WESTPORT, Conn. (Nov. 13, 2009) — Children and their families in El Salvador remain in desperate need of food and water more than a week after landslides and mudslides claimed lives and caused widespread damage across the Central American country, warns Save the Children.

The official death toll according to the Salvadoran government stands at 157, and many more people remain unaccounted for or injured, with roughly half of the victims believed to be children.  Thousands of homes have been destroyed, and over 13,000 people are living in shelters.

 "Our emergency teams are working around the clock to meet the critical needs of children and families impacted by this disaster," said Gersande Chavez, Save the Children's Country Director in El Salvador. "Food and water remain the most pressing issue right now."

To date, Save the Children has distributed close to 2,000 pounds of food, and nearly 6,000 liters of water to children and families in the hardest-hit regions. In addition, the organization continues to distribute non-food items, including diapers, clothing, blankets and plastic sheeting for shelter.

"We also are planning to set up child-friendly safe places to give children a sense of normalcy, which is key in the aftermath of any disaster," added Chavez. "These areas allow children to play and learn, and also support parents and caregivers as they seek assistance to rebuild their lives." 

Save the Children continues to monitor the impact devastated crops may have on the country's food supply in the months ahead.

What You Can Do

Save the Children needs your support to help us meet the most critical needs of children and families affected by Hurricane Ida in El Salvador. Your donation will help us provide urgently needed medical attention, safe drinking water and other necessities.

Donate now to support Save the Children's immediate and long-term response to the children and families in El Salvador affected by Hurricane Ida. 

Background

Hurricane Ida made landfall Thursday, November 5, in Nicaragua, which neighbors El Salvador, drenching the Central American country, destroying homes and schools and resulting in flash flooding and mud slides. Heavy rains then cut a deadly path through El Salvador, where relief efforts are now focused.

Save the Children has worked in El Salvador since 1979.

Learn more about our emergency response in El Salvador.

Save the Children is the leading independent organization that creates lasting change for children in need in the United States and around the world. Save the Children USA is a member of the International Save the Children Alliance, a global network of 29 independent Save the Children organizations working to ensure the well-being and protection of children in more than 120 countries. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.