Hurricanes Eta and Iota have severely impacted countries across Central America. In early November Hurricane Eta crossed through Central America bringing with it persistent winds and heavy rainfall. This resulted in flooding, landslides and crop damage across Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala. Only two weeks later Hurricane Iota, the strongest Atlantic hurricane of 2020, made landfall over northern Nicaragua and continued along virtually the same path as Hurricane Eta. Once again the region was hit with strong winds and rainfall, exacerbating the previous damage caused by Hurricane Eta.
7.3 MILLION AFFECTED
500,000+ DISPLACED
2 CATEGORY 4 STORMS
It is estimated that 7.3 million people have been affected by these storms, with Nicaragua, Guatemala and Honduras having the highest number of affected people. In many places floodwaters have not fully receded and in Honduras additional rainfall in December has only worsened the flooding. These storms have hit highly vulnerable communities with existing needs caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. GlobalMedic is responding.
Our Response
We are packing Family Emergency Kits to distribute to families affected by these hurricanes. The Family Emergency Kits include a water purification system, basic hygiene items, and a solar light. The water purification system is vital because many families have lost their homes and access to clean drinking water. The hygiene items are included to help families regain a sense of normalcy as well as prevent the spread of COVID-19. The solar lights provided much needed light and security since many were without electricity. In partnership with World Vision we are distributing 2,320 FEKs in Honduras and an additional 2,320 FEKs in Nicaragua.
