The program calls for reconstructing homes, rebuilding water systems, providing food through programs that put disaster survivors to work in rehabilitation projects, assisting farmers in agricultural rehabilitation with seeds and equipment. The expanded appeal and new dimensions in response activity reflect planning that is well underway around long-term recovery needs as well continuing emergency needs revolving around food, shelter, and health. Overall, recovery planners anticipate a two-year reconstruction effort that could well continue through the end of the year 2000. The most immediate need continues to be health care for acute flu and stomach ailments, parasite-related diseases, and chronic respiratory problems stemming from weeks of rain and flooding. Next spring and summer food shortages are likely.
Most teams work for two weeks.
Another health care team leaves for Honduras next week and plans call for weekly departures of teams to Honduras through the end of January. Beyond material aid and health care programs, CWS will begin working with its partners and denominational constituents next month to explore a volunteer work team program that would assist in rebuilding efforts in Honduras and Nicaragua. CWS is particularly interested in teams organized in the same community or church. Checks for handling and shipping costs should be made out to Church World Service. Pack all kits in sturdy cartons.