Men wading through flood water

13 November 2009: Plan has delivered thousands of food packages, mattresses, blankets and hygiene kits to Salvadorian families affected by storms caused by  Hurricane Ida on the weekend.

Reports indicate that more than 14,000 people have been made homeless by flooding and landslides and 157 people have lost their lives.

Plan’s emergency response includes helping people to meet their basic needs and providing psychological aid to victims of the disaster, especially children.

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State of National Emergency

On Sunday, the President Mauricio Funes declared a state of National Emergency. The damage caused by flooding and landslides has made communication and access to certain parts of the country very difficult. 

Of all the areas where Plan works in El Salvador, the Departments of La Libertad and San Salvador have been most affected by the storms. Several rivers have overflowed in the coastal region of La Libertad. At least 3 bridges have been destroyed by the floods. One of the most impacted areas was hit by a similar disaster less than 18 months ago, and the communities were just starting to recover.

Taking action

House ruined by landslides in El Salvador

Thanks to the continuous training provided by Plan on disaster risk reduction, the Youth Committees for Civil Protection in the communities where Plan works reacted quickly and efficiently, helping evacuate and organise the families, minimising the loss of human lives. However, at least 1,260 families have been affected in 40 communities where Plan works.

“On Monday we visited some of the affected communities and we were able to witness the extremely difficult situation families are going through. It is heartbreaking… Plan reacted and responded from the minute the emergency began, due to our knowledge on the ground and strong relations with communities and authorities. Our focus is the wellbeing of children and their protection from violence from those who are staying in shelters," said Plan El Salvador Country Director Rossana Viteri.

Emergency relief

Emergency relief materials are being delivered to these communities, in coordination with local governments, local associations and other non-governmental organisations.

After the emergency phase, it will be necessary to monitor and control diseases that usually
thrive in flood conditions, such as dengue, influenza and gastrointestinal illnesses. Since the school year is almost over, the education of Salvadoran children will not be seriously affected.

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Find out more about our work in El Salvador.