Tropical Storm Amanda struck El Salvador on May 31, causing heavy rains and flooding.

AFP

Key Developments

Tropical Storm Amanda made landfall near the El Salvador–Guatemala border on May 31, 2020, bringing heavy rains that resulted in severe flooding and landslides in 10 of El Salvador’s 14 departments. The storm and its aftermath adversely affected more than 1.2 million people, caused power outages, and limited access to water and sanitation services across the country, according to the Government of El Salvador (GoES). The disaster also resulted in the deaths of at least 14 people, international media report. The GoES declared a national state of emergency and mobilized the National Civil Protection System to coordinate evacuation and search-and-rescue operations, as well as manage evacuation shelters in accordance with measures to mitigate the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

On May 31, U.S. Ambassador Ronald D. Johnson declared a disaster due to the effects of the flooding and landslides in El Salvador. In response, USAID provided $100,000 through USAID/El Salvador to deliver emergency shelter supplies, hygiene kits, and other relief commodities to vulnerable populations in affected areas. 

Background

El Salvador is prone to a variety of natural hazards, including earthquakes, floods, landslides, hurricanes, and volcanic eruptions. When disaster strikes, USAID typically works with non-governmental organizations to meet humanitarian needs and complement government relief efforts. In addition to direct disaster assistance, USAID supports disaster risk reduction activities and capacity-building initiatives in El Salvador and the larger Latin America and Caribbean region.