Mother Nature Wreaks Havoc in Central America

After hitting much of Central America with heavy flooding and high-speed winds, Hurricane Ida has now turned into Tropical Storm Ida. Ida is presently hitting areas of the Gulf Coast as residents of Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Florida brace themselves for the declared emergencies. Fortunately the storm has died down since it plowed through areas of Central America. Before the effects of Ida hit the U.S. it wreaked havoc in much of Central America, and was especially damaging in El Salvador.

Ida affected thousands in Nicaragua and Honduras by causing heavy rains and damage. Although many were fleeing to shelters, there were no reported casualties in these countries. Mexico was also fortunate, as Ida didn't quite reach land in the Yucatan Peninsula, as was originally expected. Unfortunately, in El Salvador the situation was much worse. With winds reaching 70mph, Ida caused flooding and landslides, leaving residents with buried cars and homes. The capital San Salvador and the province San Vincente were hit hardest. In Verapaz, located in the province of San Vincente, residents dug out survivors with their bare hands. Over 130 people have died so far in El Salvador, many are missing, and about 7,000 are living in shelters. Because of flooding and collapsed bridges many towns have been cut off from the outside and are in desperate need of government aid, including clean drinking water and other supplies. Neighboring countries like Guatemala have sent troops and aid workers to help.

Online Sources: BBC News, Associated Press, AFP, ReliefWeb
Image: Washington Post