’s members, and supported by the governments of the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Netherlands, Germany, Jersey and the IKEA Foundation. It provides rapid financing to underfunded crises, filling a critical gap in humanitarian financing.
