Dear friends,
This is a very difficult time for El Salvador. A tropical depression has poured rain over El Salvador for more than a week now, dumping more rain on the country than 1998 ‘ s devastating Hurricane Mitch. Yesterday, President Funes declared a State of Calamity throughout the country, higher than a state of emergency. According to the most recent reports, there have been 38 deaths and 32,243 refugees, forced from their homes because of flooding or risk of landslides (La Prensa Grafica). The situation is affecting the whole Central American region with 29 deaths in Guatemala, 13 deaths in Honduras and 8 deaths in Nicaragua.
Children in a Refuge Center
In San Ramon, where Programa Velasco is located, there is extreme risk of landslides, since we are located at the base of the volcano. Several parts of the community have already been evacuated, and the police and Civil Protection are on constant alert. Thankfully, there have been no landslides so far, but the rain continues.
In Bajo Lempa, a low-lying area where our partner
organization ANADES has three child development centers, is totally devastated. In many communities, the water has reached up to the roofs of homes and businesses. There are many families trapped in their homes, but the majority are currently in shelters indefinitely.
The heavy rains have destroyed much of this season’s crops.
Puente Ateos
There will be an increase in the prices of basic food staples including vegetables, corn, beans, and rice. To get relief funds to people right away, please make your tax-deductible donations on the Programa Velasco web site, directing your gift to“Disaster Relief.” Click on http://programavelasco.blogspot.com/
Thank you for your time and solidarity.
Juan Velasco
ProgramaVelasco.org