In close coordination with El Salvador's Civil Protection Agency
and other government partners, UN agencies and NGOs, IOM is
providing assistance to victims of the recent floods.

Unprecedented rainfall on 7 November caused by Hurricane Ida and
a low pressure system off the Pacific Coast caused flooding and
landslides in many parts of the country.  The government
reported 144 people had lost their lives and an estimated 16,000
were left homeless when more than 200 homes were destroyed and
1,835 were badly damaged.

Funding from IOM Headquarters and the UN allowed IOM to
immediately establish a network of NGOs to oversee the coordination
of some 130 collective centres in schools, community halls, and
other public buildings, where more than 14,000 persons are
presently sheltered.

According to IOM's Regional Emergency Coordinator Christopher
Gascon, deployed to assess the needs and provide support to IOM
staff on the ground, "IOM will participate in the UN Flash Appeal
to secure funding so that the families currently in collective
centres are properly cared for until they are able to return home
after the waters recede."

The most urgent needs in the collective centres include drinking
water, water and sanitation facilities, beds, cooking utensils, and
construction materials.

"Taking the lead in camp management and coordination, IOM will
ensure that victims receive emergency assistance and that the
collective centres are well organized and managed to protect the
well-being of its residents," added Gascon.

The government earlier this week declared a State of Emergency
to expedite relief and rescue operations.

For more information, please contact:

Diana Ruiz de Arteaga

IOM San Salvador

Tel: +503.2264.6590

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