WFP positions food supplies and deploys staff in Nicaragua's Northern Caribbean Region as hurricane Eta makes landfall
“WFP began working alongside the Nicaraguan authorities soon after it was announced that this tropical storm could become a hurricane that could impact the most vulnerable population in the country,” said Giorgia Testolin, WFP Representative in Nicaragua. “We joined forces to respond immediately, pre-positioning food for the people affected. Our staff have also deployed to the hurricane impacted area so as to support the national response with logistics and telecommunications support.”
In preparation for the hurricane’s arrival, on November 1, WFP dispatched 72 metric tons of rice and 8 metric tons of vegetable oil to the Autonomous Region of the Northern Caribbean, which with a population of approximately 520,000, is facing the brunt of the hurricane. WFP is also providing telecommunications and logistics support, including mobile warehouses, pre-fab offices, generator and radio and satellite systems to support the local operational centres.
WFP staff have deployed to Siuna and Bilwi in the Autonomous Region of the Caribbean Northern Coast to support the local and regional governments. Working closely with the Government, WFP will support damages and needs assessments and will provide emergency telecommunications support to the National System of Prevention, Mitigation and Disaster Assistance (SINAPRED).
Nicaragua declared a Red Alert for the Northern Caribbean region on November 2 and a Yellow Alert for the departments of Jinotega and Nueva Segovia.
The Caribbean Northern Region is mostly inhabited by indigenous Miskito and Mayagna communities, and Afro-descendants, who are among the poorest and most vulnerable communities in Nicaragua. Their main livelihoods are fishing and agriculture.
On September 4, 2007, Nicaragua was hit Hurricane Felix. The Category 5 hurricane affected the Caribbean Northern Coast of, killing more than 100 people, causing extensive damage to infrastructure, floods and landslides.
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