Disaster Response Services and Tools
Number of emergency transports available at any given time
No official data available
Mobilizing Resources and Expertise
When calamity strikes, swift and strategic action can save countless lives. The Disaster Response Services section details the specialized services available in the Western Hemisphere to address various disaster scenarios. From rapid response teams to logistical support units, this segment provides a comprehensive overview of the tools and talents at our collective disposal.
Public information and an implemented Early Warning System
- The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MARN) issues alerts for the occurrence of extreme hydrometeorological events, based on which the Presidency can issue Declarations of National Emergency. You can access the website of this Ministry for more information at www.ambiente.gob.sv.
- Within the SAT (Early Warning System) being implemented by the General Directorate of Civil Protection, 10 cameras have been installed in the main ravines of the Greater San Salvador area, known as the Metropolitan Area of San Salvador (AMSS), out of a total of 27. This allows the National Monitoring Center (COE in emergency situations) of this Directorate to maintain constant surveillance of ravine flooding during the rainy season and monitor fires during the dry season. It also enables the observation of hillside behavior. The current SAT achieves a timely response, thus preventing or alerting the population to an impending adverse event. This is enhanced by the prior preparation of the community, which substantially reduces or avoids harm to individuals. In the current phase, personnel who will operate the system are being trained, and in the next phase, Community Civil Protection Commissions will be organized and trained in evacuation procedures. They will also be provided with tools to provide initial response until they are assisted by higher-level authorities. This SAT system is not publicly shared at this time because it is in a trial and learning period. However, access may be available through a platform (link) in the future.
List of climate tools used in the Early Warning System
- For more information, please consult with MARN.
- The General Directorate of Civil Protection, from the Risk Reduction Department, incorporates various tools for monitoring atmospheric conditions to make timely decisions, apart from the document “Regional Climate Outlook.” Some of the most commonly used tools are:RMGIR: https://rmgir.proyectomesoamerica.org/visores/rmgir3D/. Mesoamerican Platform for monitoring atmospheric phenomena, which is continuously active and provides relevant information layers for each country, including critical infrastructure.
Satellite Product Visualization Interface for GEONETCast-Americas for MARN El Salvador: http://srt.marn.gob.sv/showcast.html.
Surface Maps: https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/mobile/graphics_tsa.php.
Cyclones and Disturbances NOAA: https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/.
For tracking climate forcings and models:
Diagnostic Discussion ENSO: https://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/analysis_monitoring/enso_advisory/ensodisc_Sp.shtml.
ONI Values: https://origin.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/analysis_monitoring/ensostuff/ONI_v5.php.
Intelligence and information distribution
For more information, please consult with MARN.
Mechanism to identify threats and hazards
- Inspections of risk are carried out by DACGER-MOPT in coordination with other government institutions to determine risk zones in the face of various emergencies. Additionally, Civil Protection committees conduct risk inspections to assess the need for evacuating people during emergency events.
- The INFORM method allows for the identification of countries that have a high risk of experiencing disasters and humanitarian emergencies that may surpass the current state of response, requiring humanitarian assistance. Each index relies on information provided by the relevant institutions, and each index uses formulas to provide a simplified view of the level at which each country stands. The INFORM methodology is designed to be adaptable, featuring dimensions and categories that are consistent across various models. It also includes components that can be adjusted to the specific context, potentially at the local level. Consequently, it becomes a tool that enables a detailed measurement of indices, even down to the municipal level, in the particular case of El Salvador. This allows for the evaluation of indicators at that level and the flexible use of the provided information.
Operational Communications
No Official Information Available
Business Continuity Plans/Tools (all sectors)
This is managed directly by the Office of the Presidency and the Ministry of Economy.
Community Resilience (CERT) in all areas/villages/towns/cities/districts
- Currently, we are promoting the “Pellizcada Community” program led by the National Commission for Risk Prevention and Emergency Response. This program encourages Costa Rican society to address its disaster risk management needs by establishing Community Emergency Committees (C.C.E), providing training, education, outreach, and information to strengthen community capacities and be better prepared for emergencies or disasters.
Disaster Risk and Resilience Assessment Mechanism
- This is available for certain types of disasters, such as earthquakes and floods, and is complemented by conducting risk assessments at the site.
- As the General Directorate of Civil Protection, Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, and as part of Risk Management, risk or damage assessments are carried out for the different scenarios generated from different events such as: hydrometeorological, telluric and anthropic movements. Hydrometeorological and telluric events generate mass movements, which we classify as landslides, overturns, landslides, flows and reptations, gullies, among others. The department in charge of this is the “Risk Reduction” department, which makes on-site field visits in response to the emergency or disaster, and when a telluric event occurs, evaluations are coordinated and developed to homes that present damages, to guarantee the life and physical integrity of the people, as well as the safety of private and public property. Within the Technical Commission for Infrastructure and Basic Services, coordination is developed with its member institutions, based on an activation order or a declaration of alert, anywhere in the national territory, in order to carry out evaluation actions, rehabilitation of basic services, infrastructure and connectivity that facilitate emergency operations, as well as the beginning of the recovery of the affected area.
Long-term Vulnerability Reduction Plans
Under development.
Mechanisms available to share lessons learned
During this forum, the Commission must present a report on its activities through the National Risk Management System to fulfill the purposes of this law. By addressing relevant issues, participants discuss and propose courses of action for policy advancement. These proposals are considered in the Commission’s strategic planning process and form the basis for defining its actions in monitoring the system.
Collaborative efforts/historical contributions with other countries and agencies/institutions, following a disaster.
- We have exchanges of experiences with other countries in the Central American region through SIECA and ECLAC.
- BHA CEPREDENAC
National structures available in the event of a disaster
Regional, Municipal, and Community Emergency Committees.
