Operational update (as of Nov. 17):
Since operations began Nov. 12, Joint Task Force-Bravo troops have distributed more than 315,200 lbs of aid to villages completely isolated due to damaged roads and bridges (near Verapaz, Guadalupe, Santa Maria Ostumas and San Vicente). Delivered supplies include food, water, milk, sanitation kits, clothing and other hygiene products.
Daily breakdown of airlifted supplies:
- Nov. 12: 20,772 lbs
- Nov. 13: 61,020 lbs
- Nov. 14: 90,700 lbs
- Nov. 15: 45,500 lbs
- Nov. 16: 97,000 lbs
According to commanders, the airlifts are the only source of lifesaving supplies for the stranded villagers.
Engineers from U.S. Southern Command, together with Salvadoran military engineers, are also assisting Salvadoran officials to gather data from areas with damaged infrastructure.
The Joint Task Force-Bravo team is also actively working with El Salvador`s Ministry of Health to finalize medical assistance to hard-hit areas in El Salvador.
Additionally, U.S. Southern Command has committed $50,000 to finance five Humanitarian Assistance Projects to support homeless families in the hardest hit communities. These funds will be used to purchase and donate supplies, potable water and canned food, as well construction materials, mosquito netting, beds and mattresses.
U.S. military forces involved:
About 45 U.S. military personnel and four helicopters (CH-47 Chinook, HH-60 and two UH-60 Blackhawks) from Joint Task Force-Bravo deployed to El Salvador from nearby Soto Cano Air Base in Honduras Nov. 11.
The team is comprised of aviation, medical, civil affairs and engineering personnel from Joint Task Force-Bravo, U.S. Southern Command, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Special Operations Command South.
The team is working in coordination with Salvadoran and international disaster response organizations to help the people of El Salvador.
Background:
In mid-November 2009, heavy rains battered El Salvador, leading to flooding and mudslides that killed more than a hundred people and imperiled and stranded thousands of others.
Authorities in the country declared a state of emergency and submitted a request for assistance through the U.S. embassy, clearing the way for U.S. military support. U.S. Southern Command directed the military forces to respond, which are in support of U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)'s Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance, the lead federal agency for U.S. foreign assistance.
