Heavy rains caused by Hurricane Stan have affected countries throughout Central America including El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. The storm has also affected parts of southern Mexico. The Category one storm has dumped non-stop rain throughout the countries and triggered deadly mudslides. Today, a 5.5 magnitude earthquake also rocked the flooded countries of El Salvador and Guatemala. Damages are being assessed.
This week, El Salvador has been affected by three natural disasters. Hurricane Stan has killed at least 67 people in the country and caused over 58,000 to evacuate.
“The rain has caused damage nationwide, even more than that which was caused by in the country by Hurricane Mitch in 1998,” said the Most Rev. Martín Barahona, Primate of IARCA and Bishop of El Salvador. “Seventy-eight percent of our road system has been damaged and crops have also largely been damaged. Rivers and streams, both in the capital and elsewhere, are overflowing their banks, taking with them many homes of those who live in extreme poverty. In addition, mudslides have buried many houses, sometimes with families inside,” said Bishop Barahona.
On October 1, El Salvador’s highest volcano, Ilamatepec, erupted, killing two people and forcing thousands to flee. The volcano is centered 40 miles west of the capital, San Salvador.
In Guatemala, 150 people have been killed and flooding in 88 communities has forced thousands of residents to evacuate.
Episcopal Relief and Development is in the process of responding with emergency assistance to the Anglican Episcopal Church of El Salvador. ERD will provide emergency assistance to the Dioceses of Guatemala and Honduras as needs are identified. ERD staff will continue monitoring developments caused by the disasters.
To make a contribution to help people immediately after disasters, donate to the Emergency Relief Fund at http://www.er-d.org/, or call 1-800-334-7626, ext. 5129. Gifts can be mailed to Episcopal Relief and Development, Emergency Relief Fund, PO Box 12043, Newark, NJ 07101.
Episcopal Relief and Development is the international relief and development agency of the Episcopal Church of the United States. An independent 501(c) 3 organization, ERD saves lives and builds hope in communities around the world. We provide emergency assistance in times of crisis and rebuild after disasters. We enable people to climb out of poverty by offering long-term solutions in the areas of food security and health care, including HIV/AIDS and malaria.
