Beta Test

We're in Managua, right across the street from the airport. On the TV, we see intimidating satellite images of a large, white spiral of storm clouds positioned right off the Atlantic coast of Nicaragua. Two days ago, we were just meeting our new site community counterparts from Nueva Segovia, near El Jicaro, when we recieved news that our site visits are postponed indefinitely and all PC staff, volunteers, and trainees are being recalled to Managua. Stage 3 of the Emergency Action Plan is now in effect. Beta is set to smack us October 30.

At first, we all felt bummed and confused. Isn't this overreacting just a bit? It's just a big storm, and we're much safer up in the mountains than in the flood-plain of Managua. Well, today, after an hour-and-a-half briefing and orientation, I am glad the Country Director (CD) made the call he did. Here, at the end of the rainy season, the ground is saturated, and best-case-scenario includes lots of flooding and some impassable roads. Worst case scenario: total infrastructure degradation.

However, Peace Corps Nicaragua is prepared. All 160 volunteers are now reported in to Headquarters, we all have comfortable lodging, and all sorts of emergency measures are being taken. We have a cash stockpile, in case the banks close. We have water stores in case of electricity loss and pump malfunction. We have a hurricane-proofed radio tower and radios ready for loss of phone and internet. We have a ton of extra gasoline to keep the cars going.

If the best happens, we should all go back to work as usual on Tuesday or Wednesday. If the worst happens, Peace Corps may temporarily change objectives to deal with the relief effort. In that case, they would probably solicit help from the reserve Crisis Corps that is on call in the US.

So, we're just waiting and watching to see what happens. Please pray for the people of Nicaragua and Honduras that will probably be affected the most. All municipalities have been advised to convene their emergency action boards, and the northeast Atlantic coast is being evacuated. We all hope that a repeat of Hurricane Mitch doesn't come to pass.