October 21, 2011 - Enlace.link

From October 9 to October 20 El Salvador was hit with steady and torrential rains that totaled more than four feet in many areas. At least 33 people were killed in landslides and more than 35,000 forced to leave their homes.

One of ENLACE’s trucks loaded with supplies on October 20While our primary role as an organization is not in the area of disaster relief, ENLACE is supporting the efforts of our local church partners; many of whom are providing food, water and temporary shelter for displaced and affected families. We will continue to offer supplies as needed throughout the country while also working with local churches and communities as they create plans for rebuilding and protecting communities from future natural disasters.

In a conversation with Pastor Miguel Duran on October 19, he reported that mitigation efforts implemented in recent years (projects like cement drainage culverts and retaining walls made of old tires) effectively saved numerous homes and kept roads open.

Damaged tomato plantHowever, small scale farmers have not fared as well. Some reports state that 40-60% of this season’s harvest has been lost, presenting an incalculable challenge for subsistence farmers who rely on these crops to feed their families. ENLACE will continue to support locally managed home garden initiatives throughout the country to help offset the loss of traditional crops experienced by so many.