[IMG: Hurricane Mitch approaching Honduras on 1998 October 26, 13:15 UT.; Credit: Dennis Chesters, Marit Jentoft-Nilsen, Craig Mayhew, and Hal Pierce, Laboratory for Atmospheres, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

The Caribbean Hurricane Page

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


The most recent updates can be found on another page.


-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.


| Back to Caribbean Hurricane Page | Hurricane Guide | QHWRL | More 1998 Season | 1997 Season | 1996 Season |