Iota made landfall Monday on Nicaragua's northern Caribbean coast as a maximum Category 5 hurricane, accompanied by catastrophic winds, rain and storm surge, a top meteorological official said.
Central American presidents on Monday appealed to the financial community and international organizations for resources to support the reconstruction of their respective countries.
Honduras, Guatemala and Nicaragua announced evacuations last week, even as the region was still reeling from the devastation inflicted by previous storm Eta.
An exceptionally dangerous Iota could strengthen into a Category 5 hurricane before making landfall in Nicaragua and Honduras, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) warned Monday morning.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) warned Sunday is the last guaranteed day to prepare for Hurricane Iota, which is expected to make landfall tomorrow in Honduras or Nicaragua.
Iota is expected to threaten and make landfall as a major hurricane on Sunday night or Monday morning. Forecasts indicate northern Nicaragua and/or southern Honduras could bear the brunt of Iota.
The death toll in Honduras from Tropical Storm Eta has more than doubled in 24 hours, with authorities Monday reporting 57 people had died as rescuers search for bodies.
