The team has been part of a global operation to relieve the suffering populations of both Nicaragua and it's neighbour Honduras. The Team, operating in close co-operation with the Disaster Emergency Committee, local authorities, and the military has made a considerable contribution to the saving of life and the relief of suffering.

Although, the search and rescue phase has been complete. The relief and reconstruction phases will continue for many months to come and will need the support of many relief organisations.

A mission report will be added to our web site in due course.

Request forwarded to IRC Team regarding concern over a project team from Health Unlimited based in the UK.  All relevant information has been forwarded to the local civil and military authorities.  Health Unlimited's teams are located south of Puerto Cabezas between Siuna and Rosita Townships.

Combined operations continue in this area.

A nine-man team from IRC has been tasked up the Rio Coco River and during these operation located four communities.  All required either immediate medical treat or medic-vacs from the area. Remaining survivors were given fresh food and water.  All location co-ordinates were forwarded to the Royal Navy for further follow up.

Team expects to be returning back to Puerto Cabezas during the 12 - 13th November.

Combined operations continue in this area.

Waspam:

IRC team is now in Waspam and will be joined by the Royal Navy with a compliment of 14 boats and 6 helicopters (Gazelles, Lynx and Sea Kings).  The Royal Navy and IRC rescue teams working down stream. Two local Pangha boats will be working 50 - 75 kilometres up stream. All teams to assess contamination and quality of water supplies. Rescue survivors as required.  Distribution of foods and medical supplies continue over affected areas.

San Francisco Libra:

Reports indicate that boats are required to ferry supplies into the quarantined area; however, little aid is being transported.  Boats donated for operations in this area should be forwarded to the Civil Defence Committee.

Monday 9th November 1998:

MISSION UPDATE No.4

The IRC team was taken by air to Puerto Cabezas and will move down the Rio Coco River towards Waspam.  Royal Marines from HMS Sheffield have taken up position at the mouth of the Rio Coco River.  UK air support to move in food, water and medical supplies when available.

An IRC boat team has been dispatched to the area around Waspam, and is committed to working down stream. Search and Rescue is the responsibility of IRC and a co-ordinated operation between IRC, Civil and the Military is underway.

Reports have indicated that the arrival of the British Team has lifted the spirits of the local population.  Although the population in Waspam appear to self sufficient in supplies many in the out lying areas appear to be without food and water, and to the high water level are still trapped in trees and houses.  This people require immediate evacuation to a safe area.

The team are well and highly motivated.

Saturday 7th November 1998:

MISSION UPDATE No.3

IRC attended a meeting with the Emergency Management Committee in Managua and during the meeting were informed that their tasks in San Francisco Libra and Posokteera were now not possible.  The area has now been "Quarantined" due to the number of dead and level of disease.

The team have been deployed to conduct a search and rescue task towards the Atlantic Coast on the Rio Coco River to a area known as Was Pan.  This operation will cover 150 miles of flooded terrain where 20,000 people have been affected. Reports are coming in following a radio message from a local Pastor in Was Pan, where 900 people 500 of which are children are stuck on the second floor of his church suffering from illness and lack of food.  Floodwaters are still rising in the area.

IRC rescue efforts will be assisted by a team from HMS Sheffield deployed at the mouth of the Rio Coco River.  The two teams will be working towards each other, covering a 75 miles each.  HMS Sheffield will conduct an initial recce at 0530 hrs (local time) 07.11.98.

The team are well and highly motivated.

MISSION UPDATE No. 2

The team left Gatwick for Nicaragua on Wednesday 4th November on a BA flight via Miami.

The British based charity the International Rescue Corps arrived in Managua on 05.11.98.  Due to delay of essential equipment in Miami by US Aviation Authorities the team will not be deployed until 18.00 hrs (local time) on the 06.11.98.

The 15 man & woman team will be split into two section. One to move north Nicaragua to conduct search, rescue and recovery tasks in the mud slide stricken area recently effected by the eruption of the volcano, and the second team will be deployed with boats to the flooded area around Lake Nicaragua.

Tuesday 3rd November 1998:

BRITISH RESCUE TEAM DEPLOYED TO NICARAGUA !!!!!

The 15 man and woman team will leave Gatwick on the 4.11.98 via a British Airways flight at 10.15 hrs arriving in Miami at 15.00 hrs local time.  Flights from Miami to Managua have been met in full by a commercial donor.  The team will be met in Managua and transported via helicopter to the edge of the mud slide.