U.S. AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
BUREAU FOR HUMANITARIAN RESPONSE (BHR)
OFFICE OF U.S. FOREIGN DISASTER ASSISTANCE (OFDA)
Central America - Hurricane Mitch
USAID/OFDA Huricane Mitch Fact Sheet # 21
      

Background:
On October 24 Atlantic Tropical Storm Mitch was upgraded to a hurricane that developed into one of the strongest and most damaging storms to ever hit the Caribbean and Central America. At its height on October 26 and 27, the hurricane had sustained winds of 180 mph and dumped heavy rains over Central America. Although the winds diminished as Hurricane Mitch traveled inland over Honduras on October 30, the storm continued to produce torrential rains, reaching a rate of more than 4 inches per hour, which caused catastrophic floods and landslides throughout the region. After its slow, destructive march north and west across Honduras and Guatemala, Mitch dissipated over southeastern Mexico but briefly regained tropical storm strength as it moved northeasterly across Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, the Gulf of Mexico and southern Florida. By November 5 all tropical storm warnings were discontinued as Mitch's remnants tracked out into the Atlantic. Prior to Mitch making landfall, USAID/OFDA prepositioned assets throughout the region along the storm's forecasted course, and quickly launched its emergency relief efforts as the hurricane passed overland. The USAID/OFDA Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) was established to coordinate the U.S. Government relief effort for Central America. Senior Regional Advisor and DART leader Paul Bell has managed the DART personnel and its operations in Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua from the USAID/OFDA Regional Office at the U.S. Embassy in San Jose, Costa Rica.

USG Assistance:
On November 5, President Clinton announced a $70 million U.S. Government (USG) assistance package for Central America in response to Hurricane Mitch. This package has been augmented and now totals $263 million, to be channeled largely through USAID, the Department of Defense (DOD), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Of this package, $30 million in assistance will be provided by USAID's Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA), $35 million by USAID/Food for Peace (USAID/FFP), $130 million by DOD, $63 million by USDA, and the remaining $5 million will be for development assistance and micro-enterprise credits. The assistance by USAID will provide immediate disaster relief, including health and water/sanitation needs, food, shelter, and other emergency relief commodities as well as airlift support and logistics. USAID/OFDA assistance to date, described below, is part of this overall package, which is being closely coordinated with DOD.

Honduras:

Storm Impacts:
Honduras suffered the brunt of Hurricane Mitch. After being stalled for more than two days off the country's northern coast, the storm traveled inland during October 30 and 31. Extensive wind damage and devastating floods occurred nationwide, but particularly on the northern seaboard and in the Bay Islands. As of December 1, the National Emergency Committee of Honduras (CONEH) reported that 5,657 persons were killed, 8,052 were missing, 11,762 were injured while approximately 1.9 million were affected. The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) estimated at least 70,000 houses had been damaged and the USAID/OFDA DART estimated that more than 92 bridges had been damaged or destroyed. Damage to the nation's infrastructure isolated entire communities which made access by emergency aid workers extremely difficult and it hampered efforts to supply the larger cities with food, water and other essentials.

Immediate USG response:
On October 27, the U.S. Ambassador to Honduras James F. Creagan declared a disaster due to the effects of Hurricane Mitch. USAID/OFDA responded immediately by providing a total of $125,000 to the USAID Mission in Honduras for the local purchase and transport of critical relief supplies, including food, simple cooking stoves, blankets, and medical supplies. USAID/OFDA also provided a total of $750,000 for the deployment of DOD aircraft to assist in aerial assessments, search and rescue operations, and delivery of relief supplies. Initially grounded by poor visibility, the USAID/OFDA-funded aircraft missions have been operating since November 1. As of December 3, 9 Black Hawk (UH-60 orMH-60) and 6 Chinook (CH-47) helicopters, and 2 C-27 and 1 C-12 cargo planes were distributing relief supplies from Soto Cano air base. By December 3, the DOD aircraft had flown 293 helicopter missions and 238 cargo plane airlifts. These flights carried 2,264,000 pounds of food, 117,900 gallons of water and 862,900 pounds of medicine, supplies and equipment. The flights also transported 4,132 people to medical centers. USAID/OFDA has deployed a total of 1,038 rolls of plastic sheeting, 32 10,000-liter water bladders, 25,500 five-gallon water jugs, and 1,004 body bags to Honduras at a total estimated cost of $523,999 including transport. The first airlift carrying USAID/OFDA relief supplies arrived at La Ceiba on October 31, the second arrived at Soto Cano airbase on November 1, the third airlift arrived at Soto Cano on November 2, the fourth arrived at Soto Cano on November 9, and the fifth arrived at Tegucigalpa on November 22. Supplemental relief commodities were transported by DOD on November 9 and 10.

To date, USAID/OFDA has provided $400,000 to the USAID Mission for the local purchase of food and emergency supplies, and for other response activities. Additionally, USAID/OFDA provided $800,000 to the USAID Mission, which granted funding to resident Private Voluntary Organizations (PVOs) in Honduras for the purchase and delivery of local relief supplies. USAID/OFDA has also purchased and airlifted plastic food storage bags from Costa Rica that will allow for the distribution of critical food stocks to 100,000 families in Honduras. USAID/OFDA provided $2 million to USAID in Tegucigalpa to fund projects to repair the nation's water supply system. On November 20, USAID/OFDA provided $2,133,000 through USAID in Tegucigalpa to CARE. This grant is to assist approximately 70,000 families for up to four months with basic livelihood needs such as: sanitation and health, agriculture, construction, food and shelter. On November 25, USAID/OFDA provided an additional $3,164,000 to USAID in Tegucigalpa to support grants with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for disaster response projects that will provide assistance in the following sectors: water/sanitation, emergency shelter, housing, roads and bridges, medicine, food, hygiene, and agriculture.

USAID/OFDA had disaster specialists on the ground in Honduras since October 27. A total of fifteen DART members from USAID, Miami-Dade County Fire Rescue Department (Miami-Dade), and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) operated out of Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, La Ceiba, Danli, Choluteca and Soto Cano airbase. USAID/OFDA DART personnel in Honduras assisted CONEH's Emergency Operations Center, conducted field assessments, coordinated aircraft and transport logistics, and performed other disaster relief activities.

Assessment Reporting and Recovery:
USAID/OFDA DART reports that people are beginning to move out of shelters and return home. The staple crops did not sustain as much damage as the cash crops because the former are grown on higher ground. Because staple crops were relatively undamaged, there is an ample supply of local food on the market. In terms of infrastructure, the water systems and the roads networks are in need of repair. Hurricane Mitch devastated the Honduran road network and in the early days of the response, air transport was the only means to transport emergency relief supplies, including food and non-food items. The USG used the air assets of DOD for emergency rescue and to provide access to areas and people that were isolated. Now, however, the response has entered into the next phase. Over 90 percent of the bridges that were damaged by Mitch are now passable with provisional repairs or by-passes. Road access has improved dramatically, and all areas to which DOD had been flying relief supplies over the past weeks (La Ceiba, the Bay Islands, Trujillo, Olanchito, Isletas, Yoro, Danli, Catacamas, Choluteca, Mocoron, etc.) are now open by surface transportation. In addition to improved road access, all Honduran ports are now functional at some level and are also accessible by road. At last report, the port at Mocoron was cut off by road from Tegucigalpa but was accessible from Puerto Lempira.

USAID in Tegucigalpa and the USAID/OFDA DART continue to be in contact with the Government of Honduras concerning areas that might still require emergency assistance. However, as a result of the dramatically improved capabilities of ground transport, the projected need for DOD air support is diminishing. Limited needs may surface for air support to distribute commodities from local hubs to inaccessible rural areas. As the region has not fully entered its dry season, severe rains could again close some roads temporarily. The Honduran Government and USAID are in the process of building up stocks of critical supplies in vulnerable areas. Additionally, USAID and the DART continue to monitor the progress of road rehabilitation and other recnstruction and rehabilitation efforts.

Nicaragua:

Storm Impacts:
Mitch inflicted its greatest damage in Nicaragua through severe rains that caused extensive flooding and landslides. As of November 19, the Nicaraguan National Emergency Commission estimated that 2,863 people had died, 884 were missing, and 867,752 were affected as a result of the disaster, many after a large mudslide inundated ten communities situated at the base of the Casitas Volcano. A Nicaraguan transportation official reported as of November 6 that 71 bridges are either destroyed or heavily damaged, and OCHA estimated that 70% of roads were impassable immediately after the storm. On November 19, the Government of Nicaragua estimated that 31,750 houses were destroyed and 113,950 were damaged. Further the National Emergency Commission estimates that total losses were $400 million in housing, $605 million in the transportation network, $185 million in other infrastructure and $170 million in agriculture.

Immediate USG response:
On October 29, U.S. Ambassador to Nicaragua Lino Gutierrez declared a disaster due to continued flooding. USAID/OFDA has provided $175,000 for the local purchase and transport of critical relief supplies, including medicines, food and shelter material. On November 2, USAID/OFDA provided $250,000 for the deployment of DOD UH-60 and CH-47 helicopters to assist with search and rescue efforts and the delivery of relief supplies. As of December 3, 4 UH-60 and 2 CH-47 helicopters were operating in Nicaragua. By December 3, 128 helicopter missions have transported 755,000 pounds of food and 68,200 pounds of medicine, supplies and equipment within Nicaragua.

Airlifts of USAID/OFDA relief supplies to Nicaragua, consisted of 679 rolls of plastic sheeting, 10,000 polyester blankets, 4,000 wool blankets, three 10,000-gallon water bladders, and 15,500 five-gallon water jugs, at a total estimated cost of $419,267 including transport. The first airlift arrived in Managua on November 4, a second on November 8, and a third on November 19. On November 19, USAID/OFDA provided $4 million to USAID/Managua to fund relief grants to reduce hunger and the threat of disease for thousands of victims in rural areas.

USAID/OFDA has operated in Nicaragua since October 29. A total of eleven DART personnel from USAID, Miami-Dade, and DOD have conducted assessments, assisted national search and rescue operations, and performed other response activities throughout the country.

Assessment Reporting and Recovery:
All major roads in Nicaragua are open, with a few exceptions. Although most roads are passable, there are some detours and temporary measures to allow access. The delivery of emergency supplies by DOD helicopter continues, but as roads open more and more relief commodities are moved overland. Since November 3, DOD has carried more than 500,000 pounds of supplies on more than 135 flights to 66 affected communities in Nicaragua.

On November 30, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) reported epidemic levels for cholera, leptospirosis and dengue. Local health teams have conducted extraordinary prevention and outbreak control efforts.

Guatemala:

Storm Impacts:
The storm moved northwestward across Guatemala on November 1, causing heavy rains and severe flooding. The national emergency office (CONRED) took steps to evacuate 5,969 people prior to the storm's arrival. The Red Cross estimated that 27,000 people were still housed in shelters as of November 4. As of November 9, officials reported a total of 258 deaths and 120 people missing in Guatemala. The most recent reporting from OCHA indicated that 32 bridges, and 40 roads had been severely damaged or destroyed by flood waters and CONRED reported that about 19,000 homes were either destroyed or heavily damaged. On November 5 the U.S. Embassy estimated that 95% of the nation's banana crop was damaged, 25-60% of the corn, bean, coffee, and sugar crops were destroyed, and 30% of the cattle herd was lost.

Immediate USG response:
On October 31, Ambassador Donald J. Planty declared a disaster for Guatemala. In response, USAID/OFDA provided $25,000 through the U.S. Embassy to Catholic Relief Services for the local purchase of food. USAID/OFDA has delivered 290 rolls of plastic sheeting, 3,000 polyester blankets, 7,350 five-gallon water jugs, and four 3,000-gallon water bladders to Guatemala, at a total estimated cost of $182,013 including transport. The first airlift arrived in Guatemala City on November 4, and the second on November 9. USAID/OFDA has also provided $ 50,000 for the rental of local helicopters for aerial assessments of disaster-affected areas. As of December 3, 6 UH-60 and 4 CH-47 helicopters were operating in Guatemala to facilitate USAID/OFDA relief efforts. On November 18 USAID/OFDA provided $1 million in funding to USAID/Guatemala to support grants with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for disaster response projects that will provide assistance in the following sectors: water/sanitation, emergency shelter, medicine, hygiene, and agriculture. USAID/OFDA disaster relief personnel have operated in Guatemala since October 27. They have assisted CONRED in coordinating the national relief effort, and have conducted damage assessments and oversight of USAID/OFDA assistance. A total of five USAID/OFDA DART members have operated in Guatemala, and as of November 24 there are three remaining.

Assessment Reporting and Recovery:
The DART reports indicate that northeastern Guatemala was most severely affected, including Isabal, Zacapa and Alta Verapaz. On November 12 the DART reported that in Panzos, Alto Verapaz, there are 10,000-12,000 displaced persons from 30 communities that suffered from flooding, landslides, and swollen rivers. Dead animals have infected the water supply, and most aqueducts have been destroyed. The lack of potable water has resulted in the first cases of diarrhea, amoebas, and undernourishment. Some communities are still totally isolated, and many houses have extensive roof damage. Sand flows in the water have affected rice, maize, bean, and coffee crops. It is estimated that it will be six months before replanting can take place. Community leaders indicate an urgent need for salt, sugar, soap, vegetable oil, chlorine tablets, water jugs, and plastic sheeting. The DART also reported that in Izabal there are 18,350 people in shelters, mainly from banana plantation communities, who are expect to remain displaced for the next 60-90 days. The DART also reports that all major roads are passable and the bridges damaged along the Atlantic Coast Highway are operable.

The DART recommends that the international donor community continue to focus on the following relief and recovery priorities during the next 60 days: food and water distribution to displaced persons continue for the next 60 days; environmental sanitation, including distribution of tools; massive campaign for disease prevention and control; reconstruction of water supply systems; provision of agricultural inputs and tools; and provision of building materials and tools for home reconstruction.

El Salvador:

Storm Impacts:
As of November 9, the National Emergency Committee (NEC) of El Salvador reported that 239 deaths and 135 people missing as a result of flash floods, and the Red Cross estimated that 400 people had died and 600 were missing. As of November 6, the Government of El Salvador estimated that 55,864 people had been displaced and had established 107 emergency shelters. The government also estimates that 10,000 houses have been destroyed and thousands more were seriously damaged.

Immediate USG response:
Ambassador Anne W. Patterson declared a disaster in El Salvador on November 1. In response, USAID/OFDA provided $25,000 for the immediate needs of flood victims. In addition, on November 5 USAID/OFDA airlifted 117 rolls of plastic sheeting, 5,150 polyester blankets, 6,000 five-gallon water jugs, and four 3,000-gallon water bladders, at a total estimated cost of $98,451 including transport. On November 18 USAID/OFDA provided $1 million to USAID/San Salvador to support grants with NGOs for disaster response projects that will distribute recovery packages to the areas of greatest need. As of December 3, 8 CH-47 and 4 UH-60 helicopters were operating in El Salvador to facilitate USAID/OFDA relief efforts.

A total of four USAID/OFDA DART members have been based in San Salvador to assist in the ongoing assessment of relief needs and priorities, and as of November 24 one member was still in the country.

Assessment Reporting and Recovery:
The USAID/OFDA DART conducted a complete assessment of the southeastern portion of El Salvador from November 13-19. The most adversely affected communities were in Usulatan and San Miguel departments. The DART reported that only 1,000-2,000 homes were destroyed, which is fewer than previously reported by official sources. Most of the displaced population has returned home and only a few hundred people remain in emergency shelters. Many inhabitants of the Usulatan and San Miguel departments raise livestock and fish and no significant losses were sustained to any of the areas. Assessment reports indicate that only three major roads in El Salvador are still in need of major repair, while all seaports and airports are operational. The lack of potable water and sanitation are major concerns. Many people are drinking contaminated water because well covers were not an established practice. The Ministry of Health and PAHO have done an outstanding job preparing for, and responding to, the health needs of the affected population.

Belize:

Storm Impacts:
The Government of Belize established an Emergency Operations Center in Belize City to prepare for the storm's arrival and evacuated over 75,000 people from Belize City and the coastal islands to temporary shelters in Belmopan. Contrary to initial forecasts, the hurricane did not directly strike Belize. Nonetheless, heavy rains caused flooding throughout the coastal areas, particularly in Belize City. The Government of Belize has since granted permission for residents to return to Belize City, however according to the Red Cross thousands had opted to remain in emergency shelters long afterward.

Immediate USG response:
On October 29, U.S. Charge d'Affaires Joel Danies declared a disaster for Belize due to the impacts of Hurricane Mitch. In response, USAID/OFDA immediately provided $25,000 for the local purchase of food for distribution to displaced populations inhabiting emergency shelters. In addition, USAID/OFDA provided funding for two DOD Black Hawk helicopters based in Honduras to conduct overflight assessments and evacuations. Weather conditions during the storm's peak never permitted these aircraft to fly and as Hurricane Mitch turned and tracked away from Belize the helicopters were deployed to support emergency logistics requirements in Nicaragua. A four-person USAID/OFDA assessment team (comprised of a USAID/OFDA/LAC Regional Advisor and three Miami-Dade disaster specialists) was in Belize from October 29 to October 31. The team assessed needs of the evacuated population and reported that food stocks were adequate in Belmopan, but in short supply at Belize City. The team also reported that sanitation and hygiene were poor in all flood-affected areas. No additional USAID/OFDA assistance is anticipated for Belize.

Costa Rica:

Storm Impacts:
Heavy rains along the entire Pacific coast of Costa Rica prompted the National Emergency Commission to evacuate at-risk populations. The Government of Costa Rica (GOCR) has since granted permission for people to return to their homes although approximately 1,700 people remained in temporary shelters up to a week after the storm had passed. Four people are reported dead as a result of the storm while four are still missing.

Immediate USG response:
On October 23, the U.S. Charge d'Affaires to Costa Rica Richard L. Baltimore III declared a disaster due to severe flooding caused by Hurricane Mitch. USAID/OFDA responded by providing a total of $45,000 to the U.S. Embassy in San Jose. Funds were used to rent local helicopters to provide overflight assessments and the delivery of food, water, and medicine to affected populations. No additional USAID/OFDA assistance is anticipated for Costa Rica.

Region:

USAID/OFDA has provided $5 million to DOD for reconstruction activities in Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador and Guatemala. These funds will support the purchase of reconstruction and engineering materials and supplies, including gravel for road repair. USAID/OFDA has provided an additional $4 million to DOD for continued aircraft support in Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala and El Salvador, which contributes to the positioning of more than 40 DOD helicopters in Central America. As of November 12, these aircraft had flown over 400 missions in support of USAID/OFDA relief efforts. To date, USAID/OFDA has provided $2 million to the PAHO to address emergency water and sanitation needs of Hurricane Mitch victims. USAID/OFDA has also provided $160,000 to the U.S. Embassy in San Jose for the regional deployment of emergency supplies and personnel. On December 2, USAID/OFDA provided a $500,000 grant to the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) for agricultural rehabilitation projects in Honduras and Nicaragua. The USAID/OFDA DART personnel stationed at the DART Headquarters in San Jose continue to coordinate the disaster response in the region.

USAID/OFDA Assistance in Honduras:      $ 9,895,999
USAID/OFDA Assistance in Nicaragua:     $ 4,844,267
USAID/OFDA Assistance in Guatemala:     $ 1,257,013
USAID/OFDA Assistance in El Salvador:   $ 1,123,451
USAID/OFDA Assistance in Costa Rica:    $    45,000
USAID/OFDA Assistance in Belize:        $    25,000
USAID/OFDA Assistance to the Region:    $11,660,000

Total USAID/OFDA Assistance for
         Hurricane Mitch (to date):     $28,850,730

PUBLIC DONATION INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF HURRICANE MITCH

Disasters often generate an outpouring of interest and concern by the American people which lead to spontaneous collections of relief supplies, i.e. food, clothing, medical supplies etc. In the interest of effective coordination of such public response we encourage concerned citizens to provide monetary donations to appropriate organizations.

As transportation of relief supplies is limited by capacity, infrastructure damage and continuing weather constraints, it is difficult to move supplies into the affected countries. Unsolicited commodity donations often place an unnecessary burden on relief workers and local governments to store, transport and distribute supplies to those affected populations in need. This can also detract from the provision of more urgently needed relief assistance. USAID/OFDA can not provide assistance for the transport of donated goods.

USAID encourages the public to contact directly those private voluntary organizations (PVOs) who are currently working in, or with local affiliates, in Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Belize, Costa Rica and El Salvador to provide monetary donations. A list of PVOs may be obtained by contacting InterAction directly at 202-667-8227 extension 106 or via the internet at http://www.interaction.org. Those interested in providing specific relief services or supplies should contact Volunteers in Technical Assistance (VITA) for information and guidelines. VITA can be reached at 703-276-1914 or via the internet at http://www.vita.org.

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