2005: Hurricane Beta
Immediately upon the storm's formation on October 26, the Government of Nicaragua issued a tropical storm warning for its entire eastern coast. The next day the tropical storm warning was supplemented by a hurricane watch. On October 29, Nicaraguan President Enrique Bolanos declared a maximum "red alert" for the country's eastern coast. Despite the governments efforts, only 10,000 people were evacuated from the Caribbean-side coast and the majority secured themselves in their homes. The government pre-positioned food, medicines, clothing, emergency supplies, and army rescue specialists in the most vulnerable areas to provide relief immediately after the storm passed. Classes were cancelled in all of the country's schools and businesses experienced surging demand for hurricane supplies.In the city of Puerto Cabezas, population 60,000, meteorologists expected a direct hit. Local authorities announced a curfew to prevent looting. The government also cut off electricity throughout the small coastal city to prevent injuries. Evacuations were limited, and the most vulnerable of the population weathered the storm in poorly constructed shelters. To be able to respond to an emergency following Beta, the government of Nicaragua requested relief supplies for 41,866 families which would last 15 days. These supplies consisted of 98,000 lbs (44,452 kg) of cereals, 628,600 lbs (285,128 kg) of beans, 628,600 lbs (285,128 kg) of corn, 125,7200 lbs (57,025 kg) of rice, 44,500 lbs (20,184 kg) of sugar, 171,600 lbs (77,836 kg) of salt, 4,929 gal (18,658 L) of cooking oil, 324,900 lbs (147,372 kg) of milk and 21,264 blankets.
