UN agencies, NGOs and Government of El Salvador seek US $13 million to aid survivors of Hurricane Ida

(San Salvador/New York, 18 November, 2009): United Nations agencies, nongovernmental organizations and the Government of El Salvador today jointly issued a Flash Appeal seeking US$13.1 million to provide immediate assistance for six months to 75,000 people affected by Hurricane Ida.

The combined effect of Hurricane Ida and a low pressure system off the Pacific coast caused unprecedented amounts of rainfall in El Salvador from 7 to 8 November. The torrential downpour resulted in severe flooding and landslides in many parts of the country.

More than 190 people are known to have died and 80 have been reported missing. About 15,000 people still remain in 140 shelters - camps, schools, churches and other buildings - in seven of the country's 14 departments, while many more continue to depend on humanitarian assistance from the government and national and international humanitarian organizations.

"The effects of flood-related disasters are particularly dangerous for survivors if not addressed quickly because of the risk of water-borne and exposure-related diseases," said John Holmes, United Nations Under-Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator. "We are therefore urging donors to respond quickly to this appeal so that assistance can be provided to those affected without delay," he added.

An estimated 2,000 homes, 117 schools, 25 health facilities and 37 bridges in 43 of El Salvador's 262 municipalities were damaged or destroyed. Crop and livestock losses have also been significant.

"Hurricane Ida hit El Salvador at a particularly critical moment. The country is one of the Latin American countries most affected by the global economic crisis," said UN Resident Coordinator in El Salvador Jessica Faieta. "Now, Government resources may have to be put into financing humanitarian action, recovery and reconstruction at the expense of poverty reduction programmes," she cautioned.

The Flash Appeal seeks to generate funds for food assistance, shelter, water and sanitation, education, protection, coordination, agriculture and early recovery.

For further information, please call: OCHA-New York: Stephanie Bunker, +1 917 367 5126, mobile +1 347 244 2106, bunker@un.org; Nicholas Reader +1 212 963 4961, mobile +1 646 752 3117, reader@un.org; John Nyaga,+ 1 917 367 9262, mobile +1 917 318 8917, nyagaj@un.org; OCHA-Geneva: Elisabeth Byrs,+41 22 917 2653, mobile, +41 79 473 4570, byrs@un.org. OCHA press releases are available at http://ochaonline.un.org or www.reliefweb.int.