On November 3rd, Eta, a category 4 hurricane, touched ground on Nicaragua and started spreading across Central America, most specifically Honduras and Guatemala. Just a few days after Eta started to fade away, Hurricane Iota, category 5, stroked again in the same area. These are considered to be Third World Countries. 

Destroyed village in Izabal, Guatemala (By: Covial)

Most of the population affected by these disasters live in rural areas, which means their infrastructure is not built as well and resistant as those in the cities. As a result, many people have lost their homes and bridges have come apart, which have left many villages uncommunicated and people unable to be rescued. Plantations located in these areas have been completely ruined due to the floods and strong currents. 

Due to Hurricane Eta in Guatemala, more than 59 thousand families have been affected due to the loss of crops and farm animals. The rains have compromised the growth of coffee, bananas, cardamom, peanuts, sugar, lemons, potatoes, cantaloupes and mangoes; the winds have affected tobacco and avocado plantations. Official authorities have reported at least 46 have died, 96 are missing, and 133 roads have been affected. 

Flooded village of Copan Ruins, Honduras (By: Hondudiario)

The overflowing of the river Tocoa in Honduras caused by the rains of Hurricane Iota has affected more than 97 thousand families; this area had previously been affected by Hurricane Eta. In the department of Yoro, 6 thousand homes were damaged, one bridge and two roads were destroyed. Copán Ruins, an important archeological site was also flooded, putting at risk the Mayan structures. 

In Nicaragua, 35 municipalities have been left uncommunicated due to floods in facilities that provide broadband telecommunications services. Many areas affected by the hurricane remain without access through land because road infrastructure has been damaged. 294 indigenous communities and 17 protected areas were also gravely affected left in danger by the destruction of their crops and homes. 

Natural disasters impact on a higher level in these countries due to the lack of resources available to provide help and assistance to those affected. Government corruption is one of the main factors why it is so hard to bring aid to those in need. Budgets are made with promises to destine the money to situations such as this one, but it never happens. Citizens have to organize themselves to look for donations and cooperate between them to help the rest of the population.