Humanitarian charity Christian Aid has launched a fundraising appeal to help those left homeless in Central America after two consecutive category four hurricanes have left swathes of devastation across the region. 

Although the scale of the disaster is not yet known, reports indicate that more than five million people have been affected across Honduras, Nicaragua and Guatemala. Thousands have been left without homes, access to water or means to earn a living.

At least 40 people have died but this figure is expected to rise as rescue efforts to reach remote communities are still ongoing. 

Moises Gonzalez, Christian Aid's head of Latin America and the Caribbean, based in the Nicaraguan capital Managua, said: "Climate change is making weather more extreme and more unpredictable and is hitting our poorest and most vulnerable communities hardest."

Fears are now mounting that coronavirus may spread through the shelters. In Honduras, before the hurricanes hit, they had undergone an eight-month lockdown to avoid a nationwide spread of the virus, which had left the economy fragile.

"The added threat of COVID-19 is compounding the vulnerability of affected people in Nicaragua, Honduras and Guatemala, making their situation twice as difficult and making it more challenging for us and our partners to reach them safely," Gonzalez added.
"International aid must coordinate with the government and support its capacity and that of civil society."

Christian Aid is working with local partners in Nicaragua, Honduras and Guatemala. Relief efforts will focus on zones where the need is greatest.

You can donate to their appeal here.