1.   Foreign aid organizations have been eager to help in Nicaragua, and they have successfully pressured the government to permit them to deliver assistance directly to stricken communities.

2.   Meanwhile, President Clinton declares a disaster in the region, making federal assistance available to stricken communities.

3.   Thousands of victims remained in relief shelters at a military base, in school gymnasiums and other makeshift shelters near stricken communities.

4.   Resources and hope were dwindling yesterday, and landslide-covered highways blocked rescue workers from reaching stricken communities.

5.   Resources and hope were dwindling Wednesday, and landslide-covered highways blocked rescue workers from reaching stricken communities.

6.   Resources and hope were dwindling, and landslide-covered highways blocked rescue workers on Wednesday from reaching stricken communities.

7.   Garotinho promised aid to help stricken communities rebuild.

8.   Food and medical supplies have been rushed to the stricken communities and temporary shelters erected on safe grounds, Imra said, adding that searchers were still combing debris.

9.   Food and medical supplies have been rushed to the stricken communities and temporary shelters erected on safe grounds, Imra said.