Flooding and Mudslides Devastate El Salvador

Heavy rains triggering flooding and mudslides have left at least 124 people dead and many missing in some of the worst flooding El Salvador has ever experienced.

President Mauricio Funes declared a national emergency describing the disaster as a “tragedy” and the damage as “incalculable.”

"Today is a very sad day for the country and its government, in fact it is one of the most tragic days in memory," he said in a televised address to the nation on Sunday.

About 7,000 people lost homes in the disaster on Sunday. Cars, trees and all kinds of debris have been floating through the streets of the hardest hit cities like the capital San Salvador. Residents in the most tragically affected areas have been wading through rivers of mud in efforts to rescue men, women and children.

Authorities said the death toll is expected to rise as rescuers struggle to reach regions where roads have been completely destroyed and washed away.

Fortunately, goAUPAIR’s international representative located in San Salvador has reported that everything is fine with their agency and families.

"There is a lot to do here, it is so sad,” said Anabella, goAUPAIR’s international representative in El Salvador. “Thank God the Sun is shining today.  (There was) lots of rain during the weekend, my garden was a swimming pool. My husband had to work things out in the middle of the night to avoid the flooding, or the water coming inside the house. We had no losses, but lots of people have lost their family and homes.

As far as Anabella knows, all Au Pair candidates are safe with their families.

“We are calling the candidates now to see how they are doing.... so far everybody is scared, but fine.”

goAUPAIR will post any updates regarding delays from the San Salvador embassy.