Floods and landslides caused by Hurricane Ida
Appeal Revision: SLV091 Revision 1 | Hurricane Ida | OPEN
El Salvador was hit by Hurricane Ida on 8 November 2009 with winds and up to 300 mm rainfalls in 6 hours. As a result, a total of 108 landslides, 13 major floods and 12 overflowing rivers were counted in seven of the country fourteen Departments. Floods and landslides completely destroyed 288 homes and damaged 1,835 houses. At least 37 bridges were damaged. Out of a population of 2 million in these seven departments, it is estimated that 75,000 people (15,000 families) have been affected. Out of these, more than 14.000 people were housed in118 temporary shelters, and/or with friends or relatives.
The bean harvest has been particularly affected by the rainfall, with an estimated loss of 90%, which represents 27.5 million US$. The ensuing food insecurity is further exacerbated by the fact that the countries from which El Salvador imports food have also went through difficult times. Guatemala on the Hurricane Ida’s path also faced food security issues whereas in Honduras the protracted political conflict over several months adversely impacted the food production as well as transport within the country and across its borders.
ACT requesting member the Lutheran World Federation, together with the Salvadoran Lutheran Synod and four of their implementing partners, have distributed food aid packages and kitchen and family hygiene kits under the ACT Rapid Response Funds 15/2009 issued on 12 November 2009.
Further assessments done by ACT members have identified rehabilitation needs in food security, psychosocial care and housing rehabilitation. These were all included in the appeal issued on 27 November 2009. In the present revision of the appeal, more details have been included on food security, psychosocial care and advocacy. The rehabilitation/reconstruction of houses component in the original appeal was removed in this revision for several reasons: The cost per unit was deemed too high in relation to the limited funds assured for this appeal and the question of land ownership and a public policy decision as to where to relocate families that lost their houses have not yet been resolved. Many of the houses damaged or destroyed are located in high-risk areas and in need of relocation. According to the Ministry of Public Works and Housing currently there is a housing deficit of some 10,000 units and the Government of El Salvador is working actively through the ‘Cluster for Transitional and Permanent Housing in view of bridging this deficit.
The post-crisis intervention is taking place primarily in the provinces/municipalities of San Salvador, La Libertad, La Paz, San Vicente, Cuscatlán, Usulután, Sonsonate and Ahuachapán.
Signed by:
John Nduna - Director
