 The outer rainbands of Tropical Storm Aletta produced torrential rains and high winds over Central America for several days, and precipitation totals were as high as 23.3 in (590 mm) in some areas with a peak of 57.32 in (1,456 mm) in Chinandega. A red cross official stated that "Entire families were swept away by [flood waters] and we know nothing about them". Because all sewers in Nicaragua were damaged, the water was contaminated. Ninety percent of the banana crop and 60 percent of the corn crop was completely destroyed. Throughout the country, 108 people were killed, (10 of which drowned in floodwaters). Roughly 20,000 people were homeless and total damage was estimated at $ 365 million (1982 USD); damage to highways, factories, and farms exceeded $ 100 million. In the northern portion of the country, a mudslide buried three small mountain villages, leaving 270 missing and only 29 survivors. About 15,000 sought to two emergency shelters. Many bridges were damaged. Since the capital city of Leon was hardest hit, a disaster area was declared for the nearby area. Aletta was considered the worst disaster in the country in three years.
