Heavy rains and high tides have once again caused major flooding across El Salvador, including several coastal communities of the Lower Lempa region.

Since September 28, water has encroached on the communities of Salinas del Potrero, Sisiguayo, and Isla Montecristo, damaging homes and affecting hundreds of families. Some shrimp farming cooperatives are reporting damage to infrastructure and loss of product. Many farmers, hoping to recuperate their losses from the recent drought, have now lost a second crop to flooding.

Local authorities have been quick to respond. The Jiquilisco Mayor’s Office, in conjunction with local Civil Protection Committees, has been surveying damage and hearing from affected families. In Salinas del Potrero the Mayor’s Office distributed emergency supplies to 250 families, lending much-needed aid.

EcoViva, the Jiquilisco Mayor’s office, and the Mangrove Association will collaborate to provide similar aid to 38 affected families in Isla Montecristo. Below are some photos of the flooding that community leaders have shared. Thankfully, the community-managed sea turtle conservation hatchery in Isla Montecristo is undamaged. It was destroyed by large waves earlier this year and was rebuilt on higher ground to protect it from future events.

Your support is what enables us to act quickly to respond to events like this. Consider donating to EcoViva to power important programs that prepare communities for disasters, conserve critical mangrove ecosystems that protect against storm surges, and help communities build resilience.