7. Nicaragua

Like Honduras, Nicaragua was also affected by Hurricane Mitch, although the hurricane never actually physically made landfall in Nicaragua. Nonetheless, the hurricane’s extensive rainfall flooded both inland and coastal areas. Specific impact in Nicaragua can be seen throughout the country's bodies of water and volcanoes. For example, “The flank of the Casita Volcano failed and turned into a lahar from excessive rain. The resulting mudslide ultimately covered an area 10 miles (16 km) long and 5 miles (8 km) wide,” (Wikipedia). Further, “numerous villages, settlements, and houses between Casitas volcano and the town of Posoltega were destroyed” (Disaster Center). Damage could also be seen among houses, schools, and health centers, displacing much of the population. Excessive rainfall left 70 percent of the roads unusable, and destroyed or greatly damaged 71 bridges; total transportation damage in Nicaragua added up to $300 million (Wikipedia). In addition to the presumed 3800 people dead, 7000 were said to be missing and/or presumed dead. Agriculturally speaking, approximately 50,000 animals died, and much of the bean, banana, and sugar crops were destroyed.