Hurricane Ida hits Nicaragua coast

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By FILADELFO ALEMAN (AP) – 53 minutes ago

MANAGUA, Nicaragua — Newly born Hurricane Ida ripped into
Nicaragua's Atlantic coast on Thursday after forcing more than 2,000
people to flee their homes and knocking out power to some parts
of the impoverished region.

The hurricane struck land about 75 miles (125 kilometers) north of
Bluefields. It was forecast to weaken while cutting across Honduras
before possibly emerging over open water on Saturday — a still-
tentative path that could carry it near Mexico's resort of Cancun by
midweek.

Ida had winds of 75 mph (120 kph), according to the U.S. National
Hurricane Center, and it was moving to the northwest at 6 mph
(9 kph).

It could dump as much as 20 inches (500 millimeters) of rain in parts
as it crosses eastern Nicaragua, with the risk of flash floods and
mudslides, according to the Miami-based center.

The storm could also raise coastal water levels by as much as 3 feet
(nearly 1 meter) above ground level, with dangerous waves.

There were no immediate reports of deaths, but Nicaragua's National
Civil Defense director Mario Perez said more than 2,000 people had
been evacuated — 800 of those from flimsy, makeshift homes on
Corn Island and nearby Little Corn Island, where strong winds
damaged about 45 homes, toppled trees and knocked out power.
Residents were taken to the port authority building and concrete hotels.

About 2,500 people live on the two islands, which are popular
tourist destinations.

"There is no electricity on the island and telephone is out and there
is little water," Perez said.
About 1,100 people had been evacuated in Bluefields, Perez said.

Heavy rains and winds kept officials from evacuating about 80 people
on Cayos Perla, but authorities said they planned to used speedboats
to get them out.

I just feel humbled by the massive energy that nature can produce..
we should all be living in respect of the awesome powers.

Yours Truly..
mediamerlin