2011 El Salvador floods

Intense rains that fell in October of 2011 triggered heavy floods in El Salvador, but Oxfam's commitment to preparedness and empowerment made a difference.

In October of 2011, torrential rains have caused deadly landslides and flooding in El Salvador. Oxfam preparedness programs are helping ensure that aid quickly reaches those in need.

Saving lives: Oxfam partners take center stage
Oxfam invests in the strengths of local communities and partners. When rainfall from a tropical depression triggered a massive emergency in El Salvador, our approach was put to the test.
Yellow alert: Taking action to prevent disasters
Months of community education and preparation saved lives when floods struck El Salvador.
More research
How to make a difference on campus
Students, are you ready to take action? Find tips for starting and running an Oxfam Club at your high school or university, ideas for campus events, and much more.
How to fundraise for Oxfam: Frequently asked questions
Community-driven efforts like yours provide essential support for fighting poverty and responding to disasters worldwide. Check out these questions and answers to help you get started.
How to host a house party
A house party is a fun way to take action with friends and family. This guide includes everything you'll need to plan a successful event.
How to get started: A menu of ideas
Want to do something to fight poverty and hunger, but don't know where to start? Explore this list of time-tested action ideas for individuals and groups.
More tools for activists

Features Subscribe | View All

Food-for-work program allows families in El Salvador to recover from disaster

Food-for-work program allows families in El Salvador to recover from disaster

Oxfam, together with five local organizations and the World Food Programme, helped communities recover while they prepare.

Read more

At the heart of the El Salvador flood response: partnership

At the heart of the El Salvador flood response: partnership

When a major storm strikes El Salvador, preparedness and local partnerships make all the difference.

Read more

El Salvador: Communities unite after Hurricane Ida

El Salvador: Communities unite after Hurricane Ida

With their crops washed away along with their fertile soil, villagers in El Sauce face a long recovery.

Read more

The faces of Hurricane Ida

The faces of Hurricane Ida

Survivors of the flooding in El Salvador, brought by Hurricane Ida, recount their escapes and face their losses.

Read more

El Salvador: "We spent the whole day evacuating people."

El Salvador: "We spent the whole day evacuating people."

"People had to go up on the roofs, or they hung from the walls of houses that have broken glass. There were so many injured people." This is the testimony of Emerita Rivas in Verapaz, El Salvador.

Read more

Verapaz: four days after the landslide

Verapaz: four days after the landslide

With her camera, Oxfam America's Tjarda Muller records the devastation in one community in El Salvador following torrential rains.

Read more

I feel my heart beating

I feel my heart beating

Storm in El Salvador rivals Hurricane Mitch in intensity

Read more

Preparedness helps Oxfam respond quickly to Salvador emergency

Preparedness helps Oxfam respond quickly to Salvador emergency

Oxfam and our local partners began helping communities prepare long before devastating floods and landslides.

Read more

Signs point to success: reducing disaster risks in El Salvador

Signs point to success: reducing disaster risks in El Salvador

Thorough planning helps everyone reach safety in emergencies, even in the poorest communities.

Read more

» More stories «
Document Actions
Emergencies
Get involved

Join our online community

Learn more


Stay connected




Emergency action

Emergencies—and how we respond to them—can be catalysts for social change.