In early September, farmers in the villages near Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua usually expect to be busy harvesting their rice crop.  This year, however, their efforts were interrupted when Hurricane Felix tore through the area on September 4 with winds of over 250 kph and nearly 30 cm of rain. In the face of ruined crops, damaged homes, and an uncertain future, these farmers are looking to others for assistance. CRWRC is responding with much needed food, water, and housing supplies.

While Felix destroyed homes, ruined crops, and injured or took the lives of countless people across Central America, the tiny communities near Puerto Cabezas Nicaragua were particularly hard hit.  The villages are made up of indigenous Miskito families who earn their living off their small plots of land.  Under normal circumstances, these families already struggle to meet their needs.  A storm like Felix can be devastating.

To respond to these needs, CRWRC is working with Accion Medica Cristiana, to get emergency assistance to those who need it most.

“Acción Medica Cristiana has had long term involvement in the region and with CRWRC,” explains CRWRC-Nicaragua staff member, Mark VanderWees.  “They have the staff on the ground and the logistical support to effectively implement the planned response.”

Tapping in to this local resource, CRWRC will be providing capital to supply food, water, sanitation, and roofing supplies to those who need it most.  $10,000 has already been released for this effort and an additional $150,000 is being sought from the International Humanitarian Assistance Division of the Canadian International Development Agency.

To support CRWRC’s Huricane Felix response, please mark your gift “Hurricane Felix”.  

by Kristen deRoo VanderBerg