From April 10-14, Nicaragua experienced three earthquakes, with magnitudes ranging from 6.2-6.6 on the Richter scale. More than 3,700 homes suffered damage, of which 1,035 collapsed, and more than 1,600 people had to evacuate their homes and reside in temporary shelters. The most impacted communities are the municipalities of Nagarote, Mateare and Managua.
While the government has responded to needs within the city, there is an urgent need for assistance among rural populations. Lutheran Disaster Response, working with the Nicaraguan Lutheran Church of Faith and Hope, is providing assistance to the most vulnerable populations through food distributions, psychosocial support, hygiene kits and roof replacement materials.
Psychosocial Support
The magnitude of the tremors and the many aftershocks that occurred over the following days had an adverse effect on people’s health, causing anxiety and emotional stress. We will be providing psychosocial support to accompany people who were impacted and who could benefit from spiritual and emotional care.
Hygiene Kits
Hygiene kits will be distributed to families who have had to leave their homes and are residing in the temporary shelter centers. Mattresses will also be provided.
Roof Repair
Part of the recovery activities will include assisting with the improvement of 40 homes by providing zinc sheets to be used for roofs. The roofing sheets will provide protection from the rainy season that the region is now experiencing.
We will continue to work with the Nicaraguan Lutheran Church of Faith and Hope to help those who were impacted by the earthquake recover and rebuild, and we will hold our brothers and sisters in Nicaragua in our prayers.
Lutheran Disaster Response’s activities in Nicaragua were made possible thanks to your generosity. We are church together and your support allows us to provide hope and healing when people around the world are impacted by disaster. If you would like to support our work in Nicaragua, please visit the Lutheran Disaster Response giving page.
