Tropical Storm Cristina leaves over 200 in shelters, causes flooding in El Salvador

El Salvador is grappling with the aftermath of Tropical Storm Cristina, which, despite weakening to a tropical depression, has left a significant impact across the country. As of Thursday, more than 200 people, including 106 adults and 119 children, are housed in 11 active shelters. The storm's heavy rains have caused widespread damage, with 126 trees felled, 23 landslides reported, and 88 roads obstructed. River overflows and urban flooding have inundated 126 homes.

Public Works Minister Romeo Rodríguez highlighted the extensive infrastructure challenges, while Environment Minister Fernando López warned that despite periods of calm, heavy rainfall would continue through Thursday night. He urged vigilance against further flooding and landslides, particularly in areas that have experienced persistent rain.

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although we have periods of relative calm we are still going to continue, at least this afternoon and evening (Thursday) with temporal-type rain.

The Ministry of Education reported that 41 public schools suffered flooding. Classes were suspended for public and private institutions on Tuesday, with a potential extension of the suspension depending on weather conditions. The storm, which formed Monday, had previously been a tropical storm before degrading off the Pacific coast.

Historically, El Salvador is vulnerable to meteorological phenomena during its rainy season. Past events like Hurricane Mitch in 1998 and heavy rains in November 2009 caused hundreds of fatalities, underscoring the persistent risks faced by communities, especially those in rural areas with homes built from basic materials.

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the families in shelters have everything necessary to safeguard their lives and asked citizens not to oppose being evacuated if they live in a vulnerable area.