EL SALVADOR: ASSISTANCE NEEDED FOR DISASTER VICTIMS STILL IN SHELTERS

EL SALVADOR :  ASSISTANCE NEEDED FOR DISASTER VICTIMS STILL IN SHELTERS

NEW YORK, 18 October (OCHA) -- Fifteen days into a state of emergency following the eruption of one of El Salvador’s largest volcanoes and severe flooding and landslides produced by Hurricane Stan, those displaced by the disaster have begun to return home.  However, assessments indicate a continued risk of additional flooding and landslides.

At the peak, more than 80,000 persons sought refuge in shelters and many thousands more stayed with friends and family.  As of today, the National Emergency Council (COEN) reports that the number of persons in 388 remaining shelters has dropped to just over 36,000, which means that nearly 44 per cent of the shelter population have now returned to their homes.

Yet, it is premature to consider the emergency over.  Continued assistance remains necessary for the persons remaining in shelters, as well as for those who have returned.  The World Food Programme (WFP) is working with the Government and military to plan for a second round of food distributions.  The WFP has already provided more than 300 metric tonnes of cereals, legumes, maize-soy meal and vegetable oil to 77,000 people in shelters and affected communities.  The Ministry of Health also indicates that ongoing treatment and preventive health services are needed.  The main health problems in shelters are acute respiratory infections, skin problems, diarrhoea, anxiety disorders, and bacterial conjunctivitis.

Working with the Government, the World Health Organization (WHO)/Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has provided psychosocial care to nearly 15,000 survivors, and has established a network of nutritionists to address food safety and prevent food poisoning.  The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) distributed chlorine tablets and oral rehydration salts.

The United Nations’ Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) teams have visited warehouses and shelters, and report that food distributions continue to be handled with transparency and in an orderly fashion, and that healthful conditions have been observed in the shelters visited. 

Damage to the national economy as a result of the disaster has been considerable.  Half of export companies report having been affected.  The value of livestock lost has been estimated at some $1.1 million, and the fisheries sector reports losses of more than one-half million dollars.  Moreover, reconstruction of health, administrative and postal infrastructures will be necessary, for which the Government has requested the World Bank to redirect previous loan funds.  Additionally, $11 million will be needed to repair damaged water infrastructure.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will continue to work with the Government to assist in reactivation of production capacity and to create housing for affected families, as well as to strengthen local warning systems and local training and organization.  A United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) mission is expected to arrive in country on 26 October for a long-term damage assessment.

For further information, please call:  Stephanie Bunker, OCHA New York, tel.:  +1 917 367 5126, mobile:  +1 917 892 1679; Kristen Knutson, OCHA New York, tel.:  +1 917 367 9262; Elizabeth Byrs, OCHA Geneva, tel.:  +41 22 917 2653, mobile:  +41 79 473 4570.

* *** *

For information media • not an official record