What Oxfam is doing

last updated May 2012

In October of 2011 in El Salvador, the rains were cataclysmic. A tropical depression that hovered over the region for more than a week dumped nearly 60 inches of rain - far more than the devastating hurricane Mitch delivered in 1998. Thirty-five people died in the October storm, a number that is too high but one that  reflects great improvements in preparedness and response: hurricane Mitch took the lives of 240 Salvadorans. But the floods of October dealt greater economic losses than Mitch: 30-40% of corn crops and 70% of bean crops were destroyed.

Oxfam's program in El Salvador builds on years of working with communities and partners to reduce the risks and suffering that so often accompany hazards like floods and earthquakes. We have provided partners with in-depth training in emergency response, and prepositioned supplies near an area prone to flooding.

When the storm struck, the Salvadoran response team was ready to move. At the shelters where flood-affected communities were gathering, team members quickly installed water tanks and banks of latrines. They distributed hygiene kits containing soap, toothbrushes and paste, sanitary napkins, diapers, towels, and detergent - materials aimed at protecting the health and well-being of those forced to leave their belongings behind. Stoves, pots, utensils, and portable sinks from our warehouse facilitated cooking and eating.  Read more.

As the rains abated and the flood waters receded, people returned to their communities where damage to homes, wells, and crops was severe. Oxfam and partners continued their work, installing water tanks, distributing supplies, carrying out agriculture rehabilitation projects, and, where possible, helping communities mitigate future floods.

Read a blog about the role of women in emergencies.

Read a story from the October storm.

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