Act Alliance: Rapid Response Fund Payment Request No. 01/2014 - Volcano eruption in the eastern side of El Salvador
Attachments
Download document Funds Sent To: Salvadorian Lutheran Synod
Amount Sent: US$59,200
Date: 2 January 2014
Details of Response
Emergency: Volcano eruption in the eastern side of El Salvador
Date of Emergency: 29 December 2013
ACT Requesting Member: Salvadorian Lutheran Synod
I. NARRATIVE SUMMARY
DETAILS OF THE EMERGENCY
The Chaparratique volcano, in the eastern side of the country, erupted on December 29, emitted searing clouds of volcanic ash as high as 5km covering four municipalities and affecting eight communities that are facing landslides risk since the beginning of the rain season towards the end of 2013. The ashes are affecting people’s health, crops, and wells. About 2,400 inhabitants are in formal shelters and unknown numbers of people are hosted by neighbors and relatives. In the meantime there is still volcanic activity and the government is evacuating the communities within a five kilometer radius of the slopes of the volcano, as experts warn about the possibility of another eruption, given that the volcano still has more energy to release.
The national system of civil protection reported that the movement of ash has reached 10 of the 14 districts of the country. Up to date no death has been reported, but health problems from inhaling ash, especially in children and the elderly.
The most affected communities are the municipalities of Chinameca, San Jorge, San Rafael Oriente and El Transito. Especially harmful are the emission of gases and ash fall which severely damage health, and pollute water sources such as wells among others. About 80% of the population has been evacuated and is accommodated in the 15 official shelters or with relatives. Nervous breakdowns and stress are common symptoms among the affected population. Some of the shelters do not meet minimum conditions for accommodation. There are no blankets, mattresses, food, water and psychosocial assistance.
Up to three centimeters of volcanic ash has been recorded in the affected area, damaging fields of corn and beans, sesame, jicama (tuberous root) and onion harvests, severely affecting the food security of the population in this region. Some roofs of houses have also been affected. There is still no specific data from the damage assessments to determine the extent of the impact on agricultural production and infrastructure.