IOM and partners have distributed shelter repair kits and other
humanitarian assistance to 500 families in El Salvador forced to
flee their homes following days of relentless heavy rains in
October, and who have until now been taking shelter in collective
centres.

The heavy rains which had affected much of Central America, had
killed an estimated 123 people, forced tens of thousands from their
homes and destroyed crops, livelihoods and infrastructure.

"The 500 families assisted thus far have left the centres where
they had taken refuge and have now returned to damaged homes. 
The humanitarian assistance provided by IOM and its partners will
allow them to make the necessary repairs to their homes so that
they can resume their lives in a safe environment," explains
Christopher Gascon, IOM's Regional Emergency Coordinator.

The shelter repair kits include roofing sheets, wooden beams and
planks, basic hardware such as screws and nails as well as tool
kits.  So far 100 homes have been repaired.

IOM partner NGOs are providing technical engineering support
assessing damage to homes and supervising the repairs to ensure
maximum quality.

"There is a great effort underway to help the families repair
their homes and restart their daily routines.  The local
governments, the communities and the NGOs are all working
together," adds Gascon.

Other humanitarian relief supplies include house-cleaning kits
(brooms, buckets, shovels and detergent), along with comfort kits
(mattresses, pillows and linens) as well as kitchen and hygiene
kits.

IOM and its four local partners PLAN International, World
Vision, World Lutheran Federation, and CONAMUS, are focusing their
efforts in the departments of Ahuachapán, La Libertad, La
Paz and Usulután.

An additional 200 families targeted by IOM will receive their
humanitarian supplies by the end of next week in a response funded
by the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF).

For more information, please contact:

Adriana Granados

IOM El Salvador

Tel: +503 2521 0500

E-mail: "mailto:agranados@iom.int">agranados@iom.int