On Thursday Tropical Storm Nate hit Nicaragua, Honduras, and Costa Rica, resulting in the deaths of at least 22, flooding, and infrastructure damage. The storm is headed toward the United States, where it may make landfall as a hurricane and wreak further havoc. But as we keep those in the storm’s paths in our thoughts, it’s important we don’t forget Central America.
Tropical Storm Nate brought heavy rain and winds. For Nicaragua, which had already experienced two weeks of persistent rainfall, this brought even more flooding. At least 11 died in the country, including three Health Ministry workers who were swept away by a flooded canal in Juigalpa as they tried to provide aid, according to the Associated Press. In Costa Rica, the storm led to the death of seven, and another 30 are reported missing. And three died in Honduras, according to AFP.
60-year-old Bonavide Velázquez told AFP that the Ochomogo River washed everything away. “Firefighters rescued us because we were drowning,” the Rivas inhabitant said. “We live on the edge of the river. Thank God that they saved us. The river washed away the house, the pigs, the hens, everything.”
In Parrita, Costa Rica, Alejandra Vallecillos said everything happened so quickly. Not long after a neighbor told her that the river was overflowing, they took immediate action. “We got on top of the washed and [did] all we could do, but in a matter of 30 minutes the water reached our knees,” Vallecillos said, according to La Nación. “We were finally able to get out of the house. We can replace material things.”
Images shared on social media reveal just as heartbreaking a scene, and it’s unfortunately, not getting the attention it deserves. Here are a few ways to help in Costa Rica and Nicaragua.
Editor’s Note: We will update the piece when we learn of more places seeking donations.