Action by Churches Together (ACT)
Alert - Update Nicaragua - 2/2002
Nicaragua - Floods
Geneva, 5 June, 2002


Heavy rains in the Pacific region of Nicaragua are causing extensive
damage.  According to the last information from the National System for
Prevention and Mitigation of Disasters (SNPMAD), the heavy rains have
affected 51 municipalities, 108 communities, 1,193 houses and
approximately 10,000 people. 27 roads have been partially damaged and 17
bridges damaged or destroyed.

The department (geographical region) most affected is Managua. However,
there are reports of rivers having overflowed in Chinandega, Matagalpa,
Nueva Segovia, and the south of the country. 2,325 persons have been
evacuated and were accommodated in 22 shelters. 50% of the evacuated
population were children.

The yellow alert that was issued has been suspended. However, the
government will maintain the state of emergency in response to the natural
disaster for another 30 days. The population is starting to return to
their homes. The government in co-ordination with international agencies
has provided immediate relief aid such as food, blankets and mattresses.

The ACT members in Nicaragua, the Lutheran Church of Nicaragua, CIEETS and
Christian Medical Action completed an assessment of the situation in their
areas of work. The Lutheran Church helped with the evacuation of the
population. Although the most affected communities fall in the CIEETS
coverage area, the ACT members in Nicaragua have decided to present a
joint appeal to provide support to the affected population, drawing on
their respective areas of expertise. An ACT appeal might be forthcoming
for the reconstruction phase.

Thank you for your attention.

For further information please contact:

ACT Co-ordinator, Thor-Arne Prois (phone ++41 22 791 6033 or mobile phone
++ 41 79 203 6055)
or
ACT Appeals Officer, Elsa Moreno (phone +41 22 791 6420 or mobile phone
++41 79 608 81 33)


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Action by Churches Together (ACT) is a worldwide alliance of churches and
their related agencies, meeting human need through co-ordinated emergency
response.  The ACT Coordinating Office is based with the World Council of
Churches (WCC) and the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) in Switzerland.
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   Ecumenical Centre                          Phone: ++41-22-791.60.33
   150, route de Ferney                         Fax: ++41-22-791.65.06
   P.O. Box 2100                             E-Mail: act@wcc-coe.org
   1211 Geneva 2                              Telex: 415 730 OIK CH
   Switzerland                                 http://www.act-intl.org


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Volunteers in Technical Assistance
                                          web: www.cidi.org
                                     listserv: www.cidi.org/listsub.htm
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