Nicaragua - ACT: 14-Jun-01

Action by Churches Together (ACT) Appeal - Nicaragua Disaster Preparedness & Mitigation - LANI-11 Appeal Target: US$ 130,145 Geneva, 14 June 2001

Nicaragua is a country that has suffered the destruction of its capital twice in a 40-year period and furthermore punished during this same time by devastating hurricanes. Its climate, belonging to a tropical ecosystem, presents great variations in precipitation through which the country oscillates between cycles of drought and flooding. The corridor of tropical cyclones that lash the Atlantic every year crosses Nicaragua provoking extensive flooding or landslides on unstable lands. ACT International has been present in the process of accompaniment of the affected communities since 1994. The organisations that now form ACT Nicaragua carried out humanitarian aid, rehabilitation and reconstruction projects immediately after Hurricane Mitch, attending to the populations that were directly affected by the disaster. Comprehensive work was carried out during the emergency period followed by rehabilitation and reconstruction activities which concluded in March of this year. As a follow-up, ACT Nicaragua is proposing a program for local disaster preparedness and mitigation for the most vulnerable communities in the Atlantic and Pacific Coast where its members have a presence. The three ACT members in Nicaragua, participating in this proposal, are: Christian Medical Action (AMC), the Interchurch Center for Theological and Social (CIEETS) and the Lutheran Church of Nicaragua (ILFE). The programmes proposed include: Training Social communication campaigns Advocacy and lobbing Systematisation of organisational experiences The program will have a co-ordinated approach but it will be implemented individually by each member. The present appeal includes the AMC project only. The projects from CIEETS and the Lutheran Church will be included in a forthcoming revision. Project Completion Date: 30 June 2002 Summary of Appeal Targets, Pledges/Contributions Received and Balance Requested US$ Total Appeal Target(s) 130,145 Less: Pledges/Contr. Recd. 0 Balance Requested from ACT Network 130,145 Ms. Genevieve Jacques Thor-Arne Prois Rev. Rudolf Hinz Director ACT Coordinator Director WCC/Cluster on Relations LWF/World Service REQUESTING ACT MEMBER INFORMATION ACT Nicaragua IMPLEMENTING ACT MEMBER & PARTNER INFORMATION ACT Nicaragua consists of the ACT implementing members in Nicaragua who have been working in disaster response. It is composed of the following organisations that carry out educational and community health activities for the promotion of development in rural and indigenous communities. Christian Medical Action (AMC) Christian Medical Action is a Christian non-governmental organisation founded in 1984. Since 1989 it has implemented a community health program benefiting 30,000 people in a sustained fashion in the Atlantic Coastal region of Nicaragua and in Matagalpa. Since Hurricane Mitch in October 1998, it has covered 115 communities and approximately 60,461 people. The organisation is defined as ecumenical, with activities in health service and development as an expression of Christian practice. Its mission states: AMC is a Christian organisation that implements community health and development activities in poor communities of Nicaragua, with an emphasis on women, children and adolescents. AMC has accumulated experience in disaster situations that have occurred in the last 10 years and in the face of Hurricane Mitch has played a very important role, making a valuable contribution to the survival of and relief for more than 90,000 people that were seriously affected. The Interchurch Center for Theological and Social (CIEETS) The Interchurch Center for Theological and Social was founded by protestant churches and ecumenical service organisations as a non-profit educational and development organisation on 29 July 1986 in the city of Managua. Its mission defines the organisation as "an integrated rural educational and development organisation, formed by evangelical churches and ecumenical service organisations in order to promote holistic theological education, sustainable human development and interdisciplinary research with the purpose of raising the quality of the churches' ministries and their community programs as well as contributing to improvement in the living conditions of the population." The CIEETS General Assembly is composed of 33 organisations including pastoral committees and evangelical churches in the country. Since its founding, CIEETS has given special attention to the processes of rehabilitation and development of the various populations with which it has worked. It has broad experience in attention to peasant and indigenous communities. The fulfilment of its mission and objectives is achieved through three programmatic areas: the Institute for Agricultural and Environmental Co-operation, the Evangelical School for Theological Studies and the Institute for Pastoral Action and Ecumenical Co-operation. Support areas are the Institute for Social Communication for Development, the George Casalis Central Library, Training of Human Resources, the Administrative and Program Offices and PME. "Faith and Hope" Lutheran Church of Nicaragua (ILFE) "Faith and Hope" Lutheran Church of Nicaragua (ILFE) was legally established on 18 November 1990. Its headquarters is located in the nation's capital, with local churches and offices in various locations around the country. It has carried out emergency actions to confront the effects of Hurricane Joan in 1987, the tidal wave in 1992, Hurricane Mitch in 1998, the Masaya earthquake in 2000 and Hurricane Keith in that same year. ILFE's experience in these situations has allowed them to effectively provide holistic assistance to the victims of natural phenomenon. DESCRIPTION OF THE SITUATION Background Nicaragua is a country that has suffered the destruction of its capital twice in a 40-year period and has been punished during this same time by catastrophic hurricanes. Its climate, belonging to a tropical ecosystem, presents great variations in precipitation through which the country oscillates between cycles of drought and flooding. The corridor of tropical cyclones that lash the Atlantic every year crosses Nicaragua due to its geographical position provoking extensive flooding or landslides on unstable lands. A list of the 28 major disasters that occurred in Latin America and the Caribbean between 1972 and 1998 reveals that eight took place in Nicaragua. Of these, four were climatic, three were seismic and volcanic, and two were armed conflicts. Flooding is the most frequent type of disasters and among the most destructive. In 1982, the storm Alleta caused severe flooding in the western part of the country, resulting in many deaths. In 1990, flooding affected 100,000 people along the banks of the Prinzapolka and Bambana Rivers, and in 1998, the rains brought by Hurricane Mitch caused human and material damages that were without precedent in the history of climatic disasters in Nicaragua. ACT International has been present in the process of accompaniment of the affected communities since 1994. The three organisations that now form ACT Nicaragua carried out humanitarian aid and implemented rehabilitation and reconstruction projects immediately after Hurricane Mitch, attending to the populations that were directly affected by the disaster. Comprehensive work was carried out during the emergency period followed by rehabilitation and reconstruction components which concluded in March of this year. ACT Nicaragua is involved in various co-ordination efforts both nationally as well as internationally. It belongs to the Meso-American Christian Commission (CCM) which has proposed the Training of Human Resources in Disasters as a strategy to mitigate vulnerability. It is also a member of the Co-ordinating Organisations that work on children's issues (CODENI) and participates in the Commission for the Prevention, Mitigation and Attention to Disasters of the Civil Co-ordinator for Emergency and Reconstruction (CCER). In addition, it participates in the National System for the Prevention, Mitigation and Attention to Disasters. Current situation As a result of work carried out by the three organisations, some of the human development indicators in the most vulnerable communities have been significantly changed with relevant changes in food security, in the protection of natural resources, in maternal and infant mortality as well as in the coverage of basic services including social infrastructure and sanitation. In the area of social development, the processes of organisation and community participation have been strengthened, as well as the participation of women in the socio-productive activities of the community. During the time that members of ACT Nicaragua have been present in these areas, the following limiting factors have been detected: The communities do not have sufficient information and knowledge about the risks and vulnerability to disasters. The local capacity to respond to an eventual emergency caused by a disaster is situational, ineffective and disorganised. In other words, in order to strengthen local capacities, there should be an accompanying access to information which is key to preparing the community to confront a disaster situation. The response of the various actors seems to be spontaneous and isolated due to lack of co-ordination and the absence of networks that allow effective activities for prevention as well as immediate, medium-term and long-term response activities. The community health system and the institutional health system lack links to promote disaster prevention and mitigation activities. Action in the area of mental health does not exist or is scarce. This makes any intervention less effective in care of the affected population groups, especially children, women and senior citizens. The methodological and technical capacity of the teams is directed at a general vision of disaster management that should also have a local focus for risk reduction. It should also include a gender approach because the strengthening of the teams' capacities should serve as an institutional strategy for the promotion of development. In view of all of the above, ACT Nicaragua attempts to contribute to the preparation of the most vulnerable communities, facilitating those elements needed to allow them to be better informed and organised to face and even prevent future disasters. Location of the proposed Response Many of the communities in which ACT Nicaragua has a presence are found in areas with high vulnerability and great risk of flooding, landslides, drought and earthquakes as well as human instigated disasters such as wars and chemical spills. These areas are: North Atlantic Region: The area is characterised by periodic flooding, affecting indigenous Miskito communities in the rainy season which lasts for eight months each year. The greatest rainfall occurs in the months from September to November. The communities do not have the means to lessen their vulnerability - part of this problem is the marginalization of the region by the state. Western Region: The communities of this area are located on the slopes of hills and volcanoes and on the banks of the rivers - the scene of the greatest mudslide in the history of Nicaragua during Hurricane Mitch. Currently, there are new settlements in the locations that were affected by Mitch. These areas are also vulnerable to epidemics because of the transition from rural customs to a more urban setting. North Central Region: Because of its irregular topography, the communities in this area face a constant threat of flooding, mudslides, and soil displacement. To the north of the area, there is little vegetation at the higher elevations, the soils are rocky and gravel, with inclines of approximately 50% to 60% and shallow black soil (8 cms.). Southern Region: Small populations are located short distances from rivers and brooks. The areas adjacent to Lake Managua in Managua are very populated and, during Hurricane Mitch, the lake invaded these habitats. In the rainy season the water level reaches new highs each time, affecting the population with periodic flooding. The people have accumulated experience in responding to disaster, but not in preventing or mitigating the effects of disasters. GOAL & OBJECTIVES To contribute to the preparation of vulnerable communities on the Atlantic and Pacific Coasts of Nicaragua for local risk management Objectives To strengthen the communities through community organisation/participation to confront the problems of risk and vulnerability to disasters. To supply promoters and leaders with the basic tools for effective local risk management. To promote a change in the culture of the communities from a traditional emergency approach to a culture of prevention that directs the vision for development. Expected outcomes To modify the attitudes and practices of the population in the face of disasters by raising awareness within the relevant social actors in the community of the vulnerabilities and risks in the face of disasters. To consolidate community participation in decreasing the disaster risks. To achieve an optimal level of negotiation with diverse governmental and non-governmental entities with which ACT Nicaragua has relationships, which would assist in building capacity to deal with future disasters. To contribute to community preparation to handle the mental trauma post-disaster To strengthen the local health system (community and institutional) and its interaction with other actors in disaster situations. To systematise the organisation's experiences of interventions in prevention activities and response to disasters. To strengthen the capacities of the technical team in local risk management. TARGETED BENEFICIARIES Beneficiaries have been targeted using the following criteria: Institutional presence of the members of ACT Nicaragua in these communities. High level of risk for natural disasters and vulnerability. Geographic accessibility that allows for territorial concentration and the maximisation of resources. Level of attention by other actors. Organisational capacity of the communities. PROPOSED ASSISTANCE & IMPLEMENTATION Evaluating the current situation, it is believed that there are abilities within the communities that should be strengthened with a focus on disaster prevention and mitigation. There is high vulnerability to disasters manifested by: poor management of the environment and natural resources, inappropriate location of human settlements, lack of knowledge and little ability to identify the risks to which the community is exposed and the spontaneous ways in which communities react to events. The above reflection has presented the need to concentrate work on the prevention, mitigation and attention to disasters using the following components: Training in the following fields: Disaster Prevention To offer basic information about how to prevent or to face an emergency situation . Community Organization To elevate the organisational level of the communities, decrease the levels of dependency, strengthen community organisations and incorporate local risk management. A community culture of solidarity and volunteer work will be created that allows for analysis of vulnerability and the joint development of a Local Plan for Mitigation and Prevention with full citizen participation. Health Health education in the face of disasters will be built through this component, supported and strengthened with social communication. Attempts will be made to link the channels of co-operation and intervention between the community agencies and public health services in order to implement prevention and care activities in emergency and disaster situations. Mental Health The preparation of the community for the care of those affected by disasters, principally children, women and senior citizens, through the training of mental health promoters. Social communication Promotes the implementation of massive social communication campaigns falling under the umbrella of Preparation and Prevention of Disasters. Contests, recreational activities, assemblies, posters, brochures, videos will be used. Advocacy and Lobbying The participation of civil society will be promoted in two ways: through communities and through the formation of risk management networks, local governments and corresponding agencies. Systematisation Strengthening of the capacity of the teams with technical assistance and methodology taken from lessons learnt. METHODOLOGY Informal educational methods and transformer pedagogy will be used with the most vulnerable groups, stimulating equitable participation between the genders, the cultural integration of the learning and reflection processes * action through the process of Participatory Action Research. The training is directed towards developing community participative processes in risk management, which will be expressed in the strengthening of local capacities to identify the conditions that generate risk and proposals for solutions for the short, medium and long term. These are directed towards sustainability in risk prevention and mitigation. Another kind of intervention will be the collective creation and transmitting of social communication messages through the mass media, using cultural manifestations and traditional means of communication. There will be promotion of equitable community participation and the involvement of various social actors along with the strengthening of the social fabric and stimulation of the formation of social networks for intervention during disasters. Maps of threats, vulnerabilities and risks (eg. environmental, physical and mental health) will be developed for planning purposes along with the formation of self-help groups, training of mental health care, agro-ecological and community health promoters and community leaders. Community and institutional health services will be strengthened for the implementation of prevention activities. Information related to prevention actions and disaster response will be organised. ADMINISTRATION, FINANCE, MONITORING & REPORTING Administration ACT Nicaragua will set up a general co-ordination team formed by the executive directors of the network's member institutions. The basic mission of this team will be to assure, on the macro level, the implementation of the project in all of its components, to administer the human, material and financial resources of the project in such a way that goals and objectives are assured. Monitoring This co-ordination team will also carry out overall monitoring of the project and facilitate external evaluations of its components based on the project objectives. It will be the highest authority for decision-making and liaison with ACT in Geneva. The co-ordinating team will be supported by the project co-ordinators who will be supported, at the same time, by the local teams. Formats with a gender approach exist to record information in a systematic manner to provide for monitoring and evaluation of the project which will be applied on follow-up visits and/or work sessions. For the purpose of follow-up on implementation, the co-ordinating team will establish working sessions and exchanges about the work completed. For the management of the community organisation processes, feedback sessions will be established to share methodology and intervention strategies. In each of the areas, there will be qualified technical personnel and volunteers for the grassroots work. Finance The funds assigned by ACT International will be deposited in an independent bank account for disbursement according to the implementation of the project. The three member organisations of ACT Nicaragua have a computerised accounting system that allows the evaluation of costs as well as financial analysis of the projects. The assigned budget and its categories will be installed in the computerised accounting system, with the purpose of monitoring the execution of the budget. A monthly balance will be calculated for project management. At the conclusion of the project, an audited financial report will be presented to ACT International. The auditing firm may be selected by ACT International. The reports will be presented following the ACT guidelines. IMPLEMENTATION TIMETABLE The project will have a duration of one year beginning with its approval and the first disbursement. July 2001 to 30 June 2002. CO-ORDINATION Periodic meetings will be held with other aid agencies to analyse the results and the problems, as well as to seek joint solutions to these in the beneficiary communities. Other entities involved in the co-ordination include the Ministry of Health (health work) and the municipal offices. Integration of the local churches and their organisations are important to the co-ordination because of their mobilisation capabilities and participation as change agents. Other organisations will be involved in the co-ordination processes according to the areas in which they are located. The project co-ordinators and the program or area director will be charged with making visits to offer advice, supervision and monitoring to the degree that the project is advanced in each local expression. CHRISTIAN MEDICAL ACTION PROJECT TARGETTED BENEFICIARIES 20,150 persons from 39 communities in the Atlantic Coast and in the Pacific Region. They are located as follows: REGION No. OF COMMUNITIES TOTAL 1. ATLÁNTIC Upper Coco River 23 11,946 Pilpilia Kitasky Sang Sang Wiwinak Suak Suakia Casa Sola II Santa Fé Amaky Namahka Klisnak Krin Krin Wasputá San Jerónimo San Alberto Kisubila Casa Sola I Tulankira San Carlos Cocal El Carmen Esperanza Tulinbila San Esquipulas 2. PACIFIC San Francisco Libre-Managua 7 6,104 Los Piches Settlement Los Tiezos Settlement El Granero Settlement Villa Esperanza Settlement San Ramón Community Rio Grande El Obraje-Las Lomas-Pacora San Isidro 9 2,100 Llano Boquerón Malpaso El Tule San Ramón de las Uvas Ochoas Sabanetas Almendro Coyol Cerro La Mina La Sidra TOTAL 39 20,150 PROPOSED EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE & IMPLEMENTATION Taking into consideration the characteristics and objectives that are sought in this project, AMC proposes the following components: Training High risk groups: this consists of offering basic information about how to prevent or to face an emergency situation caused by disaster and will be directed at children, parents, teachers and high risk population groups or those that are located along river banks, creeks, hills, bridges, etc. Local Organization: includes the execution of meetings of community leaders and organisations on how to face a possible disaster in their communities in an organised manner. Local Heath System: directed at offering information to community health agents (brigade workers, midwives, health promoters) about how they can face the health situation in an emergency caused by natural phenomenon. Mental Health Promoters: has the purpose of following up on the training of youth, teachers, and inhabitants that carry out therapeutic work in the face of the threat of disaster. This element encompasses special assistance in some cases where a disaster has already occurred while the promoters work in a preventative manner. Social Communication Promotes the implementation of massive social communication campaigns falling under the umbrella issue of Preparation and Prevention of Disasters. Contests, recreational activities, assemblies, posters, brochures, videos will be used. A video will be made in the three execution areas of the project. Advocacy Is directed at creating awareness among local and municipal authorities about the level of risk experienced by the most unprotected populations in a particular place. For this purpose, there will be support for gatherings, joint meetings and visits will be implemented in which the affected populations may present their difficulties and alternative solutions to these, seeking support of the corresponding authorities for these. Systematisation Emerges from the need to compile all of this experience. With this idea, efforts will be made to hold technical and methodological sessions for the local teams through which basic information may be obtained on criteria, work methodology and procedures for the compilation of the information. The results obtained from these will be compiled, processed and made known in the six months following the conclusion of the project. ADMINISTRATION, FINANCE, MONITORING & REPORTING For the implementation of this project, AMC will have, in each of the three implementation areas, a Local Team composed of an average of three people who will be charged with promotion and oversight of both the strategic and methodological compliance of the project. In these places, the integration and active participation of the community in each of the planned activities will be promoted. The Local Teams will have the following personnel: 1 Local Director is charged with directing, co-ordinating, propelling the project and administering the funds allocated to that location. This person will have ongoing communication with the Project Manager. 1 Educator develops the work of sensitizing the population on issues of community interest, making use of informal education methodology. This person will be in direct communication with and will relate to the Project Director. 1 Promoter promotes the integration of the communities in activities, whether they are construction of infrastructure, gardens, etc. The following personnel will be at the Central Level: Project Manager is part of the team with the Local Directors and provides oversight for adequate management of human, financial and economic resources in the three geographic areas. This person does both field work and administrative work Executive Assistant is charged with establishing coherence between the emergency-prevention program and the rest of the AMC general program. This person reviews narrative and financial reports to ensure that they comply with AMC policy and established agreements. At the same time, the person will establish co-ordination with the Project Manager, in this way assessing the progress or difficulties encountered (the project makes a partial contribution toward this function). Information Systems Manager is the person charged with maintaining the information generated from the projects to the central level: statistical data, situation rooms, monitoring, reports (the project makes a partial contribution toward this function). Accountant is charged with the control over income and expenses from the budget destined for this project. BUDGET ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE Description Type of No of Unit Cost Budget Unit Units US$ US$ DISASTER PREVENTION TRAINING Food Snacks for meetings in 39 communities Snack 2,574 1 2,574 Snacks for educational activities in 19 schools Snack 342 1 342 Snacks for meetings with parents in 3 zones Snack 630 1 630 Snacks for activities w/ children in 39 comm. Snack 390 1 390 Travel Expenses Expenses for 47 meetings on civil defense Day/person 235 10 2,350 Paper & Educational Material T.V. and video kits for 3 zones Kit/Zone 3 500 1,500 Brochures, posterboards, markers etc for 39 schools Kit/School 39 50 1,950 Sub Total 9,736 Description Type of No of Unit Cost Budget Unit Units US$ US$ LOCAL ORGANIZATION TRAINING Food Snacks for 6 workshops in 3 zones Snack 1,170 3 3,510 Snacks -community evacuation activities Snack 1,950 3 5,850 Travel Expenses Expenses for 6 workshops on civil defense Day/person 30 7 210 Support Inputs Raincoats, lanterns & car bullhorns 39 communities Kit 39 200 7,800 Sub Total 17,370 PREPARATION OF LOCAL HEALTH SYSTEMS TO FACE DISASTERS Food Snacks for 6 workshops Snack 90 3 270 Travel Expenses Expenses for 18 facilitators Day/person 18 7 126 Books Fliers, brochures, newsprints, poster boards, etc 3 zones Kit/zone 3 80 240 Maintenance of Means of Transportation Partial support to 3 local ambulances Ambulance 3 420 1,260 Miscellaneous Materials Sets for situation rooms for 39 communities Kit 39 65 2,535 Sub total 4,431 TRAINING MENTAL HEALTH PROMOTERS TO FACE DISASTERS Food Meals for promoters in 6 workshops Meal 120 5 600 Educational Material Photocopies Unit 1,000 1 1,000 Sub total 1,600 SOCIAL COMMUNICATION FACILITATORS TRAINING Travel Expenses Expenses for facilitators in 3 zones Day/person 12 7 84 Paper and Educational Material Banners, paint & brushes for 39 communities Kit 39 48 1,872 Videos Elaboration, filming & editing 1 video (3 zones) Video 1 4,000 4,000 Assemblies Rental of assembly rooms in 39 communities Day 39 20 780 Other Posters on disaster prevention Unit 1,000 5 5,000 Fliers and brochures Unit 2,000 1 2,000 Sub Total 13,736 ADVOCACY Stationery and other materials Material distribution local emerg.committees Kit 9 200 1,800 Travel Expenses Expenses for 36 facilitators Day/person 36 7 252 Assurance of Meetings Hospitality for 4 meetings Snack 120 3 360 Sub Total 2,412 Description Type of No of Unit Cost Budget Unit Units US$ US$ SYSTEMATIZATION Food Meals for 3 workshops Meal 60 20 1,200 Travel Expenses Expenses for 2 facilitators Day/person 12 10 120 Supplies for Compilation and Production Computer equipment and stationery Unit 1 3,000 3,000 Printed Material Books, magazines and fliers for 3 zones Kit 3 500 1,500 Sub Total 5,820 INFORMATION SYSTEM Report Production Paper, disks, printer cartridges & photocopies Unit 2 500 1,000 Information Dissemination National and int'l mail, newsletters & binding Unit 2 500 1,000 Network Operation Maintenance of 4 computers Unit 4 200 800 Sub Total 2,800 SALARIES & BENEFITS FOR FIELD STAFF Salaries Project educators (3 persons) Month 12 350 12,600 Promoters (3 persons) Month 12 200 7,200 Local directors (3 persons) Month 12 450 16,200 Obligatory Compensation Project educators (3 persons) Month 2 350 2,100 Promoters (3 persons) Month 2 200 1,200 Local directors (3 persons) Month 2 450 2,700 Sub Total 42,000 FUEL AND OIL Fuel /oil for 3 zones (252 days X 5 gallons per day) Gallon 3,780 3 11,340 TOTAL COSTS FOR DISASTER PREVENTION TRAINING 111,245 PERSONNEL, ADMINISTRATION, OPERATIONS & SUPPORT Staff Salaries and Support Project manager Month 12 400 4,800 Information systems director Month 12 350 4,200 Accountant Month 12 150 1,800 Obligatory Compensation Project manager Month 2 400 800 Information systems director Month 2 350 700 Accountant Month 2 150 300 Office Operations Electricity Month 12 50 600 Water Month 12 50 600 Telephone Month 12 150 1,800 Vehicle maintenance Month 3 500 1,500 Total Personnel, Administration, Operations and Support 17,100 Audit Fees 1,800 TOTAL ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE 130,145 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 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. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 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 distributed by - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Center for International Disaster Information Volunteers in Technical Assistance web: www.cidi.org listserv: www.cidi.org/listsub.htm - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - comments/suggestions/requests to incident@cidi.org