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Situation Report
Cafetalon Shelter, Santa Tecla
16 January 2001

General Description

The main shelter for earthquake victims has 6,200 people (as of 16 January). The influx of victims is constant. The temporary camps are quite spacious but the spatial arrangement of the tents is not very good at this time. It is estimated that there are between 600-800 people collaborating in the assistance.

Health Services

At the moment there is little organization, but the "Commission for Coordination of Health of the Cafetalón Shelter", with representatives from all national and international health organizations has been created.

The following agreements and priorities were established:

  • Organizing the interior of the camp and conducting a health survey - Preventing outbreaks within the shelters and guaranteeing immediate medical care
  • Establishing labor commissions on:
    • Basic sanitation: latrine building, water supply and processing of the water, proper management of food.
    • Medical Attention
    • Mental Health
    • Education in health
    • Epidemiological surveillance

Basic Sanitation and Potable Water

There are 53 latrines that work, however, 100 more are urgently required. There will be holes excavated in units of 5. Plan International assumes responsibility to provide 50 and PAHO the other 50. Locations have been chosen and residents of the shelter will provide the labor.

As for potable water, a daily per capita need of 120 m3 has been established. There is no real management of the actual water supply and there is little water available for personal use - washing clothes, dishes and hygiene. 50 showers are needed.

The Peruvian delegation has facilitated the production of sodium hypochlorite and its distribution in bottles in coordination with UES, the mayor and its office.

Needs

  • Latrine covers:100
  • Asbestos Laminae for wall of latrines: 500
  • Wood to construct latrines (estimate wood logs): 600
  • Plastic containers for water: 1000
  • Showers for bathrooms: 50
  • Water containers
  • Water Bubbles 120-m3 daily
  • Lime 10 quintals (for management of latrines)

Food Management and Consumption

Adequate control does not exist over food distribution. Technical personnel from the Ministry of Health and the University of El Salvador are present but still unorganized at this point.

Medical Care

There are approximately 20 physician offices, with approximately 40 doctors and 10 nurses serving 24 hours a day. The Ministry of Health and Military Health Division provide personal assistance, with the support of the Mexican Army, as well as the Delegation of Ministry of Health of Peru, and the University of El Salvador.

At this time there have been 1800 visits reported, and the principal causes of attention are: 168 diarrhea diseases, 320 cases of URIs, and 47 of gastritis.

Immediate Need for Drugs

  • Ibuprofen
  • Acetaminophen 500 mg.
  • Clorfeniramina tabs. Syrup
  • Novocaine Antimycotic, Clotrimazole
  • Complex B: tabs, 'ampoules'
  • Oral serum, liquid
  • Mucolytic, Ambrosial
  • Ophthalmic ointment
  • Tetracycline 500 Mg. Cap.
  • Hydrocortisone 1%