In response to the severe weather conditions affecting El Salvador, the government has declared a 15-day National Emergency and a Red Alert. The interinstitutional coordination, as part of the Winter Plan 2024, aims to protect citizens from the impacts of heavy rainfall.
Key measures implemented:
National Emergency Declaration: The Legislative Assembly has declared a State of National Emergency for 15 days due to the Intertropical Convergence Zone and Depression Field over Central America.
Suspension of Classes: All educational institutions, both public and private, have suspended classes.
Safety Leave: Safety leave has been declared for the public and private sectors on June 18th.
The Ministry of Environment’s Observatory has updated the impact-based weather forecast for the next few days, highlighting a very high probability of life-threatening conditions, infrastructure damage, and disruptions to mobility and services over the next 24, 48, and 72 hours. Details can be tracked on the dynamic map here.
Ongoing efforts:
- Road Clearance and Maintenance: The Ministry of Public Works has been actively clearing fallen trees and debris. Some of their activities are:
- Removing a fallen tree on the Los Planes de Renderos road.
- Cleaning drains on Monseñor Romero Boulevard near Condado Santa Rosa.
- Clearing branches on the road to Las Hojas beach in La Paz.
- Removing a landslide in San Pedro Puxtla, on the road to Guaymango in Ahuachapán.
Among hundreds of works by the 10,700 people working with the Ministry to attend the emergency.
- Shelter Preparation: According to Josué García, Director of National Shelters, the country had pre-equipped 70 shelters and is continuously equipping more as the situation worsens.
- Protection Civil Activities: Protection Civil teams, along with firefighters and other national system institutions, are actively monitoring and addressing field conditions, including the removal of a large fallen tree blocking the road at Km. 121 on the highway to the Las Chinamas border in Ahuachapán. Travelers are advised to exercise caution in this area.
The government reassures the public that constant monitoring of weather conditions is in place, with timely updates to be provided as necessary.