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The Caribbean Hurricane PageUpdates from the Islands
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-HELP-
Date: Thu, 19 Nov 1998 21:49:35 -0600
From: A J. Lampe (ajlampe@juno.com)
Subject: fiinding a missionary friend
Dear "Gert"
I have not heard from a friend of mine who lives in San Pedro Sula. I
called Washington DC and they said that they would forward to info to the
consolate and they would contact me directly. I haven't heard from them,
so I thought I would give you a go. Here is their address:
Ray and Yvonne Butler
APDO 51
San Pedro Sula, Honduras
Phone #011-504-53-08-02 (last I knew anyway)
I sent an e-mail to the address I have for them, but I haven't got an
answer and the message has never come back to me. ANY information you
can give me would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for all your time
and consideration in this matter. I know you have alot of people to
find. I hope you can find mine, too.
Sincerely,
April Lampe
ajlampe@juno.com
-RELIEF UPDATE- (see earlier messages)
Date: Thu, 19 Nov 1998 13:36:27 -0500
From: Marty Maayan (mmaayan@hitter.net)
Subject: Your help and our efforts to build houses in Honduras
Dear Gert-- Thank you for your efforts on our behalf and helpping us to
help those hurt by Mitch. We are having high-level meetings to get our
housing project going currently. Some people have volunteered tpo help
with the project personnally as well. For all of this we are most
grateful.
The home we wish to build will be an easily assembled, hurricane proof
and earthquake proof home which though small at the outset (but up to
standards for those there) can be easily expanded later to increase the
standard of living. There will be, at least we plan so, indoor plumbing
so that they can move away from the rivers and streams which flood and
take their lives in such large numbers. at latewr stages we plan on
working on flood control through natural methods and which will in turn
solve yet another environmental problem there and throughout the world.
And then I hope to find viable ways in which the local pople can
participate in the Global economy and make a viable living, not
dependant on their longitude and latitude. Through their geographical
isolation they can at will preserve threir customs and culture but yet
in participation in the current technical revolution participate in
group, individual or national economy. We will need more help to expand
and enlarge the project. Funds will help, equipment will help, lap top
computers will help us to maintain communication with out supply lines
and some astute persons who can help to disseminate the simple knowledge
of how to build our houses. They are solid and lovely and permanent.
Again thanks for your help. Please post this. Marty Maayan Anyone who
wishes to call me can do so at 352-684-6719.
-RELIEF-
Date: Wed, 18 Nov 1998 22:22:04 -0600
From: Jennifer Anne Hoover (jahoover@mindspring.com)
Subject: Aid and awareness
Gert,
Thank you so much for all the work you've put in to the Hurricane Page. I
am a high school Spanish teacher in Alabama, where we get only the BASIC
world news. After a discussion with my Spanish II class regarding the
reports one students saw on Dateline (or 20/20?), the class decided they
wanted to do something to help. I was thrilled to see them so excited
(they've been motivated by very little this year.) They have begun a penny
drive/competition between my 3 classes (+points for each penny in their
class' jar, -points for each nickel, dime, quarter-- The class with the
most points (least negative points) wins!) They also are planning a "bake"
sale to raise money. They have composed and hand written letters to all of
the grocery stores in the area soliciting rice krispies, marshmallows,
margarine, and hot chocolate. They hope that "Proyecto Amistad" will raise
not only aid for the disaster survivors, but awareness of the reality our
neighboring Americans are facing to those around us.
My point of this letter is to encourage others that ANYONE can help! And to
thank you for the reports/updates/pleas. Reading these in class helped to
make the disaster real to the students, rather than just another news story
from a far off place. Where can I find a page with pictures of the damage?
We would like to include them on the posters we are making.
Thank you for your time and effort,
Jennifer Hoover
Beauregard High School
Beauregard, Alabama
-HELP-
Date: Wed, 18 Nov 1998 22:11:35 EST
From: Jeantill@aol.com
Subject: Roatan, Honduras
Dear Gert, We have been trying to get info on Owners of Paya Bay Resort,
Mervin and Lurlene McNab. Do you have anything? We have emailed them and
also placed an note on the messages to Mitch bulletin board but have neard
nothing. Thank you for all you are doing to help.
Jean Tillman
-HELP-
Date: Wed, 18 Nov 1998 18:27:49 -0800
From: FLKINCAID (FLKINCAID@prodigy.net)
Subject: LaCeiba/Almendarez family
We are concerned about the welfare of Ramon and Nelly Almendarez and
their children. They lived at ground level, 2-3 blocks inland from the
Partenon Beach Hotel in LaCeiba. We only have a post office box for
their address and their phone number is no longer OK. We would
appreciate any informtion regarding this young family or any help in
contacting them. Our e-mail address is flkincaid@prodigy.net
Thank you
-HELP-
Date: Sun, 8 Nov 1998 20:58:09 -0000
From: belo pires (belopires@mail.telepac.pt)
Subject: Can you find my friend?
Hi,
I have a friend in Honduras whose situation I don't know. Her name is Jenny
Gaekel and her address is
Media Cuadra al Sur
Transportes Catrachos
Comayagua, Comayagua
Is it possible to you to find anything about her? Or to tell me how the
situation is in that part of Honduras? And if phone lines are still up, can
you find her phone number in some telephone information service?
Thank you very much and please answer me, even if there's nothing you know.
xoxoxo
Ana
Anyone has experience with the following? -Gert
-NEEDS HELP-
Date: Wed, 18 Nov 1998 04:30:51 -0800
From: Pam A Sloan (pam.sloan@juno.com)
Subject: Roatan
Hi Gert,
Thanks for the website, it is very informative. We will be going to
Roatan Thanksgiving week, and are carrying a suitcase of medical supplies
donated by indivuals and local clubs. I would like to deliver to
supplies personally, and help out on Thanksgiving day. Any information
would be appreciated. I am now concerned about customs taking the
supplies away from us. Is there a need to worry? Thanks again for all
the great information. We leave on Nov. 20th.
Pamsloan@juno.com
-WANTS TO HELP-
Date: Wed, 18 Nov 98 06:54:10 Eastern Daylight Time
From: Barbara BARBARELLA Grimaldi (b.grimaldi@gte.net)
Subject: guanaja
I have spent much time in mangrove bight and i know the people of the village
well. one friend managed to get a visa to the us after the storm
and she says they are in serious need of water, baby food and adult food. she
says all relief supplies seem to be going to the mainland and
guanaja is being ignored. i have over 30 boxes of relief items for these
people but i am not sure how to send them to insure that they will
get to my intended recipients. any suggestions?
Attention Guanaja: your much needed supplies are on their way! -Gert
-RELIEF UPDATE- (see earlier messages)
Date: Wed, 18 Nov 1998 12:30:25 +0100
From: "Karsten Hönack" (nanhonack@online.de)
Hi Gert!
I think you would like to know what is going to Guanaja in the 2
containers:
Here the most important:
380 bags 1m x diam 50 cm of cloth,
14 bags 1,5 m x 1 m diam of shoes (about 2000)
10 bags with bed blankets
40 boxes 1 m x 40cm x 30 cm aprox. of medicine
11 boxes food
46 boxes of pots and pans
68 hammers, 5000m cable for electric installation, lots of electric
tools, 600m² aluminum profile roof, much over 10000 woodscrews, 2
generators, and a lot of other tools.
Bye Karsten
Honduras -Hilfe Schwãbisch Hall- Germany
nanhonack@online.de
An update from the Bayman Bay Club on Guanaja. -Gert
-NEWS-
Date: Tue, 17 Nov 1998 21:30:02 -0500
From: Don & Patti Hynds (oilman@gate.net)
Subject: Re: Bayman Bay Club
Hi Gert,
Bayman Bay Club will be ready for guests as of Dec 26, 1998. We lost 6 of 18
cabins. 9 cabins so far have been cleaned up and everything is working,
they have septic, water and electricity. The walkways are being cleaned up
a little more each day. The main building (the clubhouse) did not sustain
any damage. This is where the bar is and the meals served. They will have
some sort of dock by Dec 26th, which is the first week we will have guests.
The boats are working, the reefs have hardly any damage, they have been dove
and the shore reef has been snorkeled, lot's of fish! We are taking
reservations for Jan 1st on! The good news is the no-seeums were blown away
:>)
Keep up the great work with the web site, I have told many, many people
about it, from volunteers to info-seekers. You are providing a great
service. If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask!
Take care,
Patti Hynds
Visit their website at: baymanbayclub.com or check out their relief effort. -Gert
-WANTS TO HELP-
Date: Tue, 17 Nov 1998 17:51:17 EST
From: Zenha@aol.com
Ship with available 50m+- c.f. space from E.Coast U.S. to C.A.
Will ship anything for re-construction, food, mediacal, equipment, etc.etc.
minimal charge leaves 11/21+-
Reply a.s.a.p. if interested
Rgds
A little more info: -Gert
Vessel leaves Florida E. & W. Coast with cargo transshipments from Norfolk, NY Etc.
Not on regular schedule for this trip. We can alter route and schedule to fit
larger projects.
Dest. Honduras, Belize, Guatemala(predicated on amounts of cargo to these
destinations).
Also, vessel may be available for additional trips.
Rgds
-WANTS TO HELP-
Date: Tue, 17 Nov 1998 17:58:21 -0000
From: Mathew Mornington-West (MathewMW@wssl.co.uk)
Subject: relief supplies
I have access to large supplies of corrugated roofing sheets suitable
for building shelters etc. also water carriers and tanks (10,000ltrs
and up).
I know a lot of europe based relief organsiations are sending plane
loads of relief goods but this does not seem to include shelters ! I
can get the sheets on to vessels with 20 day sailing into Puerto Cortes
or alternatively can arrange air transport.
If there is any interest please contact me at MathewMW@wssl.co.uk
Thanks and good luck.
-HELP-
Date: Tue, 17 Nov 1998 13:06:59 -0500
From: Vincent Pacheco (vinneda@emi.net)
Subject: Can you help?
My name is Vincent Pacheco. My family is looking for Albert Pacheco. We
do not have an exact address on his whereabouts but we do know he was in
Trujillo, Honduras. The family is worried about him. Can you help us? My
e-mail add.... is vinneda@emi.net. Thank You Vincent & Family
-UPDATE- (see earlier message)
Date: Mon, 16 Nov 1998 22:40:09 -0500
From: Shinobu Uehara (Shinobu_Uehara@umit.maine.edu)
Subject: I found! and news?
Hi, Gert.
I just want to say thank you and people who paid an attention for me.
I just talked to Fredis I was looking for by phone. He told me that he
is OK and that those of who have relatives in Siguatepeque seem not to
need to worry too much. The town seems to be almost an ordinal way;
restraints, glossary shops, and other town functions are available now.
However, obtaining materials for repairing seems to be hard because
they are used for the capital reconstruction or the other towns', so
some people may have difficulties with that. I don't know it's only in
his town or not, but now people can go out of the house until 11 pm
since it was 8 pm. I hope the situation is getting better.
Thanks.
Well, anyone who wants to drive down to Honduras to help... here is
your chance! -Gert
-RELIEF-
Date: Mon, 16 Nov 1998 20:11:14 -0600
From: Lonnie Rowe (wewoka@onenet.net)
Subject: Caravan anyone?????
Gert,
This is a great service you are providing. I and a friend will be
driving two 40' buses filled with supplies that were donated by
individuals, businesses and churches of many faiths, to Honduras next
week. My friend's wife is from Honduras and I lived in Belize for many
years so we both know the roads very well and would like to invite
others who will be driving down to join us. There is safety in numbers!
I would also recommend that anyone who has not done travel in Southern
Mexico and Guatemala not attempt it alone. We will be leaving Oklahoma
Sunday, November 21st, to Houston ( my passport expired Nov. 8th :( and
I will have to walk my new one through Monday). We will leave Houston
Tuesday and will leave McAllen Texas Wednesday. If anyone wants to join
us call me at 405-257-2751.
Thanks to everyone that is helping!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lonnie Rowe
Emergency Management Director
Wewoka, Oklahoma
-NEWS-
Date: Mon, 16 Nov 1998 10:08:56 -0800
From: Ken Carter (kencarter@ij.net)
Forwarded by: Larry Thomason (lthomason@tenforward.com)
Subject: Guanaja: Nov 15/98
My contact in Guanaja, Deon Kelly, reports:
The weather is fair and winds are calm.
The boat "Gwen Tide" from New Orleans arrived today and is distributing
relief supplies.
Gasoline has been arriving and there is no shortage for the small craft
which are the main form of transportation in Guanaja.
I should have a first hand report on conditions on the northside tomorrow.
**************************End of traffic from Guanaja
Again I wish to suggest that relief supplies be shipped in 55 gallon plastic
barrels (obtainable from food importers in the U.S.). These barrels can be
used to collect and store rain water. Do not send barrels which have been
used for chemicals, pesticides, petroleum products, etc.
Ken Carter
kencarter@ij.net
They did it!!! -Gert
-RELIEF UPDATE- (see earlier messages)
Date: Sun, 15 Nov 1998 21:39:41 +0100
From: "Karsten Hönack" (nanhonack@online.de)
Subject: help for Guanaja
Hi Gert !
Job done. Containers on their way.
Have a nice day
Karsten and friends
Tom worked at Poosada Del Sol in Guanaja until a few days ago. -Gert
-NEWS-
Date: Sun, 15 Nov 1998 13:46:21 EST
From: Tom Pipinou (Tommo@Cyberdude.com)
Subject: Guanaja
I'm not much of a writer, but heres a draft of something I was asked to come
up with. I hope this helps. What I said about Guanaga is absolutely true. As I
write you this , there are at least a couple of thousand who are homeless,
mostly in Mangrove Bight, Northeast Bight,(especially) Savanah Bight and a
laree part of Bonacca.
It was a miracle that the death toll was as low as it was. Hurricane Mitch had
taken 11,000 lives in all, but in the remote Bay Islands, there was less than
30. Most of the fatalities were due to flooding and the mud slides that
occurred after the tyrential duwnpours on the mainland. Mitch stood off the
coast of Guanaja, the most eastern of the Bay Islands, without moving an inch
for 32 hours with 150 to 189 m.p.h. winds. When the storm finally moved to the
south and mainland Honduras, the once verdant lush tropical parasise was bear.
Guanaja was the most remote of the Bay Islands, and for the diver with a sense
of adventure, worth every single minute to get there. It is the home of the
Jado Trader, the signature wreck dive of the Western Caribbean, as well as
some of the prettiest wall dives in the world. If you look at it today, it
reminded me of a hell without the fire. With the exception of a few potted
plants, I couldn't find one single leaf on a tree and in some cases, the bark
of some of the older Pine trees was striped off.
After 18 years of being in the Advertising business, I was one of those who
burned out and moved to the Caribbean for a different lifestyle. I worked at
Posada Del Sol, a Spanish style villa dive resort on the Eastern side of the
Island, and managed the Dive Center as well as the other areas. Now I'm out of
work.
Nine of the ten boats I was in charge of were damaged or sunk, the Dive Center
and a few other buildings are gone too. The other resorts including the Bayman
Bay Club sustained very heavy damage as well. None of the resorts are open
now, but efforts are being made to restore them. Most all of my personal
possessions were lost od damaged beyond repair. The estimated time line is
from three months to three years, no one can tell yet. At the moment the storm
hit I was on Roatan, in the town of Punta Gorda, thinking of where is was the
safest place to be. A few friends, Ron and Merritt Reed, managers of Reef
House Resort thought it best to seek higher ground , and they were right. The
entire list of passengers and divers from Peter Hughes's 'Wind Dancer' was
droped off and 40 of us gathered in a basement for almost two days. When the
wind finally lifted after over three days, we were able to get to the nearest
town and brought in some food and water for those who remained.
The actual town of Punta Gorda was virtually washed away as was Poully Tilly.
Coco View , Fantasy Island and a few more sustained some damage, but will be
in business soon, Anthony's Key lost a number of cabins and was considerably
damaged on Baily's Key, where a number of Dolphins escaped from their pen.
Utilla was hit but nothing unrepairable, and by the time I got to the
mainland, all non- residents were asked to leave because of the lack of food
and water on the Islands. The saddest story was that of one of the Windjammer
live aboards, the S.V. Fantome, sunk off the coast of Guanaja with 31 crew
aboard. Several of the workers at Posada Del Sol picked up a lot of wreckage
form that boat, and many who worked on her were friends.
As you probably know, a tremendous international effort to help the victims of
the storm is well under way. As for myself, upon my return to Guanaja (and I
had to bribe someone to get back) a few days after (but while the storm was on
the mainland), and after the initial shock of seeing what had happened, my
immediate concern was to see what I can do for these people and friends. The
H.M.S. Schefield, a relief ship was parked near Southwest Cay, trying to offer
help but after a few days, the fustration due to the bureaucracy and
confusion, left her with no choice but to leave. Assessment teams and photo
re-con teams were set up but delayed the immediate help needed, and
unfortunately stories for curruption and greed prevailed among those in
charge to get supplies to their immediate family and political friends before
those who really needed it. Supplies are stoped at the airport by those who
have the means, and little gets past. My solution was to do it myself. As of
this date, close to $5000 was collected, and I'm sending it directly to
individuals and community groups who were left out. I've chosen to help those
in Punta Gorda through the Episcopal Mission, and those in Savanah Bight where
most of my friends and co-workers lived. Savanah is one of those towns that
had about nine buildings standing after the storm, and there is over a
thousand without a home at the moment. If it were not for the Cayman Island
Relief Org., many more may be hungry today.
(The rest of my story will be completed later today.
-RELIEF UPDATE-
Date: Sat, 14 Nov 1998 21:46:22 -0800
From: Judy Ann Blake (jblake@jblake.com)
Subject: Clinton authorizes National Guard to fly goods to Honduras and
Nicaragua
It was announced today that President Clinton has authorized that the
National Guard be used to fly goods to Honduras and Nicaragua. No
other details were available. Tons of donated food and supplies have
not been sent because of a lack of funds to transport them.
-HELP-
Date: Sat, 14 Nov 1998 16:50:08 EST
From: MSeperack@aol.com
Subject: missing cousin
I am trying to find out if my cousin Michael Mallin is ok. He lives on the
island of Roatan. He just moved there and is building a house. Could you
please let me know if you know if he is alright. I have contacted the US
state dept. but have heard no word. Please help. I haven't heard from him in
weeks. Thanks Ed
-HELP-
Date: Sat, 14 Nov 1998 15:52:52 -0600
From: Billy J. Linam (epsa@sinfo.net)
Subject: News on La Ceiba
Dear Gert
I hope you would find out how is Tony & Salma Merren from La Ceiba doing,
please try to contact them at Casa Merren and tell the I need their
telephone number so I can call them. My e-mail is: fmsosa@pty.com
Thank you very much.
Ceci Sosa
-HELP-
Date: Sun, 15 Nov 1998 08:26:21 +1300
From: IJ.Peres (ij.peres@xtra.co.nz)
Hi Gert:
This is a fantastic site and a real boon to folks like us who have no way
of getting in touch with loved ones.
I have been trying to get in touch with the Parades family who live just
out of San Pedro sula cortes. I have 1 telephone number 55529680 to
which I cannot get through. I'm also looking for Franklin Pereira living
with the Parades family.
If anyone knows any information please e-mail me at ijperes@hotmail.com
or phone me collect here in New Zealand at +64-9-5247873.The oly other
contacts I have are a Lawyer
Mr.Rolando radillo who may have newsd of them
Thanks ever so much
Best wishes
Ivan Peres
Auckland
NewZealand
-RELIEF UPDATE- (see earlier messages)
Date: Sat, 14 Nov 1998 05:58:02 +0100
From: "Karsten Hõnack" (nanhonack@online.de)
Subject: Re: help for Guanaja
'morning Gert!
I just read 6 mails and have some interesting news about our friends and
relatives Hans and Sabine Weller. They are ok.
Michael Bridges from Austin Texas. suggests to get a portable generator for
the rebuilding projects spreaded on the island. It is just what we thougt.
So we will try to send at least one generator with a minimum of 2 kW, 220 V
(No 110V or 110/220 V available here). We already have enough new electric
tools to rebuild simoultaniously 3 sites. Also nails and screws
We´ve also got about 5000 US donation of hand tools from Würth. A huge
resaler of first class tools who has his buildings close to Schwãbisch
Hall. Another small company donated about 1/2 m³ of couplings for water
lines and so on...
Today it is the most important day of our collect. It is time to get
dressed and wait for our lovely people!
Thanks a lot for your help Gert
Karsten and friends
At the end of the day Karsten wrote me the following: -Gert
Date: Sat, 14 Nov 1998 20:35:07 +0100
Hi Gert. There only was the mail feedback of this morning telling us that
our friends are well.
The collect was as follows. Bloddy cold and 12 beautiful hours long. BUT We
filled up one 20' Container with 30% medicine and the rest with tools
(valued in more less 60.000 german marks) and building material. We got a
new portable 2kW 220V generator with tires. About 10 Electric drills, jig
saws, high quality wood tools, wrenches, micrometers(!!!) ,hundreds of
other useful tools: Tenthousands of wood screws, nails, 5000m cable 3 x
1,5mm², one 20Hp outborder... 500 houndred shoes. (We lost the number by
500) Houndreds of pants, skirts, shirts, plenty of food, toys for the
kitchens dozens of pots, pans, ...and so on!
Special for Guanaja: Rolls and rolls of mosquito net material, for the
windows. Some complete mosquito doors and windows, Autan, lots of it.
We sincerely hope that people on Guanaja can have a benefit of all this.
Hans and Sabine Weller, together with our friend Peter that is going back
with Bieber to Guanaja in december will be there to receive the containers
and organize the distribution. I would love to be there too, but am going
to visit my family in México.
By the way. We still do not have money for Peters flight, and we wonder if
there would ´be a kind person to help us out with his ticket Germany,
Tampa, Guanaja. It would help us very much.
If I can send you a mail tomorrow I will tell more exact data. We definetly
are able to do some more containers ahead, but I am not sure if we are
strong enough to do it. It has been an exhausting week and saturday, and
tomorrow we will fill up the second container with more incoming goods.So,
next week most of us are going to work like zombies..
Bye then
Karsten and friends
-NEWS-
Date: Fri, 13 Nov 1998 18:09:06 -0800
Forwarded by: Larry Thomason (lthomason@tenforward.com)
Chiquita offers free shipping by boat from Florida to Honduras.
More info at: http://www.chiquita.com/announcements/mitchship.html
and http://www.chiquita.com/announcements/mitchinfo.html
And somewhere on my pages -Gert
-NEWS-
Date: Fri, 13 Nov 1998 18:09:06 -0800
Forwarded by: Larry Thomason (lthomason@tenforward.com)
Subject: Fw: OK and getting better -- update
-----Original Message-----
From: Hoss and Lori Pollard
Dear friends,
We hope you will forgive us for another generic "to everyone" letter -- time
and computer access are both quite limited at present, and it's a choice
between one "newsy" letter to everyone or short individual notes that give
little information!
Much as we want to return to our island paradise, we have remained on the
mainland as we feel we are more useful here at present.
We mentioned getting aid to the people of Cayos Cochinos in our last letter
to you, and this has continued. As time has passed, the main focus has
shifted to getting the economy going again. There were two main problems:
1. The 3 or 4 little shops in Cayos, where the people buy their rice, beans
etc, have always purchased their stocks from Nueva Armenia, the mainland
village that is closest to Cayos. The supplier in Neueva Armenia, in turn,
ordered supplies from La Ceiba, received them overland, and sent them to
Cayos by means of a dory (basically a large, motorized canoe) which he ran
on a daily basis. Unfortunately, Nueva Armenia was heavily damaged by the
storm, and also has been cut off from La Ceiba by washed out bridges, ruined
roads, and downed trees.
2. The people of Cayos mostly make their living by fishing. After a storm
of this magnitude the fish are almost non existent until the sea calms and
clears (they are only now beginning to come back.) Moreover, Nueva Armenia
is also the market for their fish.
To alleviate the first problem, we (the expat community in Cayos) brought
the store owners into La Ceiba (with which most of them are completely
unfamiliar), took them around to places where they could buy supplies, and
then provided transport back to Cayos for them and their cargo. To deal
with the second, we have all been hiring as many locals as possible for
clean-up, repair, dock rebuilding, and any other projects we can think of in
order to put some cash into their hands until such time as the fishing
"industry" revives. (In fact one of the things we personally were called on
to do was some banking for the gringos who remained on the island so that
they would have cash on hand with which to pay these workers.)
All of this has progressed well. As one of the American guys - a long time
Cayos resident - said yesterday, "we're almost back to abnormal out here!"
Meanwhile, we have become heavily involved in the relief effort on the
mainland, our church having received several shipments of aid materials. It
never occurred to us, but this relief aid business results in a big job for
those on the receiving, as well as the sending end. First, you have to meet
the plane, offload the supplies, and transport them (in our case via
members' pick-ups, vans, SUVs etc.) to some sort of distribution center (in
our case our church building). Then the real fun begins. Most of the relief
comes in bulk -- 100 lb bags of staples (beans, rice, etc,) case lots of
canned goods, etc. It is not really too effective just to throw this stuff
into the back of a truck, take it to a village of hungry people, open it up
and holler "come and get it" (here lies the potential for an instant
riot!!) It has to be broken down into useable amounts. Picture yourself
sitting in front of a 50lb bag of sugar, with a scoop and a supply of
plastic bags, transferring 2-3 lbs of sugar into each bag, tying and
labeling them. By the time you are finished you are decidedly sticky! Now
do the same with a 100lb sack of flour, which sifts into the air, settles,
and tends to stick to the sugar. You are now beginning to bear a strong
resemblance to the Pillsbury dough boy. If you next spend some time working
with powdered milk, you start to feel that, with the addition of a couple of
eggs and a little water, you would be a good base for a decent cake -- or at
least a batch of pancakes!! (Yesterday after a day of this, I got caught in
the rain walking home -- I felt like papier mache)
Once this is done, and the cases have been sorted and opened, you are ready
to begin assembling "family sized" aid packets, each of which might contain
4 or 5 lbs. each of rice, beans, and flour, 2-3 lbs of sugar and powdered
milk, plus (depending on what was in the shipment) a few cans of vegetables,
some canned meat and/or fish, fruit and/or juice, soup, pasta, cookies or
crackers, etc. NOW you are ready to load stuff into your 4-wheel drive and
go off towards the hungry people, fording rivers, slogging through mud,
avoiding as much as possible falling into the pot holes, ruts, and washed
out places. Needless to say, no one is having to rock us to sleep at night!
In the midst of all this we are still camping out at our friends' house and
trying to get moved into our apartment. And we STILL haven't found the guy
who has our computer!
La Ceiba is slowly returning to something resembling normalcy, with a few
glaring exceptions. Streets that were empty are now back to almost normal
traffic. Most food stuffs (with the exception of eggs) are back in the
markets. Gasoline and Diesel have returned, although bottled gas and
kerosene (with which most people cook and which many use for lighting) are
still in short supply. Although we have Kerosene lanterns we have been
relying on candles during power failures because (a). we can afford them,
(b). we figure people need the kerosene for cooking more than we need it for
lighting, and (c). we're not real interested in standing in a 2-block line
in the hot sun for a gallon of the stuff! Although water is still more off
than on, electricity has been much more consistent the last few days, with
fewer and shorter failures. Fortunately bottled water has been available
throughout. Whenever the municipal water is running we quickly take
showers, wash dishes, and do laundry! The old municipal dock, neglected for
years, has been pressed back into service, and it is most strange to see it
piled high with cargo and crowded with boats and ships. Enterprizing men
are using hand carts on the old Standard Fruit rail tracks to push luggage
and cargo up and down the dock, and an old deisal locomotive has also once
again found employment.
La Ceiba has become the center for aid distribution for all of northern
Honduras and the Bay islands, having the only fully functioning airport.
Air traffic is constant, everything from huge military transports to private
charter outfits flying old DC 4's and like equipment, to commercial aircraft
carrying aid (yesterday we saw a Cayman Airways plane departing -- and to
the best of our knowledge they do NOT have scheduled flights to Honduras!).
And there are lots of helicopters as many of the hardest hit areas are
accessible only by that means. The hotels are all full of military (mostly
U.S. but the Canadians sent a contingent also), relief workers and press
people. Of course the bridges across the Congrejal (the large river
separating La Ceiba from its eastern "suburbs", it's port, and the rest of
the country to the east) are still out -- they were totally destroyed -- but
as the waters have receded some traffic has been able to cross the river via
fords (big trucks mostly), hastily constructed foot bridges, canoe
"ferries", etc. Not to mention the basket slung on cables between the two
ends of the broken bridge that you have probably all seen on TV news.
The countries of Central America, Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El
Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama, I dare say, are more cohesive
at this moment than they have been throughout their entire turbulent
history. What a remarkable and wonderful thing! That is one of the silver
linings on this extremely dark cloud. I'm sure there are more to follow,
and we'll see them as time unfolds. Time and again I've heard it said, and
I believe it now more than ever: "These are exciting times in which we live!"
We have been very moved by the way the world has responded to this disaster.
We hope and pray that the aid will continue even after this situation is no
longer in headline news -- the need certainly will!
Well I see that I have written a book, so I'd better close. Continue to
think of us, and to pray for Honduras and the rest of Central America.
God bless,
Hoss and Lori
Just like during Georges special fares are being offered by AA. -Gert
Date: Fri, 13 Nov 1998 17:32:14 -0800
-NEWS-
Forwarded by: Larry Thomason (lthomason@tenforward.com)
MIAMI, Nov. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- American Airlines is offering special
reduced-rate fares to and from Honduras and Nicaragua to allow friends
and family to assist in areas hard-hit by Hurricane Mitch.
The special fares are approximately 50 percent off the regular mid-week
excursion fares and, for added flexibility, require no advance purchase.
The special fares are available between any American/American Eagle U.S.
mainland city and Managua, Nicaragua or Tegucigalpa, Honduras. The
airport at San Pedro Sula, Honduras remains closed after Hurricane
Mitch.
Travel must occur Tuesday through Friday. Tickets must be purchased by
Nov. 18 and travel must begin by Nov. 30 with a three-day minimum and
60-day maximum stay.
In addition, American will donate $10 to the Red Cross for hurricane
relief efforts for every round trip sold at these special rates.
American also is working with various relief agencies to assist in
flying supplies and volunteers into the region.
"As we were with Hurricane Georges last month, we have been touched and
saddened by the extent of the destruction and the human toll caused by
Hurricane Mitch," said Peter J. Dolara, American's senior vice president
Florida/Caribbean/Latin America. "We hope these low-cost fares will
allow friends and family to assist their loved ones in the enormous
rebuilding effort."
Here are some examples of round-trip fares to and from either Managua or
Tegucigalpa:
Miami -- $299 New Orleans -- $349
New York -- $399 Los Angeles -- $399
SOURCE American Airlines
-WANTS TO HELP-
Date: Fri, 13 Nov 1998 23:41:39 +0100
From: Jarle Hofstad (an2drive@gbm.hn)
Subject: Airlift support
Hi Gert!
My name is Jarle Hofstad. I am a pilot for an organization called Mercy
Air, in La Ceiba. We have one (hopefully two by next week) Antonov An-2.
This is the worlds largest single engine biplane, and can carry 3-4000 lbs
of load.
I looked thru all the different relief shipments that people are getting
together in the states and in Europe, to send to the Bay Islands.
So I was thinking if anyone needs help to get the shipments from La Ceiba
out to the islands, or anywhere, we are able to assist if the cost of fuel
is covered. This is a nonprofit organization, so all we need is money to
cover the flight. It will run around 200-250$/hr, figuring appr 1-1.5 hr
roundtrip L.C.-Islands. We may be able to run it cheaper also, depending
upon fuel prizes.
Anyone needing help can contact me via e-mail.
Jarle Hofstad
Mercy Air
E-mail: an2drive@gbm.hn
-RELIEF UPDATE- (see earlier messages)
Date: Fri, 13 Nov 1998 16:34:25 -0600
From: Kendall C. Crawford (kcc37@hal-pc.org)
ubject: Ongoing Relief for Central America
Gert -- these are some of the choices that looked like a good bet for
actually getting relief where it is needed. Many were found by reviewing
the links on your page. These are not meant to throw rocks at other relief
efforts. I was looking from the standpoint of Houston -- but many of these
are nationwide or international. I feel that the churches, including the
Salvation Army, are less vulnerable to government intervention and
diversion of relief, as is the Red Cross. Of course, each person should
check to see where their money is going -- there are links for all of the
organizations.
For groups in Houston the initiative of the Mennonite Church is one which
gives a little planning time for the second shipment prior to Christmas --
allows church or civic groups an opportunity to organize a campaign. More
information is on the www page noted.
The initiative for "medicine boxes" as exemplified by the ADRA described
below will be especially significant with the ongoing health concerns as
people cope with survival in a hostile health environment. Other churches
are involved also -- but ADRA seem ready to make things happen "now".
RELIEF OPTIONS FOR CENTRAL AMERICA
Houston Texas & Elsewhere
Mennonite Church http://www.mbnet.mb.ca/mcc/pr/1998/11-05/1.html
Prepare Hurricane Relief Kits (supplies in 5 gallon bucket)
Mennonite Church at 1231 Wirt will be receiving Kits
1st Shipment will leave Galveston on November 23rd
2nd Shipment before Christmas
Will need volunteers on Wirt in Houston (and at other sites)
Cost kit contents plus $10 for Bible & transportation
Telephone: 713-464-4865
A Hurricane Relief Kit includes:
wide tooth combs adult-size toothbrushes (leave in package)
family-size tubes of toothpaste package of 24 sanitary napkins - thin
maxi-pads bottle acetaminophen, i.e. Tylenol (min. 100 tablets) bottle
of cough syrup with expectorant lightweight bath towels bars of
anti-bacterial soap large tube of antifungal cream, i.e. Tinactin,
Lotrimin envelope with a $15 Cdn./$10 U.S. check. MCC will use these funds
to include a Spanish language Bible and pay for transporting the kits. The
contents should be placed in a five-gallon plastic pail with lid and
delivered to the nearest MCC office. If a pail is not available, a box will
do.
Presbyterian Church USA Disaster Relief - www.pcusa.org/pda
Give Cash to designated fund #9-200139-Hurricane/Tropical Storms '98
Working through Church World Services and ecumenical groups supporting
Action by Churches Together (AC) which vary depending on the country.
Action by Churches Together: http://www.act-intl.org/
ACT is a worldwide network of Churches and related agencies meeting human
need through coordinated emergency response. The ACT Coordinating office is
based with the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the Lutheran World
Federation (LWF) in Switzerland.
ADRA (Adventist Development and Relief Agency) http://www.adra.org/
IMA Medicine Boxes
GOOD OPPORTUNITY - RECOMMENDED
provides supplies for treatment of 1000 people for 90 days
$365 Donation to:
ADRA Central Office, 12501 Old Columbia Pike
Silver Springs Md 20904, Phone: 1-818-237-2367
ADRA seems to have good connections into Nicaragua which some other
organizations don't.
Apparently can designate recipient country.
Christian Alliance - www.FriendShips.org
As of Nov 10 needed volunteers to help with transfer from Houston warehouse
to ship the "Spirit of Grace" in Galveston - ship leaves when full ^Ö target
was Nov 12
Check w web site or call numbers below.
"These are the steps required to transport supplies aboard "Spirit of
Grace":
Call Sondra Tipton or Lee Sitzes at Friend Ships headquarters in Los
Angeles at (310) 830-4433 or call Jess Stokely at Christian Alliance
headquarters in Houston, Texas at (281) 412-2285 to discuss the details of
the shipment. Food, water, medicine and medical supplies, new clothing and
emergency shelter supplies are acceptable cargo. In order to include any
other type of items, please clear this in advance through Sondra, Lee or
Jess. All medicine must be in date through November 1998."
Red Cross www.redcross.org
The death toll is immense and more than a million people are homeless and
12,000 people are still missing. "The needs for emergency assistance are
growing dramatically," said Jose Aponte, vice president for International
Services of the American Red Cross. "Hundreds of thousands of people have
lost their homes and all their belongings and are turning to the Red Cross
for help. People can help us help disaster victims by calling 1 800 HELP
NOW." [1-800-435-7669; or 1-800-257-7575, Spanish]
On Nov 6th the American Red Cross was preparing bulk shipments of selected
items including food, water purification chemicals, blankets, antibiotics,
medicines and plastic tarps. The Red Cross secured and shipped 20 tons of
water purification chemicals and cleanup kits and collapsible water
containers. The Red Cross is also sending shipments of pharmaceuticals to
fend off water-borne illnesses. "We are racing aid and relief supplies to
affected areas that can be reached with existing infrastructure," Aponte
said. "The American Red Cross will do everything possible to support the
victims of Hurricane Mitch."
More than 8,000 paid and volunteer staff from national Red Cross Societies
in Central America have been working around-the-clock rescuing those buried
by mudslides or stranded by flooding. Red Cross workers are also
distributing emergency relief and supporting first aid, evacuation and
sheltering efforts.
Salvation Army http://www.sarmy.org/emgnews.nsf
World Service Office 615 Slaters Lane Alexandria, VA 22313
Telephone: 703-684-5528
Donations by phone 1-800-SAL-ARMY
Donations through local Salvation Army should note "Central America
Disaster Appeal"
Oxfam America www.oxfamamerica.org
Central America Relief Fund
26 West Street, Boston, MA 02111
Telephone: 1-800-77OXFAM
Oxfam's initiative is to develop self reliance. "Oxfam provides financial,
technical and networking assistance to grassroots groups to support their
self-help community development initiatives." They also support political
action in the human rights arena.
Kendall C. Crawford, PE, CSP
8601 Lupton Lane, Houston TX 77055
713-464-6866 (FAX 713-827-8037)
e-mail KCC37@HAL-PC.ORG
-NEWS-
From: Ken Carter (kencarter@ij.net)
Forwarded by: Larry Thomason (lthomason@tenforward.com)
Date: Friday, November 13, 1998 4:57 AM
Subject: Guanaja: Nov.13/98
My radio contact in Guanaja, Deon Kelly, reports:
Squally weather yesterday and last night with rain and strong winds. It has
cleared today.
Wind is currently East-Northeast at 5 to 10 knots.
The generator from Roatan has arrived and there is now electricity on the
Keys (Bonacca Town).
Telephones at the Hondutel office and at homes nearby are now operating
from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Ken Carter
kencarter@ij.net
-HELP-
Date: Fri, 13 Nov 1998 15:22:06 -0500
From: Shinobu Uehara (Shinobu_Uehara@umit.maine.edu)
Subject: Help me!
Dear Gert;
Thank you for providing this opportunity.
I really want to know about what is going on in Siguatepeque. I'm also
looking for Fredis J. Romeo whose address is Barrio San Miguel,
Ave.Francisco, Morazan, Siguatepeque; I have not talked to him since
November 1st. Can people use phone there? I'm still trying to call him
almost all day, though.
At that day, he said his town was saved although people living close
to the river had to evacuate. He also told me he was using groundwater
because of a lack of water supply. Since many bridges were down or
damaged around his town, I'm just worried about that his town is also
receiving some relief without a land communication.
If I can reach him, I may be able to give some information about
Siguatepeque here.
You can help me at email: Shinobu_Uehara@umit.maine.edu, internet
Thank you.
More updates (incl. info on relief efforts) have moved to another page.
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