Tropical Storm Aletta (1982)

Map plotting the track and the intensity of the storm, according to the Saffir–Simpson scale

The origins of Aletta are from a tropical disturbance that was first noted on May 18 about 500 mi (800 km) south-southwest of Acapulco. On May 20, satellite imagery showed evidence of a weak atmospheric circulation. Based on this, the disturbance was upgraded into a tropical depression. Moving northwest, the depression became Tropical Storm Aletta 36 hours later over 86 °F (30 °C) sea surface temperatures. The system re-curved towards the northeast due to strong upper-level westerlies, reaching its peak intensity of 65 mph (100 km/h) on May 23.[1]

Shortly after its peak, Tropical Storm Aletta began to weaken. However, the tropical cyclone managed to maintain winds of 50 mph (85 km/h) for 30 hours before resuming a weakening trend.[2] While the steering currents weakened on May 25, Aletta slowed and moved in a large clockwise loop until May 28. Shortly thereafter, Tropical Storm Aletta was downgraded into a depression. Tropical Depression Aletta dissipated on May 29 roughly 180 mi (290 km/h) southwest of Acapulco.[1]

The outer rainbands of Tropical Storm Aletta produced torrential rains and high winds over Central America for several days,[11][12][13] and precipitation totals were as high as 23.3 in (590 mm) in some areas[14] with a peak of 57.32 in (1,456 mm) in Chinandega.[15] A red cross official stated that "Entire families were swept away by [flood waters] and we know nothing about them". Because all sewers in Nicaragua were damaged, the water was contaminated.[16] Ninety percent of the banana crop and 60 percent of the corn crop was completely destroyed.[11] Throughout the country, 108 people were killed,[13] (10 of which drowned in floodwaters).[14] Roughly 20,000 people were homeless[11] and total damage was estimated at $365 million (1982 USD);[17] damage to highways, factories, and farms exceeded $100 million.[13] In the northern portion of the country, a mudslide buried three small mountain villages, leaving 270 missing and only 29 survivors.[18] About 15,000 sought to two emergency shelters. Many bridges were damaged. Since the capital city of Leon was hardest hit, a disaster area was declared for the nearby area.[14] Aletta was considered the worst disaster in the country in three years.[13]

Across Honduras, 200 people were killed[11] and 5,000 people were without food or water in just 13 communities.[16] A total of 80,000 people were homeless[12] which were later housed in schools, churches, and health victims.[19] Total damage was placed at $101 million (1982 USD).[17]

On May 27, the governments of both Honduras and Nicaragua appealed for international aid. Soldiers quickly sent food and medical to at least 50 communities in both countries.[20] A second appeal was made shortly afterwards, which proposed for $5.1 million in medicine and other supplies.[21] The red cross and United Nations (UN) appealed for $3 million in international relief.[22] The UN granted Nicaragua a month's worth of food supply, but officials feared that this would not be enough.[16] The government of Cuba announced that they would send 12,000 construction workers as well as 2,000 teachers, doctors, and officials to Nicaragua.[23] Canada donated $220,000 via the League of Red Cross Societies.[11] To prevent an epidemic of diseases such as typhoid fever, the Health Ministry started a program to give out vaccines which costs $5.1 million.[13] The U.S. Embassy in Managua provided $25,000 in donations. The U.S. Embassy in Honduras attempted to outline a fact-fining mission to assess the damage and provide relief.[24]

• 1982 Pacific hurricane season
• List of wettest tropical cyclones
• Other tropical cyclones named Aletta