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69-540: The city is served by Chinandega Airport . The region around Chinandega produces agricultural products, particularly oil , flour , peanuts , shrimp , and sugarcane , and distilled liquors . The city's weather is warm and humid due to its location at a low altitude in the tropics . Located near the Nicaraguan border with Honduras , Chinandega sits on the CA-1 ( Pan-American Highway ). The department of Chinandega

138-568: A tropical savanna climate , abbreviated "Aw" on climate maps. The city of Chinandega has been nicknamed "the City of Oranges" ( Ciudad de las Naranjas ) and "the Hot City" ( Ciudad Cálida ). Its name is of Nahuatl origin; although its exact meaning is disputed, it may come from the words Chinamitl-tacalt , "place surrounded by reeds." Chinandega was a small city during the colonial era , but its location among fertile flatlands and its position as

207-465: A commercial center led to its eventual rise in importance. The Spanish chronicler Friar Antonio Vázquez Espinoza in his compendium and description of the West Indies described his 1613 visit to Chinandega: "The town of Chinandega is comprised of many Indians, plentiful corn, and all of the fruits of the earth, and appears to be a piece of paradise." Officially a settlement ( poblado ) from 1796,

276-494: A final landfall near Naples, Florida on November 5. Shortly after crossing the state, Mitch transitioned into an extratropical cyclone . The NHC tracked this storm until November 9, when former Hurricane Mitch passed north of Scotland . Due to the threat, the government of Honduras evacuated some of the 45,000 citizens on the Bay Islands and prepared all air and naval resources. The government of Belize issued

345-496: A hurricane on October 24 and developed an eye . After turning to the west, Mitch rapidly intensified , first into a major hurricane on October 25 and then into a Category 5 on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale the next day. At peak intensity, Mitch maintained maximum sustained winds of 180 mph (290 km/h) while off the northern coast of Honduras. Hurricane Hunters reported

414-551: A minimum barometric pressure of 905 mbar (26.7 inHg), which at the time was the lowest in the month of October and tied for the fourth lowest for any Atlantic hurricane . Initially, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) and various tropical cyclone forecast models anticipated a turn to the north, threatening the Yucatán Peninsula . Instead, Mitch turned to the south, due to a ridge that

483-439: A new, structurally improved foundation, homes were redesigned to be able to withstand another hurricane. However, lack of arable crop land took away the jobs from many, decreasing an already low income even lower. Following the passage of Mitch, disease outbreaks occurred throughout Central America, including cholera , leptospirosis , and dengue fever . Over 2,328 cases of cholera were reported, killing 34 people. Guatemala

552-445: A purple alert and asked for citizens on offshore islands to leave for the mainland. Because the hurricane threatened to strike near Belize City as a Category 4 hurricane, much of the city was evacuated in fear of a repeat of Hurricane Hattie 37 years earlier. Guatemala issued a purple alert as well, recommending boats to stay in port, telling people to prepare or seek shelter, and warning of potential overflowing rivers. By

621-531: A result of the extreme damage and loss of life caused by Hurricane Mitch, the name Mitch was retired by the World Meteorological Organization following this storm, and will never again be used for a North Atlantic tropical cyclone. It was replaced with Matthew for the 2004 season . After the disaster, countries around the world donated significant aid, totaling $ 6.3 billion (1998 USD). Throughout Central America, which

690-463: A shock to residents, and president Carlos Roberto Flores alike. The U.S. later increased their offer to $ 70 million (1998 USD). The Honduran government distributed food, water, and medical services to the hurricane victims, including the more than 4 million without water. In addition, the country initially experienced a sharp increase in the unemployment rate, largely due to the destruction of crop lands. However, rebuilding provided jobs in

759-481: A temporary dam. Throughout the country, there were at least 7,000 fatalities, some reported in each department . Following the storm, officials in Honduras requested international assistance, which totaled $ 2.8 billion over a several-year period. Despite this, the gross domestic product began decreasing at the end of 1998, and contracted by 1.9 percent in 1999. Officials enacted a widespread curfew following

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828-486: Is 4,929 square kilometres (1,903 sq mi) in area and has a population of 378,970 distributed among thirteen municipalities: Chinandega (department seat), El Viejo , Corinto , Chichigalpa , Posoltega , El Realejo , Puerto Morazán , Villanueva , Somotillo , Santo Tomás del Norte , San Juan de Cinco Pinos , San Pedro del Norte and San Francisco del Norte . The department has numerous beaches, natural reserves, historic towns, mangroves , and ancient churches;

897-534: Is also home to the largest sugar mills and rum factory (Flor de Caña) in the country. Natives of the department include Salomón Ibarra Mayorga , writer of the national anthem of Nicaragua ; Tino López Guerra , composer of "Rey del Corrido"; the priest Tomás Ruiz , and athletes Vicente Padilla and Próspero González . This area typically has a pronounced dry season. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Chinandega has

966-556: Is an airport serving Chinandega , the capital of the Chinandega Department of Nicaragua . The airport is on the northwest edge of the city. The Managua VOR-DME (Ident: MGA ) is located 64.7 nautical miles (120 km) southeast of the airport. In the early 1980s, the airstrip was used primarily by light aircraft for aerial fumigation. The Chinandega Airport, also known as the El Picacho Airport ,

1035-842: Is home to two football clubs who have both played in the country's top tier in recent years: Chinandega FC and VCP Chinandega . They share the Estadio Efraín Tijerino Mazariego in the northwest of town near the airport . Tigres de Chinandega also call the city home as a member of the Nicaragua Professional Baseball League . Several Major League Baseball players have been a member of Los Tigres, including Mark Minicozzi . 12°37′N 87°09′W  /  12.617°N 87.150°W  / 12.617; -87.150 Chinandega Airport Chinandega Airport ( Spanish : Pista Aérea Germán Pomares Ordoñez ) ( ICAO : MNCH )

1104-560: Is the Holy Name of Jesus , celebrated on the last Sunday of January every year. On May 17, the feast day of Saint Pascal Baylon is also celebrated in the parish. The church was recently restored by the COEN Foundation. Of recent construction, its origins lie in a structure built in 1855 but destroyed in an earthquake in 1885. It was originally built as an offering to Our Lady of Guadalupe during an outbreak of cholera . After

1173-486: The 1998 Atlantic hurricane season , Mitch formed in the western Caribbean Sea on 22 October, and after responding to extremely favorable conditions, it rapidly strengthened to peak at Category 5 status, the highest possible rating on the Saffir–Simpson scale . After drifting southwestward and weakening, the hurricane hit Honduras as a minimal Category 1 hurricane. Mitch roved through Central America, regenerated in

1242-416: The Bay Islands had damage to their water facilities. Two days of winds exceeding 200 km/h (125 mph) destroyed nearly all of the plants and trees on Guanaja, uprooting or knocking down almost the entire mangrove forest. It is estimated that the hurricane produced waves of 44 ft (13 m) in height. While moving slowly for several days offshore Honduras, Hurricane Mitch drew moisture from

1311-736: The Bay of Campeche , and ultimately impacted Florida as a strong tropical storm. It then became extratropical and accelerated northeastward across the North Atlantic, before dissipating on 9 November. At the time, Mitch was the strongest Atlantic hurricane observed in the month of October, though it has since been surpassed by Hurricane Wilma of the 2005 season . In addition, Mitch is the ninth-most intense Atlantic hurricane on record, tied with Hurricane Dean in 2007 in terms of pressure. Being "the deadliest Atlantic hurricane" in over 200 years, Mitch caused catastrophic impacts across its path, but

1380-594: The Bay of Campeche . On November 3, the remnants redeveloped into a tropical storm just off the coast of the Mexican state of Campeche , and a day later the storm made another landfall just north of the city of Campeche . Mitch accelerated to the northeast ahead of a cold front , moving across the Yucatán peninsula and re-entering the Gulf of Mexico. The storm retained winds of 70 mph (110 km/h) before it made

1449-594: The Casita Volcano failed and turned into a lahar from excessive rain. The resulting mudslide ultimately covered an area 10 miles (16 km) long and 5 miles (8.0 km) wide. Two million people in Nicaragua were directly affected by the hurricane. Across the country, Mitch's heavy rains damaged 17,600 houses and destroyed 23,900, displacing 368,300 of the population. 340 schools and 90 health centers were severely damaged or destroyed. Sewage systems and

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1518-478: The Isle of Youth and Cayo Largo del Sur to leave for safer grounds. In Jamaica , where officials declared hurricane warnings 12 hours prior to its closest approach, Mitch caused moderate rainfall and gusty winds for days. Strong waves hit western Jamaica, with wave heights unofficially estimated at nearly 7 feet (2.1 m) in height. The rainfall in outer rainbands, at times severe, flooded many roads across

1587-645: The Yucatán Peninsula , with Cancún on the Quintana Roo coast being the worst hit. Nine people were killed from the flooding, though damage was relatively minimal. The maximum 24-hour rainfall total from Mitch was 13.4 inches (340 mm) in Campeche , while the highest rainfall total was 16.85 inches (428.0 mm) in Ciudad del Carmen . Mitch was also responsible for the loss with all hands of Windjammer Barefoot Cruises ' schooner Fantome . The story

1656-522: The fowl population. Crop and agricultural damage totaled about $ 1 billion, which would take the country years to recover. Honduras's Social Fund for Housing estimated that 35,000 houses nationwide were destroyed with another 50,000 damaged, leaving 1.5 million people homeless – about 20% of the total population. This was the highest number of victims from any natural disaster in Honduras's history. Overall, Hurricane Mitch killed about 7,000 people in Honduras, and damage

1725-505: The most disastrous impacts came from Honduras , which suffered over half of the total deaths. The president of Honduras, Carlos Roberto Flores , estimated that Mitch set back about 50 years of economic development. The storm wrecked about 35,000 houses and damaged another 50,000, leaving up to 1.5 million people homeless, about 20 percent of the country's population. Mitch directly caused $ 2.005 billion in damage, with an additional $ 1.8 billion in indirect costs. Most of

1794-534: The 1885 earthquake, after which it was enlarged. The church was unofficially associated with the city's aristocracy; elaborate weddings between members of the aristocracy were celebrated within its walls. In 1923, with the arrival of the Franciscans at the church, it was completely rebuilt. Its principal feast day falls on June 13 every year. There is also a procession that is held on January 1 of every year. Chinandega has many colonial-era buildings, though not to

1863-501: The Caribbean estimated that Mitch caused the worst floods of the 20th century in the country. An estimated 70–80% of transportation network was destroyed, including most bridges and secondary roads, amounting to $ 236 million in damage. Hurricane Mitch left widespread power outages after damaging more than 385 km (239 mi) of power lines and several power plants. About 70% of Honduras lost access to fresh water after

1932-802: The Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, producing high amounts of rainfall of over 300 mm (12 in) per day. The highest official total was 928 mm (36.5 in) at Choluteca , which represented more than half of the annual precipitation average; at the same location, 466.7 mm (18.37 in) fell in a 24-hour period on October 31, which was more than double of the previous record set in 1985. There were unofficial rainfall totals in Central America as high as 1,900 mm (75 in); rain gauges in mountainous areas were washed away. The high rainfall caused many rivers in

2001-454: The Spanish conquest, when this region was inhabited by various Mesoamerican peoples, who had perhaps originated from the north, possibly from present-day Mexico . There is a museum in the city, "Enrique Mantica Deshon", which contains 1,200 archaeological artifacts of Pre-Columbian origin. There is also a municipal theater called "Rodrigo Callejas" which can seat 400 people. Chinandega

2070-593: The United Kingdom. In Ireland, the storm produced gusts as high as 90 mph (140 km/h) and 30 ft (9.1 m) waves. The winds knocked down trees and power lines, leaving over 30,000 homes without power. One tree fell onto a car in Louth , severely injuring the driver. In Dublin , high winds knocked the roof off of a building, and several other buildings nationwide were damaged. The storm caused airports to close and ferry service to be suspended. As

2139-410: The announcement that will make it the seat of a new diocese, with the church itself becoming elevated to the status of cathedral. El Calvario (" Calvary ") Parish is located in the neighborhood of the same name, and was built in 1874 by Bishop Monsignor Manuel Ulloa y Calvo . The first structure here was of adobe, but on October 11, 1885, this was destroyed by an earthquake and later rebuilt. Its patron

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2208-447: The bean production, 19% of the corn production, and 20% losses in sugar canes. There were heavy losses in livestock as well, including the deaths of 10,000 cattle. Total agricultural and livestock damaged amounted to $ 154 million (1998 USD). In addition, the flooding destroyed two bridges and damaged 1,200 mi (1,900 km) of unpaved roads. In all, Mitch caused nearly $ 400 million in damage (1998 USD) and 240 deaths. Similar to

2277-535: The city is centered around a central park with the Romanesque -style Our Lady Santa Ana Colonial Church. It has withstood over a century of violent storms, earthquakes, and wars. The church was severely affected by an earthquake in 1885, and was later rebuilt into its current state. This is not the location of the original building in the seventeenth century, however. According to documents from Bishop Morel of Santa Cruz dated June 1751, "This church owns three naves on

2346-608: The city was planned by engineer Antonio Rojas. On March 30, 1835, a law was instituted that established a fair on December 8 of every year. On March 15, 1836, during the government of José Núñez , it received the title of town ( villa ), and on September 2, 1839, it received the title of city. On November 1, 1998, Chinandega was hit by massive flooding caused by Hurricane Mitch . The flooding resulted in many thousands of people losing their homes, as well as damages to infrastructure which had not been repaired as of 2009. In accordance with its colonial past and colonial-era urban planning,

2415-406: The coral. However, the hurricane's upwelling cooled the warm water temperatures, preventing significant bleaching and destruction of the coral reef. Mitch caused such massive and widespread damage that Carlos Roberto Flores , the president of Honduras , claimed it destroyed fifty years of progress in the country. Honduras, the country most affected by the hurricane, received significant aid for

2484-612: The country to overflow "to an unprecedented extent this century", as described by the United Nations. The rainfall collected in rivers, causing extensive river flooding across the country. The greatest depth recorded was 12.5 m (41 ft) on the Ulúa River near Chinda , whilst the greatest width recorded was 359 m (1,178 ft) on the Río Lean near Arizona . The rainfall also caused widespread mudslides across

2553-695: The country, mostly in the northeastern part of the country. The storm impacted 2,135 homes to some degree, of which 241 were destroyed, leaving 4,000 homeless. Throughout the country, the rainfall and mudslides affected 126 bridges and 800 miles (1,300 km) or roads, mostly on the Inter-American Highway which was affected by Hurricane Cesar , two years prior. Mitch affected 115 sq mi (300 km ) of crop lands, causing damage to both export and domestic crops. In all, Hurricane Mitch caused $ 92 million in damage (1998 USD) and seven deaths. While drifting through El Salvador ,

2622-409: The damage were ruined crops, and cash crop exports were cut by 9.4 percent in 1999, largely due to the storm. Over 70 percent of the transportation infrastructure was damaged, mostly damaged highways and bridges. Widespread areas experienced power outages, and about 70 percent of the country lost its water sources after the storm. In Tegucigalpa , a large landslide affected three neighborhoods and formed

2691-410: The electricity subsector were severely damaged, and, combined with property, damage totaled to $ 300 million (1998 USD). Transportation was greatly affected by the hurricane, as well. The rainfall left 70% of the roads unusable or destroyed and greatly damaged 92 bridges. Over 1,700 miles (2,700 km) of highways or access roads needed replacement subsequent to the storm, especially in

2760-678: The entire country, the hurricane left between 500,000 and 800,000 homeless. In all, damage in Nicaragua is estimated at $ 1 billion (1998 USD). Due to Mitch's large circulation, it dropped heavy precipitation as far south as Panama and Colombia , especially in the Darién and Chiriquí provinces. The flooding washed away a few roads and bridges, and damaged numerous houses and schools, leaving thousands homeless. The hurricane left three casualties in Panama. In Costa Rica , Mitch dropped heavy rains, causing flash flooding and mudslides across

2829-477: The extent of the Nicaraguan cities of León and Granada , since many of them were damaged during a 1928 bombardment by the Liberal forces, who had revolted against Conservative Adolfo Díaz . Most of the city was destroyed, and only the churches remained unharmed. The city does not have a code that protects colonial architecture as León and Granada do. Chinandega's cultural and historical riches date from before

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2898-441: The hurricane caused strong waves, gusty winds, and heavy rainfall at times. Damage was relatively minimal, amounting to blown out windows and beach erosion . Strong waves damaged or destroyed many docks on the south shore of the islands, and also sank one dive ship near Grand Cayman . In addition, numerous incoming and outgoing flights were cancelled. Then a tropical storm, Mitch caused a storm surge of up to 4 feet (1.2 m) in

2967-622: The hurricane dropped immense amounts of precipitation, resulting in flash flooding and mudslides through the country. Multiple rivers, including the Río Grande de San Miguel and the Lempa River overflowed, contributing to overall damage. The flooding damaged more than 10,000 houses, leaving around 84,000 homeless and forcing 500,000 to evacuate. Crop damage was severe, with serious flooding occurring on 386 sq mi (1,000 km ) of pasture or crop land. The flooding destroyed 37% of

3036-420: The hurricane was less severe than initially predicted, though Mitch still caused heavy rainfall across the country. Numerous rivers exceeded their crests, though the rainfall was beneficial to trees in mountainous areas. The flooding caused extensive crop damage and destroyed many roads. Throughout the country, eleven people died because of the hurricane. In Mexico, Mitch produced gusty winds and heavy rains on

3105-540: The island and left them covered with debris. One house in Spanish Town collapsed from the flooding, leaving four homeless. Many other homes and buildings were flooded, forcing many to evacuate. A river in northeastern Jamaica overflowed its banks, while heavy rainfall across the mountainous parts of the country caused numerous mudslides. In all, Mitch killed three people on Jamaica. On the Cayman Islands ,

3174-744: The lower Florida Keys before making landfall on the Florida west coast. Key West International Airport reported peak wind gusts of 55 mph (89 km/h) and sustained winds of 40 mph (64 km/h), the only report of tropical storm force in the state. Offshore, the Fowey Rocks Light reported wind gusts of 73 mph (117 km/h). In addition, Mitch caused moderate rainfall, peaking at 7 inches (200 mm) in Jupiter , though some estimates indicate localized totals of up to 10 inches (250 mm). The storm spawned five tornadoes over

3243-468: The millions impacted by the hurricane. Mexico quickly gave help, sending 700 tons of food, 11 tons of medicine, four rescue planes, rescue personnel, and trained search dogs. Cuba also volunteered, sending a contingent of physicians to the country. The U.S. administration offered at first troops stationed in Honduras, and then withdrew them a few days after the storm. They also at first offered only $ 2 million (1998 USD) in aid, which came as

3312-533: The mountainous country. In the country's interior, particularly the southern portion, the high rainfall caused hundreds of landslides , many of them shallow and about 95% in the form of debris flow . However, two earthflows caused significant damage near Tegucigalpa. Hurricane Mitch wrought significant damage to Honduras, affecting nearly the entire population and causing damage in all 18 departments . The United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and

3381-483: The northern part of the country and along portions of the Pan-American Highway . Total transportation damage amounted to $ 300 million (1998 USD). Agricultural losses were significant, including the deaths of 50,000 animals, mostly bovines. Crops and fisheries were affected greatly as well, and, combined with agricultural losses, damage totaled to $ 185 million (1998 USD). The situation

3450-508: The outbreak, an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe was first displayed in the church on December 25, 1856, and Pope Pius IX elevated the church to the rank of sanctuary, the first church in Central America to earn this title. It was restored by the COEN Foundation and its principal feast day is celebrated on December 12, with processions during Holy Week being celebrated here as well. This church also suffered from severe damage during

3519-803: The rest of Central America, Mitch's heavy rains caused mudslides and severe flooding over Guatemala . The flooding destroyed 6,000 houses and damaged 20,000 others, displacing over 730,000 and forcing over 100,000 to evacuate. In addition, the flooding destroyed 27 schools and damaged 286 others, 175 severely. Flooding caused major damage to crops, while landslides destroyed crop land across the country. The most severely affected crops for domestic consumption were tomatoes, bananas, corn, other vegetables, and beans, with damaged totaling to $ 48 million (1998 USD). Export crops such as bananas or coffee were greatly damaged as well, with damage amounting to $ 325 million (1998 USD). Damage to plantations and soil totaled to $ 121 million (1998 USD). The flooding also caused severe damage to

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3588-492: The river, with its sacristy and choir close by, two small bells, limestone walls, and tiled floors". Two ancient doors in Antigueño style open on the north and south flanks of the church; these survived the earthquakes, including the 1925 earthquake that damaged the façade and towers. The feast day of Saint Anne is celebrated on July 26 of every year. The church has been restored to its former colonial splendor, and awaits

3657-490: The second deadliest Atlantic hurricane in history after the Great Hurricane of 1780 ; at least 11,374 people were confirmed to have been killed with over 11,000 left missing by the end of 1998; the true death toll is unknown. Additionally, roughly 2.7 million were left homeless as a result of the hurricane. Total damages caused by the hurricane were estimated to be around $ 6 billion (1998 USD). The name "Mitch"

3726-583: The slow motion of the storm. It was the deadliest hurricane in Central American history, surpassing Hurricane Fifi–Orlene , which killed slightly fewer people in the same area in 1974. Mitch was the deadliest Atlantic hurricane in the satellite era, and the second-deadliest on record in the Atlantic, only behind the Great Hurricane of 1780 which killed at least 22,000 people. The thirteenth named storm , ninth hurricane, and third major hurricane of

3795-658: The slow-moving hurricane and then tropical storm dropped nearly 36 inches (900 mm) of rain. The flooding and mudslides damaged or destroyed tens of thousands of homes, with total damage amounting to over $ 5 billion (1998 USD, $ 6 billion 2006 USD), most of which was in Honduras and Nicaragua . Prior to Mitch, the deadliest hurricane in Central America was Hurricane Fifi in 1974, which killed an estimated 8,000–10,000. While offshore northern Honduras, Hurricane Mitch passed over Guanaja island. High waves eroded northern coastlines and damaged lagoons. Most of

3864-600: The state, the strongest of which was rated F2 . In the Florida Keys, multiple buildings that had been damaged by Hurricane Georges were leveled by Mitch. Tornadoes from the storm damaged or destroyed 645 houses across the state, in addition to injuring 65 people. Gusty winds left 100,000 without power during the storm's passage. In all, Mitch caused $ 40 million in damage (1998 USD) in Florida and two deaths from drowning when two boats capsized. As an extratropical cyclone, Mitch passed west of Ireland and

3933-678: The storm, although many rural areas had already been experiencing water shortages. The combined damage to transportation, communication, utilities, including power and water, was estimated at $ 665 million. High water levels along the Choluteca River affected the capital, Tegucigalpa , reaching levels 10 m (33 ft) above their banks. The floods damaged about one-third of buildings, including some more than 350 years old. Across Honduras, agriculture sustained serious damage, with initial estimates of 70% of crops destroyed. About 50,000  bovine were killed, as were 60% of

4002-446: The storm, and for 15 days temporarily restricted constitutional rights to maintain order. There were outbreaks of various diseases, and many residents faced food and water shortages. Due to the slow motion from 29 October to 3 November, Hurricane Mitch dropped historic amounts of rainfall in Honduras , Guatemala , and Nicaragua , with unofficial reports of up to 75 inches (1,900 mm). Deaths due to catastrophic flooding made it

4071-666: The time hurricane Mitch made landfall, numerous people were evacuated along the western Caribbean coastline, including 100,000 in Honduras, 10,000 in Guatemala, and 20,000 in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo . Hurricane Mitch was the deadliest Atlantic hurricane since the Great Hurricane of 1780 , displacing the Galveston Hurricane of 1900 as the second-deadliest on record. Nearly 11,000 people were confirmed dead, and almost as many reported missing. Deaths were mostly from flooding and mudslides in Central America, where

4140-412: The transportation infrastructure, including the loss of 37 bridges. Across the country, flooding damaged or destroyed 840 miles (1,350 km) of roads, of which nearly 400 miles (640 km) were sections of major highways. In all, Hurricane Mitch caused $ 748 million (1998 USD) and 268 deaths in Guatemala. In addition, Mitch caused 11 indirect deaths when a plane crashed during the storm. In Belize ,

4209-524: The volcano of San Cristóbal , the highest in Nicaragua, can be found here, as well as the other volcanoes of the San Cristóbal complex ( El Chonco , Moyotepe , and Casita ), and further east, the peninsula-forming Cosigüina volcano. Chinandega is a center of agriculture growing sugarcane , bananas , peanuts , sesame seeds , cashews , oranges, and grains. It is a shrimping and fishing center and it manufactures salt and leather goods. The city

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4278-481: Was estimated at L 52,345,000,000 ($ 3.8 billion), of which $ 2.005 billion was from direct damages and the remainder from indirect costs. The overall impact represented about 70% of Honduras's annual gross domestic product (GDP). Though Mitch never entered Nicaragua , its large circulation caused extensive rainfall, with estimates of over 50 inches (1,300 mm). In some places, as much as 25 inches (630 mm) of rain fell on coastal areas. The flank of

4347-587: Was further compounded by a total of 75,000 live land mines —left over from the Contra insurgency of the 1980s—that were calculated to have been uprooted and relocated by the floodwaters. In all, Hurricane Mitch caused at least 3,800 fatalities in Nicaragua, of which more than 2,000 were killed in the towns of El Provenir and Rolando Rodriguez from the landslide at the Casita volcano. The mudslide buried at least four villages completely in several feet of mud. Throughout

4416-522: Was most affected by the bacterium, where most of the deaths occurred from contaminated food. 450 cases of leptospirosis were reported in Nicaragua, killing seven people. There were over 1,357 cases of dengue reported, though no deaths were reported from the disease. While stalling over the western Caribbean Sea, Mitch's strong winds produced strong waves, damaging local coral reefs . Later, the storm's immense rainfall led to runoff polluted with debris and fresh water. This resulted in diseases occurring within

4485-423: Was not observed while the storm was active. Land interaction imparted weakening, and the hurricane made landfall on Honduras on October 29 with winds of 80 mph (130 km/h). While over land, Mitch moved slowly westward through Central America, while continuing to produce deep convection over waters. The surface circulation dissipated on November 1. The next day, the remnants of Mitch reached

4554-457: Was recorded in the book The Ship and The Storm by Jim Carrier. The schooner, which was sailing near the center of the hurricane, experienced over 50 feet (15 m) waves and over 100 mph (160 km/h) winds, causing her to sink off the coast of Honduras. On the south coast of Cuba , the hurricane caused waves of up to 13 feet (4.0 m) high and winds gusts peaking at 42 mph (68 km/h), causing numerous tourists and workers on

4623-402: Was recovering from an economic crisis that occurred in 1996, many wished to continue the growth of the infrastructure and economy. In addition, after witnessing the vulnerability to hurricanes, the affected governments endeavored to prevent such a disaster from occurring again. Hundreds of thousands of people lost their homes, but many took this as an opportunity to rebuild stronger houses. With

4692-798: Was renovated in 2010 by the Nicaraguan Civil Aeronautics Authority (INAC). This article about a Central American airport is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . This Nicaragua location article is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . Hurricane Mitch Effects Other wikis Hurricane Mitch was the second-deadliest tropical cyclone in the Atlantic basin on record. Mitch caused 11,374 fatalities in Central America in 1998, including approximately 7,000 in Honduras and 3,800 in Nicaragua due to cataclysmic flooding from

4761-588: Was retired, and will not be used for another Atlantic tropical cyclone. Tropical Depression Thirteen formed on October 22 over the southwestern Caribbean Sea, from a tropical wave that exited Africa on October 10. It executed a small loop, and while doing so intensified into Tropical Storm Mitch. A weakness in a ridge allowed the storm to track slowly to the north. After becoming disorganized due to wind shear from an upper-level low , Mitch quickly intensified in response to extremely favorable conditions, including warm waters and good outflow . It became

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