Nicaragua Floods 2011 - World Food Programme Response

November 1 2011 - Since the first week of October large parts of Central America have experienced torrential rains leading to severe flooding and landslides in several countries. In Nicaragua the flooding has affected approximately 133 000 people in 13 of 15 departments lead to 16 deaths and displaced more than 10 000 people into 102 emergency shelters across the country. In addition health officials have reported an increased prevalence of acute respiratory infections and water borne diseases while government authorities indicate that there has been substantial damage to the water health and sanitation infrastructure in affected areas. CIDA support assists the World Food Programme (WFP) to meet the immediate needs of vulnerable groups and communities whose food and nutrition security has been adversely affected by the flooding situation in Nicaragua. Specific activities include: the implementation of general food distribution activities in areas directly affected by floods; the provision of an additional ration of fortified micro-nutrient food through supplementary feeding for children under two years of age in shelters; and the transition to short term food-for-work activities when possible to assist with the restoration of livelihoods in affected communities.

Expected outputs include: general food distribution activities implemented in areas directly affected by floods; an additional ration of fortified micro-nutrient food provided through supplementary feeding for children under two years of age in shelters; and the transition to short term food-for-work activities when possible to assist with the restoration of livelihoods in affected communities. The expected intermediate outcome is reduced vulnerability of crisis-affected people especially women and children.