IL Postcard
Felix Slams Nicaragua
Date: 09/04/2007Hurricane Felix slammed into Nicaragua's remote northern Atlantic coast this morning, causing the death of at least one person so far. The category five storm, with winds topping 160 miles per hour, was downgraded to category three after it swept through the largest town in the area, Puerto Cabezas, home to 30,000 people, mostly Miskito Indians.
Local officials described the situation as "chaotic" as strong winds ripped off roof tops and tore down trees. President Daniel Ortega had ordered an evacuation on Saturday, and at least 10,000 were transported to safer grounds. Others are in churches and temporary shelters.
The area, which is mostly made up of marsh lands and forest, was already inundated with heavy rains this past June and August. The remote Atlantic coast draws few outside visitors and the rest of Nicaragua remains unaffected, although the potential for flooding and mudslides remains.
The storm appears to be weakening as it moves north toward Honduras, but officials are warning of potential after affects.
Felix is the second category five hurricane of this hurricane season, which lasts until November.
Your Latin America Insider,
Suzan Haskins
for International Living
P.S. To learn more about Nicaragua, come to Panama-that's right, Panama.
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