El Salvador: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across parts of the country as of late June 17

Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing across parts of El Salvador as of late June 17. Heavy rainfall since June 15 triggered widespread flooding and landslides. El Salvador’s government declared an emergency June 16 and opened around 100 shelters across the country due to the risk of flooding. Authorities have reported 11 fatalities across the country due to the heavy rainfall, including five fatalities in Tacuba Municipality in Ahuachapan Department due to a landslide triggered by heavy rainfall. Emergency crews have evacuated 880 people. Schools are closed June 18-19.

The El Salvador Directorate General for the Observatory of Threats and Natural Resources has issued red take action warnings (highest level on a four-tier scale) for floods, flash floods, and landslides over most of El Salvador. The severe weather is forecast to persist through at least June 23.

Lingering disruptions are likely in flood-affected areas over the coming days, and additional heavy downpours will likely exacerbate the flood situation and hamper ongoing response and recovery efforts.

Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed or a lack of stormwater drainage systems. Sites downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.

Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks. Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports in the affected areas.

Flooding could heighten the threat of disease outbreaks. Backflow from drains mixed with floodwaters can become trapped in open areas when inundations recede. These stagnant pools often become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and bacteria, increasing the incidence of insect- and water-borne diseases. Exposure to contaminated water from inundated industrial sites, sewer systems, and septic tanks also poses a significant health threat.