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Nicaragua

Nicaragua Earthquake Leaves Thousands Homeless

On April 10, 2014, an earthquake measuring 6.6 on the Richter scale hit Nicaragua, originating in Lake Managua, in the southwestern region of the municipality of La Paz Centro.

Within the first five days, there were 400 seismic events nationwide, with a frequency range of 41 to 96 per day.

A total of 2,403 homes were affected, of which 178 collapsed, were totally destroyed or rendered uninhabitable. The remaining 2,225 homes suffered partial damage.

More than 12,000 people were affected and need assistance. Water and electrical services have been interrupted.

Food for the Hungry (FH), in partnership with Youthfront/Something to Eat, are sending approximately 275,000 meals from Seattle, Wash., to Nicaragua for those affected by the earthquakes. Students from Whitworth University packed the meals.

FH has also made available 466 cartons of high-nutrition dehydrated soup to respond to the needs of the persons displaced by the recent earthquakes. This donation will provide more than 46,500 meals.

“Our soup will feed hundreds of homeless left without a roof by the continuing earthquakes,” said Ervin Leiva, FH/Nicaragua Country Director. “We’ll be helping the poorest, who lived under poorly constructed homes.”

FH started working in Nicaragua in 1972, in response to a devastating earthquake. In 1994, FH started long-term development work with the poor in multiple areas. With a focus on education, FH programs in Nicaragua have helped thousands of children to stay in school to reach their potential.

We ask you to join us in responding to the needs of those affected by recent earthquakes and continuing aftershocks in Nicaragua. FH field staff is on the ground conducting damage, loss and needs assessments in 43 communities as well as assisting with food distribution.