As this edition of Nicaraguan Developments was being prepared, Hurricane Felix slammed into northeastern Nicaragua, near the Honduran border, with category-five strength. At press time, the death toll had reached 168 and was still climbing. Additionally, 105 people are missing, 8,000 homes were destroyed and another 9,000 damaged, 19,000 people evacuated, and 160,000 affected in some way. Health centers and schools have been badly damaged, as has the little electrical infrastructure the coast ever had. In several communites, every single building was flattened. Some communites are completely unreachable, even by boat, which means the toll in lives and property there remains unknown.

The storm lost its strength after making landfall, but it brought vast amounts of rain. One report said half a meter fell in 24 hours. Rivers are at flood levels as far away as the Pacific Coast. Rice, bean and corn crops have been washed away, leaving tens of thousands of people with nothing to eat until the end of the next growing season.

WCCN’s website, www.wccnica.org, has links to current information on recovery efforts. Additionally, the “Donate Now” image in the upper right-hand corner of the homepage will take you to a page where you can make a donation to the victims. WCCN is also organizing a benefit concert near its headquarters in Madison, Wisconsin.