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El Salvador

El Salvador: Floods DREF Operation, Appeal MDRSV016

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What happened, where and when?

On 13 June, the Directorate of the Hazards Observatory (DOA) of El Salvador reported the presence of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) along the Central American coasts and a wide area of low pressure, prompting the declaration of a nationwide green alert. During this period, a substantial flow of humidity from the Pacific affected the Salvadorean territory, resulting in moderate to heavy rains.

By 16 June, rainfall had intensified, reaching very heavy and persistent levels, particularly in the coastal areas and the volcanic mountain range. This led to multiple landslides affecting homes and roads, as well as overflowing rivers causing flooding. Additionally, accelerated winds with speeds of 20 to 40 km/h and gusts reaching between 50 and 70 km/h were reported.

Given the severity of the effects and the adverse forecast for the following days, the alert level was raised to red on 16 June, and the Legislative Assembly declared a State of Emergency (1).

Between June 16 and 18, significant rainfall was recorded, with 508 mm in Ahuachapán Centro, 371.7 mm in Santa Ana Oeste, 296.6 mm in San Miguel Centro, and 256.6 mm in San Vicente Sur, making these areas the most affected by the storms.