El Salvador support begins in wake of Hurricane Ida
13 November 2009
Some 12,900 people are
living in temporary shelters after Hurricane Ida struck the Central
American country of El Salvador.
Torrential downpours caused serious flooding in a number of
areas last weekend, causing 140 deaths and 60 missing people,
Oxfam
confirms.
The charity is operating in a number of badly-hit regions such
as Puerto La Libertad and San Salvador, distributing food, water,
cleaning equipment, clothing and bedding.
According to the organisation, 12,900 people are currently
living in 119 shelters in schools and other community buildings
across El Salvador.
Carolina Castrillo, Oxfam America regional director, commented:
"We are working with partners and local authorities to contribute
to immediate response.
"The damage is severe, and reconstruction and replacement of
houses, infrastructure and crops will take a long time."
Hurricane Ida was predicted to hit the US coast last night, the
charity reports.
Oxfam has been active in El Salvador for over 15 years, helping
to construct wells capped with volcanic rock that provide a source
of clean water in conjunction with local partner PROVIDA.
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