Description of the Event
Date of event
23-07-2024
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.
Due to the constant rains in El Salvador, the humid conditions and accumulation of water have led to a significant increase in the number of dengue cases. These conditions are ideal for the proliferation of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, the vector of the disease, which has generated a worrying increase in the number of people affected. Since the end of June, according to data of epidemiological week 30, the situation of dengue is of concern, with 472 confirmed cases and an increasing trend, including 2 cases of severe dengue fever and 6 deaths.
In this context, the General Directorate of Civil Protection, based on epidemiological bulletin number 26 about dengue issued by the Ministry of Health, declared a national red alert for dengue on July 2, 2024. In response to this situation, national authorities have urged all national and international organizations present in the country to coordinate efforts to develop joint actions within the framework of the alert and thus avoid duplication of efforts. Following the declaration of the red alert, the Ministry of Health held meetings to determine the specific requirements that would be requested from organizations active in the country. Initially, the Ministry verbally requested the National Society to extend its coverage to three departments (Chalatenango, Cuscatlán, and Santa Ana) initially affected by the rains and now also by the increase in dengue cases. Subsequently, on July 23, the Ministry made a written request to donate some basic supplies, including mosquito nets, as part of the national strategy for preventing and controlling dengue.