OneWorld.net (U.S.)

Dear MADRE Supporter,

Unfortunately I begin this issue of "MADRE Speaks Online" with bad news. Last week there was a terrible fire in Waspam, on the North Atlantic Coast of Nicaragua. Waspam is the home of our partner organization of more than a decade, Wangki Tangni. There has been almost no news of the fire in the US, but I know that many of you have followed and supported MADRE’s work in Nicaragua over the years, and we want to make sure that you know about this emergency.

The fire burned for more than 18 hours, destroying the entire marketplace and homes in the center of town, and triggering gas explosions. Without water or an infrastructure in place, many families literally lost everything. Families from more than 100 communities along the Rio Coco depend on the Waspam marketplace to sell their harvest and generate income to feed their families. The communities along the Rio Coco already exist on the margins, without public services or any safety net to deal with such disasters.

There is an urgent need for food, clean water, medical care, and financial resources to replace lost income and rebuild homes and market stalls. We are working to raise this support and will keep you updated as the needs become clearer.

Thank you for being with MADRE and our sisters. You really do make a difference.

With deep appreciation,

Vivian Stromberg Executive Director