The Salvation Army Responds to Central American Floods

London, England (November 15, 2011) - The Salvation Army in Central America is providing assistance to people affected by severe flooding. Heavy rains that started in October have caused more than 90 deaths in the region, with the worst problems in Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua. Official data shows that more than half a million people are affected, with at least 100,000 having left their homes in order to stay safe.

According to The Salvation Army's Latin America North Territory the damage to infrastructure and agriculture is massive, with pre-existing poverty in many of these areas making the situation even more difficult. Some communities have not been reached and there is a pressing need for food, shelter and clean water.

In Nicaragua, The Salvation Army is distributing food, clothes, mattresses and blankets to almost 700 people; in El Salvador around 1,000 people have been given food, hygiene articles and medicine. An outpost in Gualache, El Salvador, has become an emergency shelter for 150 displaced people.

Further emergency relief assistance will be provided where needed and as funds become available.

About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for 130 years in the United States. Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. 82 cents of every dollar spent is used to carry out those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to www.salvationarmyusa.org.