Flooding in Nicaragua

We received word over the weekend that Iglesia Luterana de Nicaragua Fe y Esperanza, one of our companion synods, has been affected by flooding.  Michael Busbey, our missionary in Nicaragua, says this of the situation:

“They have received massive rainfall and have had severe floods in the past week. Some of the Church communities in Chinandega, Somotillo, and Somoto have been severely affected by these floods. Many people in the communities have lost homes, livestock, material goods, and crops.”

Bishop Victoria Cortez of Iglesia Luterana de Nicaragua Fe y Esperanza shares this letter:

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

With sadness I write to you to let you know that our communities are being affected once again.

Central America is in the middle of a tropical depression, principally in the pacific zone. There have been reports since yesterday of loss of materials and loss of human life in the different countries.

Yesterday, the government of our country declared Yellow Alert, and expressed that the center of the low front is stationed in the north of Central America, primarily affecting the departments in the west and north of Nicaragua. The prognostics indicate that during the next three days, there will be consistent moderate to intense rainfall. Up to this moment, is it estimated in Nicaragua that there are 1,048 houses damaged, 12 bridges with their respective streets destroyed, which impedes the access to the most affected zones, and we have 7 reported deaths.

We have received reports from our communities confirming damages by floods: in the community of El Bonete we have a refuge where 15 families who have lost their houses are sheltered, but we are waiting today for 15 more families who should evacuate because they are in a risk situation. Also in Aquespalapa the Church has opened its doors to the affected families, making a total of 180 people, between children, youth, adults, and seniors. Our pastors are at the front of the refugees, Pastor Ramon Martinez in Aquespalapa and Pastor Indalecio Martinez in El Bonete.

It is the love of God that moves us to organize ourselves to act in a rapid and effective response to lend a hand to those most affected by this disaster that is upon us today; we ask you to keep us in your prayers. We will be sending messages with updated information about the damages.

We ask that you keep us in your prayers,

Sincerely,

Bishop Dr. Victoria Cortez
President

Please keep the people in the affected areas in your prayers, and stay tuned for more details and opportunities as we explore ways that we can be helpful in their recovery process.