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Tropical storm Ernesto nears Nicaragua

MANAGUA, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- Tropical storm Ernesto which was moving towards Nicaragua was expected to make landfall sometime Monday afternoon along the northern Caribbean coast of Gracias a Dios Cape, official sources said.

Guillermo Gonzalez, executive secretary of the National Disaster Prevention Network (SINAPRED), said that Ernesto was advancing at about 19 kilometers per hour, with gusts of up to 85 kph.

Late Sunday, the Nicaraguan government declared a yellow ( medium-level) alert for the northern Caribbean coast and especially Gracias a Dios Cape in case evacuations are needed because of heavy rains and flooding. Rescue teams and two Nicaraguan Army groups have also been dispatched to the region.

Speaking on state-run Channel 4, Gonzalez said the storm could possibly affect an area of some 150 square kilometers.

"It is necessary to follow its course, because a tropical storm can change its route and affect regions it was not expected to pass through," he explained.

Officials were also closely monitoring river levels, as the rains could hit the center of the country, causing flash floods in low-lying areas, he added.

Ernesto could intensify into a level 1 or 2 hurricane once it reaches the Gulf of Honduras, Gonzalez warned.

Nicaraguan First Lady and government spokesperson Rosario Murillo said Sunday about 1,500 people had already been evacuated from Miskitos Cays and Gracias a Dios Cape as ordered by President Daniel Ortega.

All fishing activity was also banned. Enditem

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