Disaster Response

Hurricane Mitch: October 30th, 1998

In the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Mitch USAID, through the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA), deployed Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DART) to assist the government in assessing damage and providing relief assistance to those most affected.  USAID/El Salvador was able to locally purchase and transport relief commodities and supplies, including plastic sheeting, water jugs, water tanks and blankets.  USAID also granted funds to various NGOs for disaster relief transition projects.

Earthquakes: January 13th, 2001 and February 13th, 2001

Through OFDA, USAID/El Salvador purchased tools, hardhats, gloves, goggles, flashlights, lighting and related supplies or equipment required for search and rescue activities.  OFDA further conducted six airlifts of relief commodities to El Salvador, containing medical supplies, hygiene kits, plastic sheeting, water containers and wool blankets.  With its partners, Cooperative Housing Foundation, CARE, and Samaritan’s Purse, USAID constructed 13,061 temporary shelters for earthquake-affected families in January and, with the help of additional partners, 8,944 temporary shelters in February. USAID/Food for Peace contributed emergency food commodities valued at nearly one million dollars.  Additional OFDA funding in both January and February allowed USAID/El Salvador to locally purchase emergency relief supplies (blankets, mattresses, and water containers), obtain administrative support and establish 18 temporary health posts.  All told, under the Earthquake Reconstruction Program USAID was able to construct 26,872 permanent homes for families affected by the earthquake.  USAID also rebuilt 53 schools, 19 city halls, five health units and three markets, among other infrastructure.

Tropical Storm Stan and Santa Ana (Ilamatepec) Volcano Eruption: October 2005

The severe flooding caused by Tropical Storm Stan, coupled with the eruption of the Ilamatepec volcano in early October 2005, affected approximately half of the population of El Salvador.  Through funding provided by OFDA USAID/El Salvador provided emergency relief supplies of mattresses, blankets, and hygiene kits in addition to plastic sheeting for construction of temporary shelters.  USAID further engaged in emergency water and sanitation activities and redirected funds to support recovery phase activities. Through the U.S. Geologic Survey Volcano Disaster Assistance Program, the U.S. government (USG) provided assessment and monitoring equipment as well as a volcanologist to assess volcanic activity and damage following the Santa Ana eruption.

Following the eruption of the Ilamatepec volcano USAID/EL Salvador and its partner, the Center for Disaster Protection (CEPRODE), used funding from OFDA to develop a program that strengthened risk mitigation and disaster management in the municipalities directly affected by the Ilamatepec Volcano.  In coordination with the National Civil Protection System and the Ministries of Education and Health, the program promoted emergency response activities, equipped shelters, operation centers, and emergency brigades, and continues to conduct periodic evacuation simulations and risk management trainings.

Hurricane Ida: November 8th, 2009

Most recently the USG, through USAID, has partnered with the Government of El Salvador (GOES) and other international relief organizations to help with both immediate and long-term rebuilding efforts after the devastating effects of Hurricane Ida.  The storm caused severe damage and loss of life in five of El Salvador’s 14 departments: San Salvador, La Paz, Cuscatlán, San Vicente, and La Libertad.  USAID immediately redirected existing funds to restore livelihoods affected by the storm.  Additionally, USAID/OFDA was able to help in providing potable water, temporary housing, and livelihood recovery.

USAID, in partnership with the GOES, is now focusing on long-term relief efforts.  The USG has recently contributed funding to support efforts in rehabilitation, reconstruction and new development activities related to humanitarian assistance in El Salvador.  These funds will be used for reconstruction and rehabilitation of schools, health clinics, and bridges in the five departments above-mentioned.  Moreover, USAID is working with other partners to augment technical assistance training to increase El Salvador’s capacity to prepare for and respond to disasters.

Hurricane Ida Disaster Assistance Activities

Immediate disaster relief: USAID has been working with the US MILITARY GROUP/SOUTHCOM to redirect funds to restore livelihoods.  SOUTHCOM is scheduling additional Medical Civil Action Programs to affected areas and has been undertaking minor emergency repairs to schools and clinics.  They are further providing funding for construction of: a school; wells for potable water; and an emergency operations center and warehouse.

USAID/OFDA provided potable water, temporary housing and further aid to restore livelihoods.

Rehabilitation and reconstruction: USAID will rebuild and repair infrastructure (bridges, roads, schools and health clinics) in the affected areas.  The construction of these projects will assist the affected region with a source of temporary employment, build confidence in local communities, and contribute to long-term economic recovery by improving access to local commodities.