The Caribbean Hurricane Page Updates from the Islands Mitch - Honduras http://www.gobeach.com/hurr.htm

Skip the introduction and go straight to the reports

On these pages you will find news-updates on the current situation in Honduras (esp. the Bay Islands) from people living there or have close ties to this country. Mixed in with the reports are pleas for help from people who have lost contact with their loved ones. Info on other countries and islands can be found on the 'home' page: The Caribbean Hurricane Page - Updates from the Islands.

Jim Carrier wrote a book about the loss of S/V Fantome titled "The ship and the storm - Hurricane Mitch and the Loss of the Fantome". I have read a pre-publication of this book and it is quite gripping. It also gives a behind the scenes look of what is going on at the National Hurricane Center and the Hurricane Hunters. Highly recommended. You can order it on-line from Amazon.com by clicking on the book-cover on the right.

If you have news about the situation in Honduras and especially the Bay Islands, please forward it to me ( gert@gobeach.com ) and I will post it here. Also, if you can help any of the people who are looking for their family, please, contact them directly. No news is bad news.

I am getting more and more pleas for help. Right now I am still mixing those with the news-reports so that they will get more attention. If I get too many I will move them to a separate page or set up a bulletin board but I think it is more effective and better organized this way. If you send me your plea for help be as specific as possible (e.g. include street address if possible) and also let me know when/if you have found the person you were looking for in order to avoid un-necessary action by others. To be honest though, if you are looking for persons on the mainland of Honduras, I think the chance is pretty small that you will receive an answer via this website (it's a big country). But it never hurts to try. However, we are getting good response from the Bay Islands. Thanks. -Gert (gert@gobeach.com)

Since this page is updated continuously you might from time to time get a "Document contains no data" error-message. This happens while I am uploading a new update. To solve just wait a few seconds and hit the Reload/Refresh button.

A good map of Honduras which shows the islands of Guanaja, Roatan and Utila very well can be found at: http://www.lib.utexas.edu/Libs/PCL/Map_collection/americas/Honduras.jpg

More Mitch reports can be found on the following 'Honduras' websites (if you know of others let me know):
   - Honduras Institute of Tourism's Mitch Response Team
   - http://www.honduras.com/weather/
   - http://htw.marrder.com/hondo1/news.htm
   - http://www.marrder.com/htw
   - http://www.nuila.net
   - http://www.verinet.com/~mj/miramesi
   - Other Honduran websites
Other news-sites:
   - Yahoo's Hurricane News Links
   - MSNBC continuing coverage of Mitch
   - USAToday Mitch Coverage
   - Disastercenter.com (news & bulletin board)
   - Disaster News Network: Central America
   - Honduras Government - Number of people Injured and in Shelters
   - (Accurate) S/V Fantome Updates

-RELIEF UPDATE- (see earlier messages)
Date: Mon, 06 Sep 1999 17:05:18 +0200
From: "Karsten Honack" (frt@r-stahl-f.de)
Subject: 3rd Container for Guanaja

Hi Gert!

Well, last but we hope not least we got our 3rd container on the way. We
hope the millions of wood scews and aluminum roof gets there on time for
the next rain season.

The other two containers got on Guanaja in December 98  and January 99.
We could participate quite direct with the unloading because one of our
coleagues went with the containers to unload them. He brought back great
pictures that show the arriving.

HAve a nice time

Honduras Hilfe Schwabisch Hall

Karsten Honack


-HELP-
Date: Fri, 19 Mar 1999 12:52:47 -0600
From: SK Rutenbeck (c2wiz@caves.net)
Subject: Looking for current news

Hello!

I am preparing materials for a funding plea.  Our project will install
small, local potable water systems in Honduras this summer (June) and build
homes -- about 30 volunteers. 

I would like a source of information about the current water situation in
areas hard-hit by the hurricane.  In particular, I want to include the
impact of contaminated water on day-to-day life, particularly for the
children, and how lives might be improved.  How are families coping?  What
are the death/illness statistics/estimates related to contaminated water?

I suspect the big influx of funding we all read about in the papers will
mostly go to restoring the Honduran infrastructure, rather than have an
immediate impact on the daily life of the survivors or relieve their
present survival needs.  

I can imagine, but I'd like some first hand information.  Can you assist
me?  thanks!

SK Rutenbeck
c2wiz@caves.net



-RELIEF-
Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 11:14:52 -0500
From: David Rice (drice@gvr.state.vt.us)
Subject: Relief from Vermont

I am writing to make you aware of a relief effort that has been initiated in
Vermont.

As you may know, Vermont has a special relationship with Honduras through
the Partners of the Americas program.  The Vermont chapter, known as the
Vermont-Honduras Partners, has been facilitating the exchange of Hondurans
and Vermonters for the last 30 years.  It is because of this special
relationship that Vermonters have stepped forward to do what we can to help.

There are 24 Rotary clubs in Vermont and 23 in Honduras.  Over the last
several months have been getting individual Vermont clubs to "adopt" clubs
in Honduras.  The challenges facing Honduras require a long-term commitment
and a level of assistance that we Vermonters would be hard-pressed to be
able to provide.  However, in the spirit of the Vermont-Honduras Partners
mission to bring together our two communities through cultural exchanges,
Vermont has an opportunity to reach-out to Honduras in this time of dire
need in a different way.  Although we cannot provide them with millions of
dollars, we can provide them our moral support and maybe a little money too.
We have already raised thousands of dollars that is in the process of being
matched by Rotary International.

Our effort has been around partnering Vermont and Honduran Rotary clubs so
that they can then begin to build strong relationships between them, which
will hopefully result in strong relationships between the communities in
which they are located.  Rotaries in Vermont have already begun raising
money for their new Honduran Rotary club partners.

All Rotary clubs are part of Rotary International, which is the umbrella
organization.  The funds raised by a Vermont club for their Honduran club
will be matched 3-to-1 by Rotary International.  As a way to help get
individual Vermont clubs interested in raising money, the Vermont-Honduras
Partners are offering challenge grants to Vermont Rotary clubs.
Rotary's commitment to building a long-term relationship with Honduran clubs
and communities needs a jump-start to get the ball rolling.

Therefore, a group of roughly 12 Rotarians will be going to Honduras for the
second week in March to begin to build that relationship.  We were hoping to
do some physical labor while we were there in order to get a better feel for
how much aide is truly needed, but those plans still need to be made.

As we make preparations for our trip, any information you have that you
believe would be helpful will be appreciated.  We have been working with
some wonderful people in Honduras, but I wanted to make you aware of our
efforts.

We will most likely be spending time in Tegus, Danli, and Chouleteca.  We
hope to do some travelling around the country, too.

Thank you for your attention.

David Rice
Policy Research
Office of the Governor
109 State Street
Montpelier, VT  05609
(802) 828-3333



-RELIEF-
Date: Fri, 5 Feb 1999 13:42:11 -0600
From: "Pasko, Mickey" (pasko@omchi.com)
Subject: Sembremos Seeds of Hope

On November 11, 1998, a group of Internet gardener's who frequent
GardenWeb.com seed exchange, received a challenge from one gardener in
Frederick, Md., to come up with some creative way to help the people in
Honduras who are trying to survive the aftermath of Hurricane Mitch.

Contacting Nations Bank in Washington, D.C., we then become associated with
Agrifuture Foundation in Washington, D.C.  Agrifuture is a non-profit,
non-governmental agency.
Agrifuture put in place, a receiver in Honduras, Fundacion de Dessarrolo
Empresarrollo Empresarial Rural (FUNDER).  FUNDER tests the seeds for
viability, is responsible for distribution and education to the rural
peoples of Honduras.

A "core" group of about 12 of us took up this challenge.  We  now have
volunteers across the U.S.,Canada, Australia and soon to be Scotland (one
member just moved there.)  People are gathering seeds, have set up school
projects for collections, and any source we can find, we are asking them for
their support.  New members are also welcome, we have no due's or fees.

It is our intent to help people of Honduras put food back on their own
tables again.  In turn, they are being taught how to re-harvest the seeds 
for another crop. This is not short-term aid, but a way for Hondurans to 
become self-sufficient once again.  No one likes to be on aid, and our 
concern is that what will happen when all the aid does leave in a year, 
what will these people have?

Seeds are targeted for the rural areas, with single women head of households
being first. Several hundred pounds of seeds have been delivered by way of 
diplomatic couriers and personal luggage.  Mrs. Maria Flores, who was in 
Miami last month for a meeting of First Ladies, herself carried seeds back 
with her.  I understand she was distributing these seeds herself a few weeks 
ago.

Our links list what is needed, vegetable seeds, tools, etc.  Currently, we
would be very grateful if any of the air services that have been flying into
the area could be of
any assistance to us.  If you know of anyone, please email me.  We have
about 800lbs of seeds that we are desperately trying to deliver, and are
running into brick walls on this end.
We never anticipated one donation in that quantity.

Gert, thank you so very much for all your efforts to help spread the word.
By the way, we do have a P.O. Box, just in case you might know of someone 
who wants more information and does not have Internet access.

Sembremos Seeds of Hope
P.O. Box 811392
Chicago, IL 60681-1392
U.S.A.
email:  seedsofhope@hotmail.com

If I can be of any additional assistance to you, please don't hesitate to
contact me. We all truly appreciate your interest.

Most sincerely,

Mickey Pasko
Volunteer P.R.
Sembremos Seeds of Hope

More info can be found on the following 
two websites: -Gert
    GardenWeb
    http://www.gardenweb.com/giving/seedsofhope

    AgriFuture Foundation Sembremos Seeds of Hope:
    http://www.agrifuture.org/Sembremos


-RELIEF-
Date: Mon, 01 Feb 1999 08:13:49 -0400
From: derekp@generation.net
Subject: local relief efforts

"The Mosquitia Campaign" maintains a sizeable resource on aid to the
Mosquitia region of Honduras...with an archive of efforts in chronologic
order.

http://www.generation.net/~derekp/mitch-relief.html

You may wish to add to your Honduras -- Hurrican Mitch web-site.

Sincerely,
Derek A Parent
The Mosquitia Campaign


-RELIEF-
Date: Sat, 30 Jan 1999 15:18:13 -0800
From: Judy Ann Blake (jblake@jblake.com)
Subject: 675 tons of supplies stuck in Los Angeles, CA---money needed!

675 tons of supplies bound for Nicaragua and Honduras are sitting in 3
warehouses in Los Angeles, California, because of a lack of volunteers
and money.  The leases for all 3 buildings expire  January 31.  Piles of
boxes, some l0 to l5 feet high, contain antibiotics, painkillers, baby
food, mattresses and huge bags of beans and rice. The goods would fill
25 to 30 shipping containers but there is only enough money for l0.
$50,000 more is needed by February 27 when a freighter is set to leave.
Monetary donations are being accepted by Los Angeles groups to help
transport supplies to Central America or to provide other aid for
victims.  Checks may be made to United Way, Help Central America, 523 W.
6th St., Los Angeles, CA 90014 and Central American Relief Fund, 660 S.
Bonnie Brae St., Los Angeles, CA 90057.


-HELP-
Date: Tue, 19 Jan 1999 14:35:07 -0600
From: Kandi (kandi@dialnet.net)

Gert
We are looking for someone around Utila Bay Island area.  The names are
Harry and Althea Jackson.  They are old friends of my sister in law.  
Any news would be appreciated.  We really don't know where else to start.
Thanks
Kandi Langham


-NEWS-
Date: Mon, 28 Dec 1998 16:51:41 -0500
From: "Reservations@Bayman Bay Club" (reservations@baymanbayclub.com)
Subject: Bayman Bay Club, Guanaja, Honduras

Hi Gert,

I wanted to update you on the status of Bayman Bay Club as of today.

Bayman Bay Club is up and running and ready for guests!  It is now
functioning as a full service Dive, Fishing and Vacation resort.  Vegetation
is starting to grow back and the landscape gets greener every day.  The
resort has been cleaned up, has 10 full functioning cabanas and received
their first guests on December 19, 1998.

The reefs have been surveyed, and very little damage has been detected,
especially below 20 feet. Visibility is just fine, fish and sea life are
plentiful and we are back to 3 boat dives per day. The Permit and Bone fish
are there more than ever and the fishing is great!

There have been false rumors circulating of disease and contaminated water
on Guanaja.  This just isn't true.  No need to worry about things like that
at Bayman Bay Club. They have fresh spring water and people have been
drinking it with no worries. (or consequences!)  And the Island has been
lucky enough to escape any sickness concerns.  You'll have no problem eating
well as well, fresh hot meals are being served buffet style 3 times daily
and the bar is well stocked.

So Come to Guanaja!

The airport is open and flights are back to normal schedules, with the
addition of Sosa Airlines now flying to Guanaja!  It's easy getting to
Guanaja from anywhere, through San Pedro Sula and La Ceiba.  To make things
appealing, Bayman Bay Club is offering a 25% discount off of our January and
February rates for Divers and Vacationers.

For more information contact Terra Firma Adventures at (800) 524-1823
Or email at info@baymanbayclub.com, or check the web page at
www.baymanbayclub.com.


-NEWS-
Date: Fri, 18 Dec 1998 15:38:47 -0800
From: Chris Mendez (mendez@tularik.com)
Subject: Recent return from Honduras

Hi Gert,

My wife and I recently returned from our vacation in Honduras. It was
amazing to say the least. We began with an 8-day stay on Roatan at The Inn
of Last Resort. The diving was spectacular, the food was fantastic (even by
San Francisco standards), and there was plenty of water at The Inn. The
hurricane seems to have helped the health of the reef according to our hosts
at The Inn. We encountered absolutely no problems on our trip related to
Mitch. I wish the same could be said for American Airlines, but that's
another story. Roatan is in very good shape and the resorts are in need of
guests. We were able to rent a car and survey the island on our own and
found very little damage relative to the images broadcast on CNN and others.

We also (on the spur of the moment) drove to Copan Ruinas on the mainland.
The road was very good except for a washed out bridge right at the entrance
to the town of Copan Ruinas. I've seen highway 1 here in California in worse
shape. The people of Copan were very friendly and surprised to see tourists
from the direction of San Pedro Sula. Most tourists of late had been coming
from the Guatamalan border. Our news of Roatan was well received as they
seemed to be under the impression that it was as devastated as Guanaja. We
stayed at the Casa de Cafe and had a wanderful time. The Ruins were
incredible.

My point in this posting is to encourage anyone out there considering a
vacation to this wonderful country to go through with those plans. The
hotels and resorts are in need of visitors. They have many employees that
cannot afford to lose their jobs due to tourist fears of lack of food and
water. We encountered no problems in those areas and highly reccommend The
Inn of Last Resort on Roatan and the Casa de Cafe in Copan.

Thanks to everyone in Honduras and the Bay Islands that may be reading this
and made our vacation so wonderful.  


-HELP-
Date: Sat, 12 Dec 1998 21:25:07 -0000
From: Russ Webb (rusheri@airmail.net)
Subject: Seeking in Tegucigalpa

Dear Gert,
 
I applaud your efforts in the making of this website.
 
I am searching for my daughter, (she lives with her mother in
Tegucigalpa)  I am desperately seeking contact with her and her mother. 
I have lost contact with them through the years, but due to the crisis, I
am attempting to find them to offer my daughter the chance to live with
me (indefinitely).  I live in Houston, TX., and can be reached at 713
647-0676.  Her last address was
BO El Calvario  entre 7y8 Ave.
Calle 16, casa 731
Comayaguela, D.C.  Honduras
 
name:  Tracy Lenis Leroy Oliva
Mother:  Monica Oliva Ramos
 
Thanks for your help.
 
Russ L. Webb
russwebb@bigfoot.com

An update received on Wed, 30 Dec 1998: -Gert

I just had word from someone that made contact with my daughter and her
mother.  I thank you again for your website and God Bless to you and all
those who helped.
 
Thanks again,
 
Russ Webb


-HELP-
Date: Sun, 6 Dec 1998 19:30:02 -0500
From: John Nall (nally@talstar.com)
Subject: looking for MISTY PEARL

Hi Gert:  We (my wife and I) are looking for news of a South African couple
aboard a sailboat (flying a Swiss flag, though) named MISTY PEARL.  The
people are Uli and Sue.  They were supposed to have left Rio Dulce in Guatemala
and gone to the Bay Islands just about the time Mitch hit.  Nothing urgent, but
we have not heard from them and would be relieved if we knew they were OK.
 
thanks much -- JOHN (nally@talstar.com)

-UPDATE-
Date: Fri, 11 Dec 1998 08:51:32 -0500

     I did manage to locate MISTY PEARL, the sailboat from South Africa. 
They sensibly stayed in Rio Dulce, Guatemala, during Mitch.  Their
schedule had them being in the Bay Islands at the time Mitch hit there,
but thankefully they were not. 
 
     They are now in Placencia, Belize, and quite well.  So thanks for
the help, and thanks also to the several people who e-mailed me after
reading my post.
 
John Nall
s/v DALRAIDIA


-HELP-
Date: Sat, 5 Dec 1998 01:17:38 EST
From: DeBoatguy@aol.com
Subject: Looking for friends on Pond Cay

I was in Guanaja last year, and stayed with the Zapatas on Pond Cay.  I also
met Dave who lives in the Dome house off Pond Cay.  Has anyone heard anything
on the Zapatas or Dave ?  I also have a friend by the name of Brian Rowland
who was building a dive resort on the north side, past Bayman Bay and Michaels
Rock.  If anyone has info on them, please e-mail me.
Thanks, and good luck to the people of Honduras.
Nick.


-RELIEF-
Date: Thu, 03 Dec 98 11:03:44 -0500
From: annemarie_kane_at_usc@unicefusa.org
Subject: Hurricane Mitch Relief Effort

     From:  US Committee for UNICEF
    
     In the aftermath of Hurricane Mitch, UNICEF is working along with 
     other United Nations agencies and non-governmental organizations 
     (NGOs) to assist victims of the worst natural disasters to hit the 
     region in 200 years. 
     
     Your on-line readership can help UNICEF's Hurricane Mitch Relief 
     Efforts by making a donation. 
     
     Make an Online Donation:  www.unicefusa.org
     or call: 1 - 800 - FOR - KIDS    (1 - 800 - 367 - 5437) 
     
     US Committee for UNICEF
     333 East 38th Street
     New York, NY 10016
     
     100 percent of donations will be used to directly help the victims of 
     Hurricane Mitch. 
          
     Thank you.


-NEWS-
Date: Wed, 2 Dec 1998 15:57:41 -0500
From: glynch@innet.com
Subject: Utila

Attached is a press release that was emailed to me by Kisty Engel @ Utila
Lodge.  She has indicated to me that things are ok there but that the island
is heavily dependent on the tourist industry & very much needs travelers to
start returning.  Most of the people on the island work in some type of
tourist related business - hotels, restaraunts, dive shops, etc.
Gregg

Click here to view the letter. -Gert


-NEWS-
Date: Wed, 2 Dec 1998 13:24:53 -0800
Someone pointed me to http://www.hondurasmitch.com.  This new website, 
initiated by the Institute of Tourism and Ministry of Tourism, Honduras 
gives an excellent overview by area of the current status of the 
'tourist-infrastructure'.  This site will apparently be updated 
frequently, and pictures will be added soon. -Gert


-HELP-
Date: Mon, 30 Nov 1998 10:05:17 -0700
From: Nyree Pippin (pippin@lanl.gov)
Subject: Trying to Locate Friend, Dean Wood on Guanaja

Hi Gert,

Many thanks for your invaluable website.

This past summer I spent some time at Posada del Sol on Guanaja and
became friendly w/ my divemaster, Dean Wood.

Since Hurricane Mitch, I've had no luck getting in touch w/ employees at
PDS or finding out the status on Dean and his family.

I have sent several boxes of supplies to PDS's office in Florida, but
would like to send things directly to Dean and his family.  I believe
that Dean lived in Mangrove Bight prior to Hurricane Mitch.

If anyone knows where Dean and his family are, and knows an address
where I could send packages to him, I'd really appreciate it.

Also, I know Dean has 3 small boys, and I'd like to know their ages, so
that I can include clothes, supplies, & toys for their appropriate ages.

Thanks in advance for any information!

Sincerely,
Nyree Pippin


-NEEDS HELP-
Date: Sun, 29 Nov 1998 15:15:19 -0800
From: Digital Express (digital@intercomm.com)
Subject: sponsorship

Dear fellow Honduras helpers,
 
I have several thousand people that want to correspond directly
one-on-one with families in need in Honduras.  These are people that have
already donated financially through national releif organizations.  What
they would like to do now is to sponsor a family directly and correspond
one on one to find out individual needs of each family member that they
may be able to help with.  Care packages will be sent directly to each
family through whatever means available.  This releif method is not
really meant as emergency releif but more long term releif and
individualized attention to individualized needs.  Each volunteer family
will commit to a one year time period of correspondence and helping with
the families needs.
 
I am in need of more names and addresses of families in need. 
Information needed include:   Familiy members names, ages, individual
circumstances,  clothing or shoe sizes, medical neeeds, birthdates for
special birthday packages,a shipping address or pick up location to ship
packages to.
 
This program was implemented in the mid 70s with U.S. families and Polish
families during their problems.  It was very successful and many
individualized needs were cared for in very personal ways. Great
friendships were formed and lasting memories.
 
If you can help me, please send names and addresses to:
 
Tawnya Reid
650 Alamosa Drive
Sparks Nevada, 89436
or email them to:
digital@intercomm.com
 
Thank you so much


-HELP-
Date: Sun, 29 Nov 1998 01:05:13 EST
From: CANLIMBA@aol.com
Subject: regarding the Situation in Honduras...

Hi Gert.
     My name is Andrea Canavan and the past two summers I have been
volunteering as a lay missionary in the town of Trujillo, on the Northern
coast of Honduras.  I stayed at the Misisn Catslica home of the religious
order, Hijas de la Caridad.  Their house is located in the Barrio of Buenos
Aires.  I was not able to contact them by phone but I did receive an e-mail
message from them.  The conditions around Trujillo seem to be pretty bad for
they have been housing over 100 refugees in the convent itself.  They also
informed me that the villages of Chapagua (here there were no deaths reported)
and Dos Bocas, both close to Trujillo, were pretty much demolished by the
force of the waters.  If you could post this info on the web page that you've
set up, several people might benefit from this.  I also have another
plea...there is one person that I have not been able to contact.  Her name is
DANIS LORENA COLATO ROMERO.  She is 18 years old and lives in Barrio Buenos
Aires, Trujillo as well, close to the sisters that I mentioned above. She was
working in one of the maderas in the neighboring town of Jirico as well which
I believe has been totally destroyed. She has become like a sister to me and I
really desparately need to know if she and her family are okay.  Please help
me.  Thank you.  If you or if anyone comes up with information about her,
please email me at college at the following address:  aecanava@holycross.edu
Or you can call me at (508)-767-5018.
God Bless you for all the work you have been doing...you are truly an angel.
                                                         
Sincerely,                                                                  
Andrea


-NEWS-
Date: Fri, 27 Nov 1998 18:40:50 -0700
From: Jean Greatorex (jean@vena.com)
Subject: Photos of Guanaja

Gert,
I have posted to the internet photos of Guanaja that were
taken recently by a member of Ken Carter's family.
they can be viewed at:

http://www.vena.com/wpi/mitch.html

Jeanne


-NEWS-
Date: Fri, 27 Nov 1998 19:18:05 EST
From: AWACSEH@aol.com

Hi Gert,  The situation in Guanaja is slowly stabilizing, in Mangrove Bight,
the area with which I'm most familiar, quite a few of the older citizens, Mr
Tonts, Mr Robert, Mrs Nelda, Mr Buckie, Joe Roy have moved either to La Ceiba
where they have family or to Bonacca.  Mr Orin is living on his boat, Orly and
family are living in their house which suffered some damage.  Quite a few
people have taken rooms in Harriet's house, the Bender Ebanks family are
there.Mr Niars boys are living aboard the Miss Monique but the rest of the
family are still at Bo Bush's house, Janina and Ronnie are living asboard
their boat in the marina which has held up quite well.   Allan Woods and his
sons are well, Mary and Raphael still have most of their house.   Dougal lost
his house and is aboard his boat.   Henry Powrie has built an Indian type
Teepee on the beach at the marina out of the material supplied by US Aid, also
Sandy, Glover's brother.   KD lost his house but the old house behind stood,
though badly damaged and he and his family are living there.   During the
storm, many many people sheltered there also at Clee Powrie's house, the
kindergarden and at Greg and Sandi's house over the hill which suffered little
damage. Alden Ebanks and helpers have got water to the town though some say
its not too good to drink and are cloroxing and /or boiling.
The huge tent erected by the HMS Sheffield remains the main focal point of the
town and this is where the relifood and clothing is handed out most evenings,
some people are living under the tent too.   Mr. Norton, the principle of the
Adventist school is doing a great job seeing that everyone gets a share of the
relief.   Some building materials have been coming up from Bonacca but sharing
these is really difficult as everyone needs them so badly.   When I left they
were expecting a special shipment of materials to start reconstruction on the
school and church.
At North East Bight a few people are starting to rebuild with whatever
materials are available, Mr Hyde has lost all his bees, Curtis and family have
moved to the Cay.   We at Black Rock Beach are trrying to recover some
building materials to rebuild and so far have one little one in the works.
Farther down the coast, At Crescent Moom cabins, the base of the restaraunt
remains and one cabin where Minerva/Angelo and extended family have been
living.   Shauna Hunter and Mom were there too, both are well.   The roof is
off Duncan Ebanks house and its just a shell, the roof was off SueCasa but is
being repaired all her docks, boathouse have gone but one can still gain
accerss to her house OK Dave Stilley;s house is gone but he will rebuild in
the New Year, Daphne's cottage is gone, Bo Bush's "Island House" is standing
and is in good shape, and he will, I'm sure be open in the near, near future.
Brian's place, End of the World suffered considerable damage but his bar is
open I believe with cold drinks and hot showers!   The Bayman Bay is
reconstructing and will be open soon, Willamot Bay is OK, repairing some
damage, West Peake have had some damage but are in their usual good spirits.
At the airport, Capt Al lost the top story of his building and is now offering
"air conditioned rooms at reduced rates"   At Bonacca, most things look normal
(at least on the outrside), Zapata's is still in business, as are Woods and
the other main stores however around the East end of the Cay, many building
have been washed away.   Many of the houses in the water at Pelican Reef were
severly damaged.    Bahia Mar is OK and in business.   Nautilus is fine, most
of Sandy Bay is OK a house (grey, on the beach) belonging to a Cayman Islander
was washed away, a sailboat at anchor sank, the roof came off the Mannatee and
landed other side of Fruit Harbour but they will be back in business soon too.
Bill Miller's house at Brick Point was lost, but I saw him recently and he
will rebuild something.   Kate and Bill O'Driscoll lost part of their roof but
will repair.
I really can't give much information on the Savannah Bight area but know that
they suffered a lot of wind damage however are receiving relief aid and help.
Get, I hope this gives lots of people some info, the general feeling in the
island is positive, things are coming back, the hills are greening and even
though we won't have our big trees, Guanaja will soon be a beautiful island
once more.   The reefs, I believe are in good shape thank goodness.
We, in this area are very indebted to the HMS Sheffield for their timely 
help, medical, food, shelter and to the Cayman Islanders who arrived soon after
and to everyone who has contributed and helped in so many ways, and to you
Gert for your marvellous efforts,   Thank you all, on behalf of our little
town/area/Island.
Yours truly, Mary Solomon


-RELIEF-
Cecilia Bartsch informed me about a 'new' relief fund:
     Miskito Coast Relief Fund
Visit the website for more information. -Gert


-NEWS- (see earlier messages)
Date: Fri, 27 Nov 1998 10:39:17 EST
From: AWACSEH@aol.com
Subject: Guanaja

Hi Gert, Doug and I are here direct from Guanaja where we live (now camp) at
Black Rock Beach ,just North of Mangrove Bight.   Unfortunately  we will only
be accessable by e-mail today the 27th Nov but would be very happy to answer
any questions or pass any information.
I noticed that Kirsten, a German lady was asking about Hans and Sabine Weller,
they are well, Hans and little Hannes arrived back from Germany safely.
Also, someone was asking about direct flights to the US from La Ceiba, Yes,
Taca flies direct on Sundays otherwise all flights are via San Pedro Sula or
Tegus.
Thanks for all your marvellous help,     Mary Solomon.


-WANT TO HELP-
Date: Tue, 24 Nov 1998 20:38:12 PST
From: gary lomakin (eclipsedc@hotmail.com)

gert
I have been reading all the e-mails on the cleanup of hurricane Mitch.I 
am a chiropractic student who wants to help in whatever way I can, yet 
am not financially sound. I am looking for an agency that can use my 
services(chiropractic, digging for loved ones, building, cleanup or 
whatever needs to be done. Would you please forward my name and e-mail 
address to anyone who is looking for someone like myself. Thank you for 
all the reports on the relief effort.
             Gary lomakin
             510-352-5464


-HELP-
Date: Tue, 24 Nov 1998 14:24:09 EST
From: KWDYLUE@aol.com

Hi Gert -

I am looking for 2 young boys who I met last year during a visit to Honduras.
I had corresponded with them earlier this year.  I just want to know if they
and their families are okay and if they need anything.

If you find any information about them would you e-mail me at this e-mail
address?

Their names and addresses are:

Delio Josue Minero
Florida Copan
San Juan

Jose Osmady Paz
Florida Copan
Honduras CP 41205

Thank you.

Joyce van Warmerdam
kwdylue@aol.com


-WANT TO HELP-
Date: Tue, 24 Nov 1998 11:05:31 PST
From: shariepema@excite.com

Gert, I have been reading from your webpage...A great effort appreciated!
Thanks!

My husband and I plan to be in LaCeiba January 6-16.  We would like to help!

Could you hook us up with an Evangelical faith group working in the relief
effort there in LaCeiba? 

Thanks!      Shari Epema 


-RELIEF-
Date: Mon, 23 Nov 1998 23:27:30 -0700
From: Byrone (cbst@bewellnet.com)
Subject: honduran relief h2o well needed?

To whom it may concern,

Hello, My name is Byron Swezy. A friend and I are departing from
Colorado , and are heading towards Northern Honduras with the intention
of both 
delivering and installing four individual water wells for misc. towns/
villages. We will be equiped with all  of the equipment neccesary,
including the likes
of a 200 ft capable drilling system for such a project. Quickly, I would
appreciate any information and or contacts that you feel could help with
which direction we should be taking as the next step.  Our departure date will
be around the first week of December.We are willing to do more work down
there at no cost. But we do and will need more relevant supplies.
Unfortunately we can only travel with this much equipment/ supplies.
Therefore we need to
find someone or an organization that will sponsor this project with
either more well equipment i.e. the actual pumps to be installed, and or
the finances for
purchasing purposes. I imagine once we are down there we will be able to
figure out some sort of delivery arrangements for said donations.

Thanks for your time,

Byron Swezy


-NEWS-
Date: Mon, 23 Nov 1998 00:30:34 -0800 (PST)
From: MusicKey@webtv.net
Subject: emergency phone numbers for honduras

Think these numbers would have an area code of 504?  Just tell the
operator the town.

cruz rojo 195

bomeros 198
enee tegucigalpa 232-8470
         san pedro sula 556-6402
fusep   199
sanaa    tegucigalpa   246-1808
              san pedro  sula 556-6410
rescate medico movil  tegucigalpa 239-9999
                                    San pedro sula 557-9999

Email:
Tiempo@continental.hn    504-553-3388
They have a section on their newpaper internet page called solidad, that
lists users requests for help in locating persons

tedstew@earthlink.net   Ham operator  available for communication help
on request by email

ahumanitarios@sre.hn   email address given me on honduras channel for
help in locating missing  have not checked it   might not be correct

rameria@hodudata.com  help in locating missing etc.

http://www.tiempo.hn    major newspaper in honduras, and also on the web
has section on web for people to post messages for help in location of
missing

News:

The honduras irc chat channel today had persons there from tela, san
pedro, la cieba, and tegucigalpa in chat.  Tela and la cieba reports
most phones are working ok.


-HELP-
Date: Sun, 22 Nov 1998 16:00:19 EST
From: BRice53789@aol.com
Subject: Honduras

We are looking for a freind of ours who lives in Reitoca Sonduras. Name is
Rosi Adalia Flores.  If you have any information on her or at least about the
city please reply.
Thanks,


-UPDATE- (see earlier message)
Date: Sun, 22 Nov 1998 11:57:34 -0800
From: Larry Thomason (lthomason@tenforward.com)
Subject: passenger service la caiba

gert !
I talked to mina and jeanie again yesterday. and the embassy the day
before that.
 
do you know if there is direct passenger service from la caiba to the US?
 
it looks like i will be getting mina and jeanie out of there in acouple
of weeks.
the embassy said she could come in and get her final processing for
immigration next week. 
again thanks for the help. 


-COMPUTER NEWS-
Date: Sat, 21 Nov 1998 09:41:56 -0800 (PST)
From: MusicKey@webtv.net
Subject: phones working in tegucigalpa and san pedro sula

I talked with many persons on the honduras irc channel  on undernet
servers early this morning and communications are very reliable on the
honduras channel.

Some of them said they were in San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa so the
phones are probably coming back.

Persons that have been trying to phone in should probably try again now.
I do not know if international calls can get through -- their messages
are getting through on the honduras channel on the internet , and that
might be a complicated relay path.

Anyone that does not have irc can try asking their friends that have
computers.

some servers that carry the honduras channel are:

irc.cic.net
irc.erols.com
undernet.mindspring.com
u2.abs.net
irc3.concentric.net
tai.wua.com
library2.airnews.net
irc.ludi.net
elric.internetconnect.net
irc2.worldnet.att.net
undernet.nac.net
home.amug.org
irc.cetlink.net
irc.aros.net
irc.connectnet.com
hobo.il.net
irc01.irc.aol.com
irc06.irc.aol.com

Use port 6667

and for channel  (some times called room or chat room) use honduras

Users with webtv may use my chat4tv irc at my page

Computer users might be able to also use it if they first download the
webtv emulator,  see developer page in the links on my home page.


-HELP-
Date: Sat, 21 Nov 1998 10:31:18
From: Judy Champa (champa@sendit.sendit.nodak.edu)
Subject: Missing persons

Dear Gert,

I am checking on the status of the following families in Honduras.  I hope
you can help me.  I have had no luck by phone.

Lisandro Zelaya Family
Col: 15 de Sept.Casa K-8
Ave: Claudio Barrera
Camayaguela, D.C.
TEl:  33-1337

Policarpo Paz Garcia Family
Colonia: Alameda
1/2 Cuadra antes del I.N.A.
Tegucigalpa

Carmen Flores Family
10 Calle 12 Ave-ND #121
B.O. Los Andes
San Pedro Sula

I hope you can help me.  Thanks so much for your concern.

Judy Champa
Concerned North Dakotan


Linda from the Bayman Bay Club reports that the relief effort initiated by 
the BBC; Mission Guanaja has its own website: www.missionguanaja.org. -Gert
-RELIEF UPDATE-
Date: Sat, 21 Nov 1998 12:28:23 -0500
From: Linda G. Fouke (linda@baymanbayclub.com)

[...]
        We wanted the Mission to have its own site. It has indeed taken on a life
of its own and has its own story to tell. We'll be adding stories and
hopefully pictures of  the many folks in communities around the US and
Canada who have sent supplies to Tampa or FtL. We have probably loaded more
than 90,000 lbs of boxes in Tampa (which have to be instorage until the boat
can handle more. We have had UPS and FedX as well as airlines and now, the
latest, a cruise ship out of FTL which goes to Roatan every Wed. will
transport at no cost 5 pallets of humanitarian supplies for as long as it
takes! We load the ship up tomorrow. Come on over!
[...]


-MORE RELIEF- (see earlier messages)
Date: Fri, 20 Nov 1998 12:24:10 +0100
From: "Karsten Hönack" (nanhonack@online.de)
Subject: help for Honduras

Hi Gert!

I know, I know, I am crazy and should be taken out of service.... Here
our next step.. We want to fill another 10 x 404FEU Containers for
Honduras.Schedule mid January.
This time it is really a big challenge for our little organization, but
you won't believe it. There is a school with 600 kids, some bigger firms
and german cargo companies which will allow to do low or no cost
transportation from this time Stuttgart to Hamburg/Bremen. 
Chiquita Banana is giving us the containers and the no cost freight to
Honduras. THIS IS JUST WONDERFUL. The only thing we have to do is ask
the population for a big collect. And the media will serve this project
instantly!

This is jet a crazy dream, but the one before got reality so fast, that
it should be no problem to do 10 or even more containers.

This is like a drug. You want more and more.
By the way, does somebody know the Verein "Meine kleinen Brüder und
Schwestern" close to Tegucigalpa? I need to contact Mr. Köhler urgently.

Bye from Germany!!!!!!!

Karsten, Honduras Hilfe Schwäbisch Hall & Friends

A little translation:  Karsten is looking for a Mr. Köhler, who 
apparently is connected with the Association (Verein) "My little 
brothers and sisters". -Gert

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