With funding from the United Nations Central Emergency Response
Fund (CERF), IOM will provide emergency relief supplies to 9, 240
people affected by recent floods in the two Autonomous Regions of
the Caribbean Coast of Nicaragua.

On 5 November, Hurricane Ida entered Nicaragua through the
Southern Autonomous Region of the Caribbean Coast.  Heavy
rains caused floods and damage to homes, schools, and other
infrastructure.  The unusually heavy rainfall resulted in the
overflow of the Matagalpa, Wawashang, Prinzapolka, Bambana and Coco
rivers.

Nicaragua's Disaster Operation Center (CODE) reports that
approximately 19,879 people have been affected in 89
communities.  Currently there are 2,420 people living in 19
shelters. 

A rapid needs assessment reported 2,182 houses damaged, 1,615
wells contaminated, 43 schools damaged or flooded, 24 health
facilities affected, 5,847 hectares of crops lost while many
fishermen reported the loss of their fishing equipment.

"IOM and its partners, Save the Children and the Adventist
Development Relief Agency (ADRA), are working with the Nicaraguan
government, UN agencies and local authorities to provide non-food
items, including personal hygiene and kitchen kits, to the affected
populations," explains Berta Fernandez, IOM Chief of Mission in
Nicaragua.

The emergency assistance includes blankets, comforters,
mattresses, water containers, water filters, mosquito nets, plastic
containers, cooking utensils, bath soap, laundry soap, towels,
toothpaste, toothbrushes, diapers, feminine pads, and toilet
paper.

For more information, please contact:

Berta Fernandez

IOM Nicaragua

Tel: + 505 278 9569

E-mail: "mailto:bfernandez@iom.int">bfernandez@iom.int