Nicaragua: Tornado damages 72 houses and church

The church roof of Sagrado Corazón de Jesús now open to the sky - image Facebook

Source: Fides

A district in Managua suffered serious damage when a tornado tore through four neighbourhoods last week.

At least 72 homes and the church of Sagrado Corazón de Jesús in the neighbourhood of Monseñor Lezcano were affected. Five houses were completely destroyed. The mayor's office said at least 14 people were injured.

Parish priest, Father Sebastián Zeledón, was in his room inside the church of the Sagrado Corazón de Jesús, when he heard what he called "an earthquake-like sound" as the tornado hit.

Fr Sebastián said the worst damage was suffered by the church roof. "The Lord himself will help us to carry on this work. We will campaign for everyone to collaborate and then we will go on," he said.

Parishioners and local residents helped remove zinc plates that had fallen off the roof and clean up the mud and debris around the church.

The Metropolitan Archbishop of Managua, Cardinal Leopoldo José Brenes, has already visited to see for himself the damage and ensure his support for the parish priest and the community.