hurricane Ida

several friends have asked about the impact of hurricane Ida here. basically, in Managua, we are just experiencing the related weather system - rain, clouds, overcast (actually a welcome relief from the heat) - but the Northern Atlantic Coast was pummeled by the storm last week. by Friday, over 13,000 coastal residents were displaced after losing their homes; water sheds have been contaminated, and crops lost. food aid, water, and medicines are reaching the coast and providing some relief. however, the ongoing tragedy of these storms is that year after year the same communities are affected, complicating the permanent reconstruction of homes and infrastructure. nicaragua's coastal regions are populated by indigenous groups such as miskito and rama, many of whom live in extreme poverty, which adds to their vulnerability to these storms.