El Salvador - Guatemala - México - Nicaragua
El Salvador
According to the National Emergency Commission 65 people have been killed and more than 50,000 are currently residing in 398 temporary shelters throughout the country. Most of the people who lost their lives were surprised by landslides while at home. More than 390 landslides have also left areas isolated because roads are blocked. An estimated 80% of the road network is affected. 21 health centers have been damaged and another three have been evacuated because of the reactivation of the llamatepec Volcano.
The United Nations have issued a Flash Appeal (UN Flash Appeal) to respond to the immediate health needs of the population displaced by both the rains and the volcanic eruption. US$7 million have been requested.
The major health issues are related to the limited access to proper sanitation and clean water. This is a problem especially in temporary shelters.
PAHO is supporting the Ministry of Health with setting up a situation room and is assisting in designing and activating a disease surveillance system especially targeting the displaced population. It has also sent in logistics experts who are assisting the government in efficiently and transparently managing incoming donations.
The Ministry of External Relations has additional informtion in Spanish at their website.
The Pan American Health and Education Foundation (PAHEF) has set up an account to help victims of the disaster in El Salvador.
Additional Information (in Spanish)
- Emergencies in El Salvador (UN Agencies website)
- Report from the PAHO/WHO Representative in El Salvador (14 October 2005)
- Report from the PAHO/WHO Representative in El Salvador (12 October 2005)
- Report from the PAHO/WHO Representative in El Salvador (11 October 2005)
- Report from the PAHO/WHO Representative in El Salvador (10 October 2005)
- Report from the Ministry of Public Health and Social Services (8 October 2005)
- (NEW) Health activities Report from the Ministry of Public Health and Social Services (7 October 2005)
- Newsletter on Emergencies and Disasters from the Ministry of Health, 3 October
Guatemala
More than 600 people are dead in Guatemala and many more are missing. There are more than 50,00 affected and almost 90,000 have sought refuge in temporary shelters. The flooding and the blockage of roads by landslides are complicating the delivery of food, water and medicines to those in need. All the schools have been closed. The main health concern are related to the emergency rehabilitation of health centers, mobilization of health personnel and the lack of safe drinking water, food and adequate sanitation in the temporary shelters.
PAHO provided medical materials and funds for transportation to the Ministry of Public Health in order to mobilize medical brigades which are providing health care to the vulnerable population in the shelters.
The United Nations have issued a Flash Appeal to responde to the immediate needs in food, water, per5sonal hygienen, temporary shelter, and health.The resources needed include US$1,5 million for health and US$4 million for wawter, sanitation and hygiene.
The Pan American Health and Education Foundation (PAHEF) has set up an account to help victims of the disaster in Guatemala.
Additional Information (in Spanish)
- Guatemala PAHO/WHO country office's website on Stan
- Report October 14, 2005
- Government report on the situation regarding climate, roads, shelters and affected areas
- Report of SUMA/LSS activities in the country
- Coordinadora Nacional Para la Reducción de Desastres (CONRED)
Mexico
Tropical storm Stan made landfall in Mexico and caused major flooding and landslides. Although there is serious damage and loss of infrastructure, the loss of lives was limited due to the evacuation of people prior to the event. So far, eight people have been reported dead. In Chiapas, the most affected state, 6000 houses were damaged and 13,645 persons sought refuge in temporary shelters. In the state of Veracruz, 22 health centers were damaged by the storm. There is no information available on the damage to the health sector in Chiapas.
The PAHO country office is monitoring the situation and has offered assistance to the Mexican government.
Additional Information (in Spanish)
- United Nations in Mexico, Situation Report No. 4 (October 13, 2005)
- United Nations in Mexico, Situation Report No. 3
- United Nations in Mexico, Situation Report No. 2
Nicaragua
Nicaragua has been less affected by Stan than its neighboring countries. Still 11 fatalities and the forceful displacement of 419 has been reported. The main affected localities are Granada, Matagalpa and Rosita. There are no reports of damage to health facilities yet.
Additional Information (in Spanish)
Transitioning from emergency to recoveryAs the emergency response phase gradually transitions into recovery and rehabilitation and as emergency lifesaving activities slowly wind down, other areas of public health emerge as important concerns:
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