Save the Children Responds to Thousands of Children in Need in the Wake of Hurricane Eta

FAIRFIELD, Conn. (Nov. 4, 2020) — Flooding, mudslides, and heavy rains continue to hit Nicaragua after Hurricane Eta made landfall, possibly impacting the lives of hundreds of thousands of children, Save the Children said today. The organization is responding to the needs of affected children and their families.  

Heavy rains are continuing to drench parts of the country after Eta made landfall in Nicaragua on Tuesday in the north Caribbean region of the country. Tens of thousands of children and their families have already been affected by the heavy rains and flooding in Nicaragua's northern, central, and coastal areas. The hurricane left at least three people dead and damaged buildings and crops in large areas of the country.   

The scale of the damage is likely to increase as Eta is projected to move across Nicaragua, impacting the regions of Jinotega, Matagalpa and Nueva Segovia where Save the Children has been implementing health, education, and protection programs in remote communities for more than 10 years.  

Argentina Martinez, Save the Children’s Country Director in Nicaragua, said: 

“Many families will have lost everything in the storm, or had to flee their homes to safety. Some people have been completely cut off from the outside world. Seeing your house damaged, your possessions disappear, or fleeing the waves can be extremely impactful for children. Children are extra vulnerable as they can become separated from their parents and not always understand what is happening.

“We are coordinating with local authorities and community leaders to attend to the basic needs of children and their families affected by Hurricane Eta. This includes continuing to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”   

Save the Children will be supporting families in Jinotega, Matagalpa, and León. This will include the distribution of food packages, plastic sheeting for shelter, blankets, COVID-19 prevention kits, as well as toilet kits for children, adolescents, and families.   

Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. Since our founding more than 100 years ago, we've been advocating for the rights of children worldwide. In the United States and around the world, we give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. We do whatever it takes for children – every day and in times of crisis – transforming the future we share. Our results, financial statements and charity ratings reaffirm that Save the Children is a charity you can trust. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.