Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Managua (Agenzia Fides) - Thousands of Miskita Indians in Krukira, a locality on the north Caribbean coast of Nicaragua and one of the most affected by hurricane Félix, are fighting over the last food supplies and trying to satisfy thirst and hunger with fruit blown from the trees by the strong winds. Nearby villages of Tuapi, Pahara and Betania were also affected.
According to official statistics before the hurricane Krukira had a population of 2,700 mainly Miskita people and 270 homes; six fishing boats, a school, a medical centre, one bus which was thrown into the air and crashed to pieces. Everything is now in ruins.
In this situation the local radio, La Primerísima, has launched a national and international campaign sponsored by Nicaragua Central University and many state and private schools in Managua, the International Committee of Saragozza, Spain, and the Swiss Central America Solidarity Secretariat. Parcels of cloths, food and medicine and money offerings continue to arrive at the Radio studios and the University premises.
In the affected areas despite the tragedy life goes on. Most people are without water because wells are polluted by dead animals. Food is short because the fishing boats were swept away by the hurricane. UNICEF personnel in Krukira is organising school activities for the children and also counselling and special care to overcome trauma.
The people in Krukira, a town which dates to 1845, rely for many things on the rest of the country: they cannot produce rice or beans, meat or eggs, all of which are supplied from afar and at prices 40% higher than normal. It is one of the country's few areas with rich marine and forest resources, but if these continue to be used in the wrong way, in a few years time nothing will remain.
At the moment the main difficulty is how to get aid to the area. Every attempt is being made with the help of the government and the army to send supplies via land, sea or air. (AP) (14/9/2007 Agenzia Fides; Righe: Parole)
