Hurricane Mitch

Template:Short description Template:About Template:Pp-semi-indef Template:Use dmy dates Template:Infobox weather eventTemplate:Infobox weather event/NWSTemplate:Infobox weather event/EffectsTemplate:Infobox weather event/Footer Hurricane Mitch was a powerful, extremely deadly and catastrophic tropical cyclone in 1998 that became the second-deadliest Atlantic hurricane on record. Mitch caused 11,374 fatalities in Central America, including approximately 7,000 in Honduras and 3,800 in Nicaragua due to cataclysmic flooding from the slow motion of the storm. It was the deadliest hurricane in Central American history, surpassing Hurricane Fifi–Orlene, which killed slightly fewer people in the same area in 1974. Mitch was the deadliest Atlantic hurricane in the satellite era, and the second-deadliest on record in the Atlantic, only behind the Great Hurricane of 1780 which killed at least 22,000 people.

The thirteenth named storm, ninth hurricane, and third major hurricane of the 1998 Atlantic hurricane season, Mitch formed in the western Caribbean Sea on October 22, and after responding to extremely favorable conditions, it rapidly strengthened to peak at Category 5 status, the highest possible rating on the Saffir–Simpson scale. After drifting southwestward and weakening, the hurricane hit Honduras as a minimal Category 1 hurricane. Mitch roved through Central America, regenerated in the Bay of Campeche, and ultimately impacted Florida as a strong tropical storm. It then became extratropical and accelerated northeastward across the North Atlantic, before dissipating on November 9. At the time, Mitch was the strongest Atlantic hurricane observed in the month of October, surpassing Hurricane Hattie of the 1961 season. The record would stand for seven years until it would be broken by Hurricane Wilma of the 2005 season. In addition, Mitch is the tenth-most intense Atlantic hurricane on record, tied with Hurricane Dean in 2007 in terms of pressure.

Being "the deadliest Atlantic hurricane" in over 200 years,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Mitch caused catastrophic impacts across its path, but the most disastrous impacts came from Honduras, which suffered over half of the total deaths. The president of Honduras, Carlos Roberto Flores, estimated that Mitch set back about 50 years of economic development. The storm wrecked about 35,000 houses and damaged another 50,000, leaving up to 1.5 million people homeless, about 20 percent of the country's population. Mitch directly caused $2.005 billion in damage,<ref group="nb">All damage totals are in 1998 United States dollars unless otherwise noted.</ref> with an additional $1.8 billion in indirect costs. Most of the damage were ruined crops, and cash crop exports were cut by 9.4 percent in 1999, largely due to the storm. Over 70 percent of the transportation infrastructure was damaged, mostly damaged highways and bridges. Widespread areas experienced power outages, and about 70 percent of the country lost its water sources after the storm. In Tegucigalpa, a large landslide affected three neighborhoods and formed a temporary dam. Throughout the country, there were at least 7,000 fatalities, some reported in each department. Following the storm, officials in Honduras requested international assistance, which totaled $2.8 billion over a several-year period. Despite this, the gross domestic product began decreasing at the end of 1998, and contracted by 1.9 percent in 1999. Officials enacted a widespread curfew following the storm, and for 15 days temporarily restricted constitutional rights to maintain order. There were outbreaks of various diseases, and many residents faced food and water shortages.

Due to the slow motion from October 29 to November 3, Hurricane Mitch dropped historic amounts of rainfall in Honduras, Guatemala, and Nicaragua, with unofficial reports of up to Template:Convert. Deaths due to catastrophic flooding made it the second deadliest Atlantic hurricane in history after the Great Hurricane of 1780; at least 11,374 people were confirmed to have been killed with over 11,000 left missing by the end of 1998; the true death toll is unknown. Additionally, roughly 2.7 million were left homeless as a result of the hurricane. Total damages caused by the hurricane were estimated to be around $6 billion (1998 USD). The name "Mitch" was retired, and will not be used for another Atlantic tropical cyclone.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Meteorological history

Tropical Depression Thirteen formed on October 22 over the southwestern Caribbean Sea, from a tropical wave that exited Africa on October 10. It executed a small loop, and while doing so intensified into Tropical Storm Mitch. A weakness in a ridge allowed the storm to track slowly to the north. After becoming disorganized due to wind shear from an upper-level low, Mitch quickly intensified in response to extremely favorable conditions,<ref name="nhc">Template:Cite report</ref> including warm waters and good outflow.<ref>Template:Cite report</ref><ref>Template:Cite report</ref> It became a hurricane on October 24 and developed an eye.<ref>Template:Cite report</ref> After turning to the west, Mitch rapidly intensified, first into a major hurricane on October 25 and then into a Category 5 on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale the next day.<ref name="nhc"/>

Template:Most intense Atlantic hurricanes At peak intensity, Mitch maintained maximum sustained winds of Template:Convert while off the northern coast of Honduras. Hurricane Hunters reported a minimum barometric pressure of Template:Convert, which at the time was the lowest in the month of October and tied for the fourth lowest for any Atlantic hurricane. Initially, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) and various tropical cyclone forecast models anticipated a turn to the north, threatening the Yucatán Peninsula. Instead, Mitch turned to the south, due to a ridge that was not observed while the storm was active.<ref name="nhc"/> Land interaction imparted weakening,<ref>Template:Cite report</ref> and the hurricane made landfall on Honduras on October 29 with winds of Template:Convert.<ref name="nhc"/>

While over land, Mitch moved slowly westward through Central America, while continuing to produce deep convection over waters.<ref>Template:Cite report</ref> The surface circulation dissipated on November 1. The next day, the remnants of Mitch reached the Bay of Campeche. On November 3, the remnants redeveloped into a tropical storm just off the coast of the Mexican state of Campeche, and a day later the storm made another landfall just north of the city of Campeche. Mitch accelerated to the northeast ahead of a cold front, moving across the Yucatán peninsula and re-entering the Gulf of Mexico. The storm retained winds of Template:Convert before it made a final landfall near Naples, Florida on November 5. Shortly after crossing the state, Mitch transitioned into an extratropical cyclone. The NHC tracked this storm until November 9, when former Hurricane Mitch passed north of Scotland.<ref name="nhc"/>

Preparations

Satellite animation of a large tropical cyclone moving over Central America

Hurricane Mitch moving over Central America between 28-30 October 1998

Various tropical cyclone watches and warnings were issued due to the hurricane.<ref name="nhc"/> The NHC recommended early on October 26 for a hurricane warning to be issued for the northeastern Honduran coast, although difficulties in communications prevented their immediate implementation.<ref>Template:Cite report</ref> Within a few hours, a hurricane warning was in place between Limón to the Honduras and Nicaragua border, including the offshore Swan Island.<ref>Template:Cite report</ref> When Mitch still failed to turn to the north, the government of Honduras issued a hurricane warning for the remainder of their coastline.<ref>Template:Cite report</ref> Due to the threat, the government of Honduras evacuated some of the 45,000 citizens on the Bay Islands and prepared all air and naval resources.<ref name="spare"/> On October 26, the Honduran Permanent Contingency Commission coordinated with neighboring countries regarding the storm. Officials initially issued a state of emergency for the offshore islands and five coastal departments, which was later extended to the rest of the country. The government increased emergency spending and created a National Emergency Commission. Officials advised residents to evacuate in flood-prone areas, although many people stayed for fear of being looted. Some left to stay with relatives during the hurricane. Prisoners in Tegucigalpa Central Penitentiary were evacuated to the national stadium.<ref name="un"/> Before the storm struck, Honduras was facing decreased food supplies due to ongoing El Niño conditions. The economy had been growing at a rate similar to the previous year until Mitch struck,<ref name="iadb"/> and was largely dependent on exports. About 73% of the population was living in poverty when the storm struck.<ref name="eclac"/> Hurricane Mitch set back the economies of various countries in the region, including Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala, and El Salvador, after they had improved throughout the 1990s.<ref name="un">Template:Cite report</ref>

The government of Belize issued a purple alert and asked for citizens on offshore islands to leave for the mainland.<ref name="spare">Template:Cite news</ref> Because the hurricane threatened to strike near Belize City as a Category 4 hurricane, much of the city was evacuated in fear of a repeat of Hurricane Hattie 37 years earlier.<ref name="ncdc"/> Guatemala issued a purple alert as well, recommending boats to stay in port, telling people to prepare or seek shelter, and warning of potential overflowing rivers.<ref name="spare"/> By the time hurricane Mitch made landfall, numerous people were evacuated along the western Caribbean coastline, including 100,000 in Honduras, 10,000 in Guatemala, and 20,000 in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo.<ref name="standstill">Template:Cite news</ref> Template:Clear

Impact

Impact by region

Region	Deaths	Ref	Damages	Ref
Belize	Template:Nts	<ref name="ncdc"/>	Template:Ntsp	<ref name="EM-DAT">Template:Cite web</ref>
Costa Rica	Template:Nts	<ref name="ncdc"/>	Template:Ntsp	<ref name="iadbcr"/>
El Salvador	Template:Nts	<ref name="iadbes">Template:Cite web</ref>	Template:Ntsp	<ref name="iadbes"/>
Guatemala	Template:Nts	<ref name="iadbg">Template:Cite web</ref>	Template:Ntsp	<ref name="iadbg"/>
Honduras	Template:Nts	<ref name="EM-DAT"/><ref name="7000 Honduras">Template:Cite news</ref>	Template:Ntsp	<ref name="EM-DAT"/><ref name="hondam">Template:Cite web</ref>
Jamaica	Template:Nts	<ref name="ncdc"/>	Unknown
Mexico	Template:Nts	<ref name="ncdc"/><ref name="EM-DAT"/>	Template:Ntsp	<ref name="EM-DAT"/>
Nicaragua	Template:Nts	<ref name="ncdc"/>	Template:Ntsp	<ref name="ncdc"/>
Panama	Template:Nts	<ref name="ncdc"/><ref name="EM-DAT"/>	Template:Ntsp	<ref name="EM-DAT"/>
United States	Template:Nts	<ref name="nhc"/>	Template:Ntsp	<ref name="nhc"/>
Offshore	Template:Nts	<ref name="ncdc"/>	Template:Ntsh
Total	Template:Nts		Template:Ntsp

Central America

Hurricane Mitch was the deadliest Atlantic hurricane since the Great Hurricane of 1780, displacing the Galveston Hurricane of 1900 as the second-deadliest on record. Nearly 11,000 people were confirmed dead, and almost as many reported missing. Deaths were mostly from flooding and mudslides in Central America, where the slow-moving hurricane and then tropical storm dropped nearly Template:Convert of rain. The flooding and mudslides damaged or destroyed tens of thousands of homes, with total damage amounting to over $5 billion (1998 USD, $6 billion 2006 USD), most of which was in Honduras and Nicaragua. Prior to Mitch, the deadliest hurricane in Central America was Hurricane Fifi in 1974, which killed an estimated 8,000–10,000.<ref name="nhc"/>

Honduras

File:Mitch-Tegucigalpa Damage.JPG

Damage in Tegucigalpa

Beginning on October 26, the hurricane drew moisture from the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea to produce torrential rainfall across Honduras, producing high amounts of rainfall of over Template:Convert per day.<ref name="ncdc"/><ref name="un"/> In some areas, high mountain peaks contributed to high precipitation totals,<ref name="nhc"/> and the highest amounts occurred in southern Honduras.<ref name="land"/> The highest official total was Template:Convert at Choluteca, which represented more than half of the annual precipitation average; at the same location, Template:Convert fell in a 24-hour period on October 31, which was more than double the previous record set in 1985.<ref name="un"/> At Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras in the capital Tegucigalpa, rainfall totaled 294 mm (11.58 in).<ref name="nhc"/> The total of Template:Convert on October 30 broke the record set in 1966 for the wettest day. At La Ceiba near where the storm made landfall, Mitch produced Template:Convert of rainfall, which is 30% of its annual rainfall; of the total, Template:Convert fell on October 27, which was the third highest amount there on record.<ref name="un"/> There were unofficial rainfall totals in Central America as high as 1900 mm (75 in); rain gauges in mountainous areas were washed away.<ref name="ncdc"/> The high rainfall caused many rivers in the country to overflow "to an unprecedented extent this century", as described by the United Nations.<ref name="un"/> The greatest depth recorded was Template:Convert on the Ulúa River near Chinda, whilst the greatest width recorded was Template:Convert on the Río Lean near Arizona. The rainfall also caused widespread mudslides across the mountainous country.<ref name="flood">Template:Cite web</ref> The flooding caused the Choluteca River to change its course, forming an avulsion. Widespread flooding near the northern coast left behind about Template:Convert of sediment, which ruined forests and shrimp ponds. Flooding also affected the Pacific coast along the Gulf of Fonseca, leaving behind debris and sediment.<ref name="nwrc"/> In the country's interior, particularly the southern portion, the high rainfall caused hundreds of landslides, many of them shallow and about 95% in the form of debris flow. However, two earthflows caused significant damage near Tegucigalpa.<ref name="land">Template:Cite report</ref>

While offshore northern Honduras, Hurricane Mitch passed over Guanaja island.<ref name="nhc"/> Two days of winds exceeding Template:Convert destroyed nearly all of the plants and trees on Guanaja, uprooting or knocking down almost the entire mangrove forest.<ref name="nwrc"/> It is estimated that the hurricane produced waves of Template:Convert in height.<ref name="ncdc2">Template:Cite report</ref> High waves eroded northern coastlines and damaged lagoons.<ref name="eclac"/> Most of the Bay Islands had damage to their water facilities.<ref name="iadb">Template:Cite report</ref>

Overall, Hurricane Mitch killed about 7,000 people in Honduras,<ref name="un"/> with 11,000 missing in the months after the storm.<ref name="ncdc"/> There were 8,000 people listed as missing about ten days after Mitch struck, although problems with record-keeping made it difficult to determine the exact total. Choluteca Department in the southern portion of the country had the most deaths, with 1,200 fatalities. Francisco Morazán Department, which includes Tegucigalpa, had about 1,000 deaths, and Yoro Department had 911 fatalities. There were deaths in every department, however.<ref name="un"/> Many of the dead were buried in mass graves or were cremated.<ref name="ncdc"/> The storm injured 12,272 people nationwide,<ref name="iadb"/> mostly in Choluteca and Cortés departments.<ref name="un"/> Throughout the country, damage was estimated at L52,345,000,000 ($3.8 billion).<ref name="iadb"/> Of this, $2.005 billion was from direct damages and the remainder from indirect costs. The overall impact represented about 70% of Honduras's annual gross domestic product (GDP).<ref name="eclac"/> The hurricane affected nearly the entire population and causing damage in all 18 departments.<ref name="un"/> The United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean estimated that Mitch caused the worst floods of the 20th century in the country.<ref name="eclac">Template:Cite report</ref> Honduras's Social Fund for Housing estimated that 35,000 houses nationwide were destroyed with another 50,000 damaged,<ref name="iadb"/> many of which were poorly built or in flood-prone areas.<ref name="eclac"/> This left up to 1.5 million people homeless – about 20% of the total population<ref name="ncdc"/> – and was the highest number of victims from any natural disaster in Honduras's history. Over 30% of the populations of Choluteca, Colón, and Cortés departments were left homeless.<ref name="un"/> Housing costs were estimated at $344 million, including $221 million in housing damage; the rest included the costs for shelters, removal of debris, and loss of rent.<ref name="eclac"/>

File:Mitch-San Juancito Mudslide.JPG

Mudslide in San Juancito, Honduras

Across Honduras, agriculture sustained serious damage, with initial estimates of 70% of crops destroyed.<ref name="ncdc"/> Flooding affected about 29% of the country's arable land, much of covered for an extended period of time.<ref name="iadb"/> This washed away large areas of topsoil, which would take a long period of time to recover.<ref name="eclac"/> About 85% of the banana crop was lost, along with the loss of 60% of melons,<ref name="iadb"/> 60% of sugar cane,<ref name="eclac"/> and 58% of corn.<ref name="iadb"/> About one-third of the corn crop had already been harvested.<ref name="eclac"/> About 50,000 bovine were killed, as were 60% of the fowl population.<ref name="iadb"/> Crop and agricultural damage totaled about $1 billion,<ref name="eclac"/> which would take the country years to recover.<ref name="ncdc"/> Poor road conditions following the storm prevented crops from being dried, which caused further damage.<ref name="eclac"/> Mitch caused substantial damage to the nation's agricultural industry, particularly in areas inhabited by mestizos and indigenous groups. Bananas, plantains, and manioc, all of which are historically important export crops for Honduras, were all essentially destroyed, as were about 80% of rice farms.<ref name=":1">Template:Cite journal</ref>

An estimated 70–80% of the transportation network was destroyed, including most bridges and secondary roads,<ref name="ncdc"/> amounting to $236 million in damage. In mountainous areas, floods carrying debris damaged roads and bridges. A total of Template:Convert of bridges were damaged or destroyed, and an additional Template:Convert of approach roads were likewise damaged. Several vehicles were washed away due to the floods. In contrast to roads, there was little railway damage. There was minor impact to the nation's airports, limited to some damage to air traffic equipment. Seaports also sustained minor damage, although many lost electronic equipment. Hurricane Mitch left widespread power outages after damaging more than Template:Convert of power lines and several power plants. About 11% of Honduras's telephone lines were damaged during the storm.<ref name="eclac"/> Landslides and flooding contaminated aqueducts in several cities, including 1,600 systems in rural areas.<ref name="iadb"/> Many cities sustained damage to their water network,<ref name="eclac"/> and about 70% of Honduras lost access to fresh water after the storm, although many rural areas had already been experiencing water shortages.<ref name="un"/> The combined damage to transportation, communication, utilities, including power and water, was estimated at $665 million.<ref name="iadb"/> Communications were disrupted after power outages, and there were also fuel and water shortages.<ref name="ncdc"/> Flooding damaged or destroyed industrial areas of Honduras, which affected exports and domestic products.<ref name="iadb"/> Six maquiladora factories were damaged in the northern portion of the country, and one was destroyed in La Ceiba.<ref name="eclac"/> Many businesses shut down, leaving many people unemployed who already lost their homes.<ref name="un"/> Mitch also destroyed 123 health facilities nationwide and wrecked 4,835, or 23%, of the nation's classrooms.<ref name="iadb"/> As a result, most classes that would have gone until November 30 were ended about a month early, allowing teachers to assist in helping others.<ref name="un"/>

Severe flooding occurred in the northern region,<ref name="un"/> which washed away more than 25 entire villages.<ref name="ncdc"/> In San Pedro Sula in northwestern Honduras, flooding covered several neighborhoods and the international airport.<ref name="un"/> Near the coast, high waves destroyed hotels and houses while swollen rivers flooded nearby areas. Damage was heaviest in Colón and Atlántida departments.<ref name="iadb"/> In the latter department, the Cangrejal River left heavy damage along its path after it flooded. In Choluteca and Valle departments in the southern portion of the country, river flooding swept away houses and affected neighborhoods.<ref name="eclac"/> High water levels along the Choluteca River affected the capital, Tegucigalpa,<ref name="iadb"/> reaching levels Template:Convert above their banks.<ref name="un"/> Mitch largely destroyed the center of the city, including many residential buildings along river banks.<ref name="eclac"/> The floods damaged about one-third of buildings, including some more than 350 years old.<ref name="ncdc"/> The storm destroyed the primary water mains in Tegucigalpa and neighboring Comayagüela, and Template:Convert of water piping had to be repaired.<ref name="eclac"/> In central Tegucigalpa, there was a large earthflow along Cerro El Berrinche mountain that weighed Template:Convert. This landslide, the largest generated by Mitch in the country, destroyed the Colonia Soto section and damaged portions of two other neighborhoods.<ref name="land"/> It carried debris, trees, and rocks, forming a temporary dam along the Choluteca River laden with sewage.<ref name="un"/><ref name="land"/> Because the landslide was slow-moving, officials were able to evacuate before the river was stopped due to the temporary dam. Another smaller landslide destroyed several houses in the Colonia El Reparto section of the capital, although it was also slow-moving, and the residents were able to evacuate. Other landslides destroyed over 20 houses along the rivers in the city due to erosion along river banks.<ref name="land"/>

On October 27, the S/V Fantome, a schooner, last reported its location to the south of Guanaja, while trying to escape the brunt of the storm. The United States Coast Guard searched until November 4, when they observed the debris from the ship. All 31 people on board were presumed killed.<ref name="ncdc"/> On the offshore Guanaja island, waters rose about Template:Convert during the storm.<ref name="eclac"/> The combination of storm surge and high winds severely damaged offshore islands.<ref name="ncdc"/> High waves eroded northern coastlines and damaged lagoons.<ref name="eclac"/> Most of the Bay Islands had damage to their water facilities.<ref name="iadb"/> Two days of winds exceeding Template:Convert destroyed nearly all of the plants and trees on Guanaja, uprooting or knocking down almost the entire mangrove forest.<ref name="nwrc"/> Most mangrove trees were an average of Template:Convert in height before they fell. Those remaining standing were damaged internally and unable to regrow. All trees lost their leaves on the island,<ref name="03m"/> and 70% of conifer trees were knocked down.<ref name="land"/> Montane trees likewise experienced severe damage, although they made a recovery within a year.<ref name="03m"/> However, no mangrove trees had regrown there by three years after the storm struck, indicating the level of destruction. Tree damage also occurred on nearby Roatán island, although to a much lesser degree,<ref name="nwrc">Template:Cite report</ref> and occurring on the eastern end. Winds there were generally less than 185 km/h (115 mph), and the tree damage was more random.<ref name="03m">Template:Cite report</ref>

Nicaragua

File:Mitch-Flooding in Managua.jpg

Flooding in Lake Managua after the hurricane

Though Mitch never entered Nicaragua, its large circulation caused extensive rainfall, with estimates of over Template:Convert.<ref name="ncdc"/> In some places, as much as Template:Convert of rain fell on coastal areas.<ref name="reports">Template:Cite web</ref> The flank of the Casita Volcano failed and turned into a lahar from excessive rain. The resulting mudslide ultimately covered an area Template:Convert long and Template:Convert wide.<ref name="ncdc"/>

Two million people in Nicaragua were directly affected by the hurricane.<ref name="ncdc"/> Across the country, Mitch's heavy rains damaged 17,600 houses and destroyed 23,900, displacing 368,300 of the population.<ref name="usgs">Template:Cite web</ref> 340 schools and 90 health centers were severely damaged or destroyed. Sewage systems and the electricity subsector were severely damaged, and, combined with property, damage totaled to $300 million (1998 USD).<ref name="nicdam">Template:Cite web</ref>

File:Mitch- Casita Mudslide.JPG

Casita volcano in western Nicaragua after deadly mudslide

Transportation was greatly affected by the hurricane, as well. The rainfall left 70% of the roads unusable or destroyed and greatly damaged 92 bridges.<ref name="nic">Template:Cite web</ref> Over Template:Convert of highways or access roads needed replacement subsequent to the storm, especially in the northern part of the country and along portions of the Pan-American Highway. Total transportation damage amounted to $300 million (1998 USD). Agricultural losses were significant, including the deaths of 50,000 animals, mostly bovines. Crops and fisheries were affected greatly as well, and, combined with agricultural losses, damage totaled to $185 million (1998 USD).<ref name="nicdam"/>

The situation was further compounded by a total of 75,000 live land mines—left over from the Contra insurgency of the 1980s—that were calculated to have been uprooted and relocated by the floodwaters.<ref name="landmine">Template:Cite web</ref>

In all, Hurricane Mitch caused at least 3,800 fatalities in Nicaragua, of which more than 2,000 were killed in the towns of El Provenir and Rolando Rodriguez from the landslide at the Casita volcano. The mudslide buried at least four villages completely in several feet of mud. Throughout the entire country, the hurricane left between 500,000 and 800,000 homeless. In all, damage in Nicaragua is estimated at $1 billion (1998 USD).<ref name="ncdc"/>

Rest of Central America

Template:Deadliest hurricanes Due to Mitch's large circulation, it dropped heavy precipitation as far south as Panama and Colombia, especially in the Darién and Chiriquí provinces. The flooding washed away a few roads and bridges, and damaged numerous houses and schools, leaving thousands homeless.<ref name="Panama">Template:Cite web</ref> The hurricane left three casualties in Panama.<ref name="ncdc"/>

In Costa Rica, Mitch dropped heavy rains, causing flash flooding and mudslides across the country, mostly in the northeastern part of the country.<ref name="ncdc"/> The storm impacted 2,135 homes to some degree, of which 241 were destroyed,<ref name="iadbcr">Template:Cite web</ref> leaving 4,000 homeless.<ref name="reports"/> Throughout the country, the rainfall and mudslides affected 126 bridges and Template:Convert or roads, mostly on the Inter-American Highway which was affected by Hurricane Cesar, two years prior. Mitch affected Template:Convert of crop lands, causing damage to both export and domestic crops. In all, Hurricane Mitch caused $92 million in damage (1998 USD)<ref name="iadbcr"/> and seven deaths.<ref name="ncdc"/>

While drifting through El Salvador, the hurricane dropped immense amounts of precipitation, resulting in flash flooding and mudslides through the country. Multiple rivers, including the Río Grande de San Miguel and the Lempa River overflowed, contributing to overall damage. The flooding damaged more than 10,000 houses, leaving around 84,000 homeless<ref name="iadbes"/> and forcing 500,000 to evacuate.<ref name="bbc">Template:Cite news</ref> Crop damage was severe, with serious flooding occurring on Template:Convert of pasture or crop land. The flooding destroyed 37% of the bean production, 19% of the corn production, and 20% losses in sugar canes. There were heavy losses in livestock as well, including the deaths of 10,000 cattle. Total agricultural and livestock damaged amounted to $154 million (1998 USD). In addition, the flooding destroyed two bridges and damaged Template:Convert of unpaved roads. In all, Mitch caused nearly $400 million in damage (1998 USD) and 240 deaths.<ref name="iadbes"/>

Similar to the rest of Central America, Mitch's heavy rains caused mudslides and severe flooding over Guatemala. The flooding destroyed 6,000 houses and damaged 20,000 others, displacing over 730,000 and forcing over 100,000 to evacuate. In addition, the flooding destroyed 27 schools and damaged 286 others, 175 severely. Flooding caused major damage to crops, while landslides destroyed crop land across the country. The most severely affected crops for domestic consumption were tomatoes, bananas, corn, other vegetables, and beans, with damaged totaling to $48 million (1998 USD). Export crops such as bananas or coffee were greatly damaged as well, with damage amounting to $325 million (1998 USD). Damage to plantations and soil totaled to $121 million (1998 USD). The flooding also caused severe damage to the transportation infrastructure, including the loss of 37 bridges. Across the country, flooding damaged or destroyed Template:Convert of roads, of which nearly Template:Convert were sections of major highways. In all, Hurricane Mitch caused $748 million (1998 USD) and 268 deaths in Guatemala.<ref name="iadbg"/> In addition, Mitch caused 11 indirect deaths when a plane crashed during the storm.<ref name="bbc"/>

In Belize, the hurricane was less severe than initially predicted, though Mitch still caused heavy rainfall across the country.<ref name="bbc"/> Numerous rivers exceeded their crests, though the rainfall was beneficial to trees in mountainous areas.<ref name="unofbe">Template:Cite web</ref> The flooding caused extensive crop damage and destroyed many roads. Throughout the country, eleven people died because of the hurricane.<ref name="bbc"/>

File:Mitch1998rain.gif

Rainfall totals in Mexico and Florida

In Mexico, Mitch produced gusty winds and heavy rains on the Yucatán Peninsula, with Cancún on the Quintana Roo coast being the worst hit.<ref name="bbc"/> Nine people were killed from the flooding, though damage was relatively minimal.<ref name="ncdc"/> The maximum 24-hour rainfall total from Mitch was Template:Convert in Campeche,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> while the highest rainfall total was Template:Convert in Ciudad del Carmen.<ref name="rain">Template:Cite web</ref>

Caribbean Sea

Mitch was also responsible for the loss with all hands of Windjammer Barefoot Cruises' schooner Fantome. The story was recorded in the book The Ship and The Storm by Jim Carrier. The schooner, which was sailing near the center of the hurricane, experienced over Template:Convert waves and over Template:Convert winds, causing her to sink off the coast of Honduras.<ref name="fantome">Template:Cite web</ref>

On the south coast of Cuba, the hurricane caused waves of up to Template:Convert high and winds gusts peaking at Template:Convert, causing numerous tourists and workers on the Isle of Youth and Cayo Largo del Sur to leave for safer grounds.<ref name="mitchcar">Template:Cite news</ref>

In Jamaica, where officials declared hurricane warnings 12 hours prior to its closest approach,<ref name="nhc"/> Mitch caused moderate rainfall and gusty winds for days. Strong waves hit western Jamaica, with wave heights unofficially estimated at nearly Template:Convert in height. The rainfall in outer rainbands, at times severe, flooded many roads across the island and left them covered with debris. One house in Spanish Town collapsed from the flooding, leaving four homeless. Many other homes and buildings were flooded, forcing many to evacuate. A river in northeastern Jamaica overflowed its banks, while heavy rainfall across the mountainous parts of the country caused numerous mudslides.<ref name="unofjam">Template:Cite web</ref> In all, Mitch killed three people on Jamaica.<ref name="ncdc"/>

On the Cayman Islands, the hurricane caused strong waves, gusty winds, and heavy rainfall at times. Damage was relatively minimal, amounting to blown out windows and beach erosion. Strong waves damaged or destroyed many docks on the south shore of the islands, and also sank one dive ship near Grand Cayman. In addition, numerous incoming and outgoing flights were cancelled.<ref name="unofcayman">Template:Cite web</ref>

Florida and Europe

File:Mitch 1998-11-03 2044Z.gif

Mitch redeveloping in the Bay of Campeche on 3 November.

Then a tropical storm, Mitch caused a storm surge of up to Template:Convert in the lower Florida Keys before making landfall on the Florida west coast. Key West International Airport reported peak wind gusts of Template:Convert and sustained winds of Template:Convert, the only report of tropical storm force in the state.<ref name="nhc"/> Offshore, the Fowey Rocks Light reported wind gusts of Template:Convert.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> In addition, Mitch caused moderate rainfall, peaking at Template:Convert in Jupiter, though some estimates indicate localized totals of up to Template:Convert. The storm spawned five tornadoes over the state, the strongest of which was rated F2.<ref name="nhc"/>

In the Florida Keys, multiple buildings that had been damaged by Hurricane Georges were leveled by Mitch.<ref name="ncdc"/> Tornadoes from the storm damaged or destroyed 645 houses across the state, in addition to injuring 65 people.<ref name="nhc"/> Gusty winds left 100,000 without power during the storm's passage.<ref name="ncdc"/> In all, Mitch caused $40 million in damage (1998 USD) in Florida and two deaths from drowning when two boats capsized.<ref name="nhc"/>

As an extratropical cyclone, Mitch passed west of Ireland and the United Kingdom. In Ireland, the storm produced gusts as high as Template:Convert and Template:Convert waves. The winds knocked down trees and power lines, leaving over 30,000 homes without power. One tree fell onto a car in Louth, severely injuring the driver. In Dublin, high winds knocked the roof off of a building, and several other buildings nationwide were damaged. The storm caused airports to close and ferry service to be suspended.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Aftermath

File:Mitch-Tegucigalpa Cleanup.JPG

Cleanup in Tegucigalpa

Template:See also As a result of the extreme damage and catastrophic loss of life caused by Hurricane Mitch, particularly in Central America, the name Mitch was retired by the World Meteorological Organization following this storm, and will never again be used for a North Atlantic tropical cyclone. It was replaced with Matthew for the 2004 season.<ref name="2002–07names">Template:Cite web</ref>

After the disaster, countries around the world donated significant aid, totaling $6.3 billion (1998 USD). Throughout Central America, which was recovering from an economic crisis that occurred in 1996, many wished to continue the growth of the infrastructure and economy. In addition, after witnessing the vulnerability to hurricanes, the affected governments endeavored to prevent such a disaster from occurring again.<ref name="iadbca">Template:Cite web</ref>

Hundreds of thousands of people lost their homes, but many took this as an opportunity to rebuild stronger houses. With a new, structurally improved foundation, homes were redesigned to be able to withstand another hurricane. However, lack of arable crop land took away the jobs from many, decreasing an already low income even lower.<ref name="care.org">Template:Cite web</ref> In Costa Rica, reconstruction after the hurricane increased the number of jobs by 5.9%, lowering the unemployment rate slightly.<ref name="iadbcr"/>

Following the passage of Mitch, disease outbreaks occurred throughout Central America, including cholera, leptospirosis, and dengue fever. Over 2,328 cases of cholera were reported, killing 34 people. Guatemala was most affected by the bacterium, where most of the deaths occurred from contaminated food. 450 cases of leptospirosis were reported in Nicaragua, killing seven people. There were over 1,357 cases of dengue reported, though no deaths were reported from the disease.<ref name="paho">Template:Cite web</ref>

While stalling over the western Caribbean Sea, Mitch's strong winds produced strong waves, damaging local coral reefs. Later, the storm's immense rainfall led to runoff polluted with debris and fresh water. This resulted in diseases occurring within the coral. However, the hurricane's upwelling cooled the warm water temperatures, preventing significant bleaching and destruction of the coral reef.<ref name="coral">Template:Cite web</ref>

Honduras

File:HN002Teguci MtchSclptr.jpg

A completely-destroyed building caused by Mitch

Then-president Carlos Roberto Flores estimated that Mitch reversed 50 years of progress in the country. Officials estimated it would take at least 15 years to rebuild completely.<ref name="ncdc">Template:Cite report</ref> The national gross domestic product (GDP) only grew at a rate of 3% due to the storm, compared with 5.1% in 1997, due to damaged infrastructure and lingering effects.<ref name="iadb"/> In 1999, the economy of Honduras contracted by 1.9%, largely due to the storm.<ref name="eclac99">Template:Cite reportTemplate:Dead link</ref> The Honduran government increased spending by 24.7%,.<ref name="eclac98">Template:Cite reportTemplate:Dead link</ref> much of it emergency funds to restore communications and provide relief, which caused economic deficits.<ref name="iadb"/> This caused inflation to increase from 13.6% to 15.7%.<ref name="eclac98"/> The Honduran government adjusted its economic plan, including privatization of various federal entities.<ref name="eclac99"/> For two years, the government temporarily halted taxes to businesses affected by the hurricane.<ref name="eclac02">Template:Cite reportTemplate:Dead link</ref>

In the storm's immediate aftermath, officials enacted a widespread curfew after reports of looting and vandalism. The government temporarily restricted constitutional rights for 15 days. Officials urged residents to restrict water and fuel use, and alcohol sales were halted.<ref name="un"/> The widespread flooding and the crippled infrastructure forced officials to rely on a limited number of helicopters to operate search and rescue missions and deliver supplies. A helicopter carrying four people, including Tegucigalpa mayor and potential presidential candidate César Castellanos, crashed on November 1 while touring flood damage, killing everyone aboard. In some areas, residents did not receive assistance until November 12, more than two weeks after Mitch's landfall.<ref name="ncdc"/> About 285,000 people remained in 1,375 shelters, many of them schools, by three weeks after the hurricane struck. Some sports stadiums and churches were also used as makeshift shelters. Overcrowding at shelters caused various diseases.<ref name="un"/>

Due to the hurricane and the widespread destruction, the hurricane caused outbreaks of malaria, dengue, cholera, and various fever and respiratory illnesses.<ref name="ncdc"/> Ongoing flooding caused an outbreak of Leptospirosis, notably in Cortés Department.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> There were widespread food and water shortages, leaving villagers near-starvation.<ref name="ncdc"/> Damaged crops also prevented the export of cash crops,<ref name="eclac"/> and exports decreased by 9.4% in 1999.<ref name="eclac99"/> Many of the people left homeless also became unemployed, and there were reductions in exports and economic growth. Officials set up shelters that housed 285,000 people for about a month.<ref name="iadb"/> In Tegucigalpa, where the Choluteca River was dammed by a landslide, a temporary lagoon filled with sewage persisted for about two months, until a crew from the United States Army Corps of Engineers and United States Geological Survey dug a channel to drain the water.<ref name="land"/>

Even before the storm struck, the government of Honduras issued an appeal for international assistance. In the immediate aftermath, the United States provided $875,000 in aid. A portion went to purchasing and delivering food, while the majority used airplanes to participate in rescue missions and deliver supplies, such as plastic sheets and water. The United States ultimately gave $15 million in aid to Honduras through various United Nations organizations. Mexico donated food, medicine, and clothing, and Cuba sent a team of doctors and mobile hospitals. Uruguay donated a pump for the city of Choluteca to restore water there. Several European Countries sent aid to Honduras, in addition to donations from the European Union. France sent medical equipment, and the government of Japan provided a field hospital that helped 300 patients per day in the center of Tegucigalpa. Following the storm, the United Nations Development Programme sent a team to Honduras and El Salvador to determine the needs of the population. The Honduran government requested the team to assess the socio-economic impact of the storm. The World Food Programme provided $17 million worth of food to the country. The Pan American Health Organization focused on restoring water systems by providing latrines, while UNICEF sent large water tanks.<ref name="un"/>

The Inter-American Development Bank approved $197.4 million in loans in 1998, most of which due to Hurricane Mitch. The loans were to assist in rebuilding damaged infrastructure, including for water systems, transportation, and houses.<ref name="iadb"/> Various countries provided nearly $2.8 billion to the country in aid,<ref name="eclac99"/> which limited the annual debt following the hurricane's damage.<ref name="eclac98"/> The foreign aid due to the storm largely ended by 2003.<ref>Template:Cite reportTemplate:Dead link</ref> Overall cost for reconstruction was estimated at $2.5 billion, which was estimated to take four years. The cost for repairing the damaged houses was estimated at $484.8 million. Following the storm, workers made emergency repairs to the destroyed bridges and roads. The cost for rebuilding roads was higher than their damage cost due to planning for future flooding. Within a month, there were repairs to the power grid to a level of 550 MW, or 91.7% of what it was before Mitch struck. Water companies restored water to 60% of Tegucigalpa within a month of the storm striking.<ref name="eclac"/>

Millions of Hondurans were left homeless as a result of Mitch, and the most substantial reconstruction efforts took place in Honduras and neighboring Nicaragua.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Hundreds of refugee centers each holding thousands of displaced Hondurans were set up in cities. However, many of these centers were ineffective at providing food and resources. Part of this was due to confusion between the government, churches, and local commerce groups over how supplies were to be allocated and distributed. There were significant resources intended for refugees, but authorities often hoarded it in heavily-guarded warehouses. The entire hurricane and subsequent refugee crisis did bring to light the problems Hondurans faced relating to contagious diseases, and the country received considerable medical attention in the aftermath of Mitch.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>

Outside of cities, the recovery took longer, with rural areas receiving little areas compared to urban areas.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The destruction of crops also led to malnourishment and starvation for Hondurans, worsening the already existing problems related to disease.<ref name=":0">Template:Cite journal</ref> Despite the damage, the hurricane helped some rural populations because it forced a change in how the groups used their land. A study in 2002 found that the damaged forests allowed for more agriculture space.<ref name=":1" />

See also

• List of deadliest Atlantic hurricanes
• List of Category 5 Atlantic hurricanes
• List of wettest tropical cyclones
• List of Honduras hurricanes
• List of Nicaragua hurricanes

External links

• NHC tropical cyclone report for Mitch
• NHC advisory archive for Mitch
• HPC Mitch Rainfall Page