For Immediate Release

DATE : 11/18/2009

Episcopal Relief & Development Responds to Natural Disaster in El Salvador

On November 7th and 8th, El Salvador was hit by severe weather caused by a low-pressure
system in the Atlantic Ocean related to Hurricane Ida. Receiving nearly 12 inches of rain
in six hours, the nation was affected by widespread flooding and mudslides. The death
toll currently stands at 194, with 80 people still missing.
Damage to El Salvador’s infrastructure has been extensive. A total of 223 dwellings have
been destroyed and 630 are still at risk of collapse. As a result, nearly 14,300 people are
living in 118 temporary shelters across the country. In addition, the floods damaged 34
bridges and 93 roads, 12 of which are still in the process of being reopened.

In response to the crisis, Episcopal Relief & Development is working with two partners,
the Episcopal Church of El Salvador and the Asociacion CREDHO, to provide immediate
relief. Both organizations have conducted needs assessments, evaluated capacity gaps
and considered coordination opportunities in order to utilize funds to the fullest.

“Thankfully, through our network of valued, in-country partners we have been able to
rapidly assess and respond to this extensive disaster,” said Matthew St. John, Episcopal
Relief & Development Program Officer for Latin America and the Caribbean.

The support will help to provide food, potable water, basic medical supplies, hygiene kits,
clothing and assistance for shelters, reaching approximately 2,200 people living in the
six communities hit hardest by the storm, including San Salvador and SanVincente.

“While our assistance will aid those suffering in the wake of the storm, the needs of the
people impacted are tremendous,” said St. John. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to
the Salvadoran people.”

To support those in El Salvador impacted by the crisis, please donate to Episcopal Relief
& Development’s “Hurricane Relief” fund online at www.er-d.org/donate-select.php, or
call 1-800-334-7626, ext. 5129. Gifts can be mailed to Episcopal Relief & Development,
PO Box 7058, Merrifield, VA 22116-7058.

Episcopal Relief & Development is the international relief and development agency of the
Episcopal Church of the United States and an independent 501(c)(3) organization. The agency
takes its mandate from Jesus’ words found in Matthew 25. Its programs work towards
achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Together with the worldwide Church and
ecumenical partners, Episcopal Relief & Development strengthens communities today to meet
tomorrow’s challenges. We rebuild after disasters and empower people by offering lasting
solutions that fight poverty, hunger and disease, including HIV/AIDS and malaria.

Contact: Tyla Fowler

(800) 334-7626, ext. 6311