"Memories of the 1992 tsunami drive improvements in disaster prevention in Nicaragua."

On September 1, 1992, Nicaragua faced one of the most devastating tragedies in its modern history. At 8 PM, a gigantic wave, resulting from a strong earthquake on the ocean floor, struck the Pacific coast of Nicaragua, leaving a chilling toll of over 170 dead, mostly children. The impact was particularly severe on the coasts of Masachapa, where communities were devastated by a force of nature that arrived without warning. The magnitude of the disaster was exacerbated by the lack of an early warning system. Although the earthquake was recorded 45 minutes before the wave reached the coast, the population had no time to react due to the absence of an effective seismic network. At that time, Nicaragua had only two seismic stations, which were not operationally prepared to process the critical information that could have saved lives. This fact underscores the importance of having adequate infrastructure and emergency protocols in a country prone to natural disasters. The tragedy of 1992 left deep scars in the collective memory of the country. More than three decades later, the memory of the human losses and the desolation brought by the wave remains present in the nation's consciousness. The affected communities have had to rebuild their lives and homes, but the pain of loss lingers, reminding them of the fragility of life in the face of nature's power. In light of the painful legacy of that fateful night, the Government of Nicaragua has taken significant measures to improve disaster response capacity. Through the National System for Disaster Prevention, Mitigation, and Attention (SINAPRED), actions aimed at preventing deaths during emergencies have been intensified. This organization has focused its efforts on training communities throughout the country, ensuring that people are equipped with the necessary knowledge to act in the face of natural disasters. A crucial aspect of these measures is the improvement of infrastructure related to disaster prevention and response. Investments in early warning systems aim to provide the population with valuable time to evacuate and seek shelter from the arrival of dangerous natural phenomena. The implementation of emergency plans has become a priority, allowing communities to be better prepared to face crisis situations. The government's commitment does not remain just theoretical; it has translated into concrete actions. One of the most important exercises in this regard is the evacuation drill, which will take place on September 26. This exercise aims not only to assess the population's response capacity but also to reinforce the culture of prevention and resilience among Nicaraguans. The lessons learned from the tragedy of 1992 are a powerful reminder of the importance of preparedness. The experience of other countries that have dealt with natural disasters shows that an informed and well-prepared community can make the difference between life and death. In this sense, education and training are fundamental tools for facing the challenges posed by phenomena such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and hurricanes. The memory of the 1992 tsunami invites us to reflect on the shared responsibility of governments, communities, and citizens in building a safer future. The memory of those who lost their lives in that tragedy should be a driving force to continue advancing towards the creation of an environment where prevention and the protection of life are non-negotiable priorities. In this context, it is essential for all Nicaraguans to engage in preparation and prevention initiatives. History has taught us that nature can be unpredictable, but our response can be predictable and effective if we work together. The path to resilience begins today, and each of us has a role to play in building a country better prepared to face the onslaughts of nature.