Heavy rains resulting from Mitch continue to cause serious flooding throughout Nicaragua. Rivers in Esteli, Jinotega, Matagalpa and Chinandega have overflowed their banks. Rivers along the northern Atlantic coastal area continue to rise and are expected to overflow their banks today. The Nicaraguan Red Cross has reported that eight people died as a result of flood waters. On October 29, U.S. Ambassador to Nicaragua Lino Gutierrez declared a disaster due to continued flooding.
Light rain continues to fall on the coastal area, but there are no reports of flooding as of yet.
The Government of Guatemala is taking steps to evacuate the coast in advance of Mitch's arrival. The Mexican Government has plans in place to evacuate vulnerable coastal areas, and the Mexican Red Cross has prepositioned a team of disaster response specialists in the Yucatan Penisula. Funds are being used for the rental of local helicopters to assist with overflight assessments, and to carry emergency medical, food, and water supplies. Heavy rains continue along the entire Pacific coast of Costa Rica. The National Emergency Commission and all of the Agencies of the GOCR are attempting to evacuate all those at risk, and to care for those in shelters.