El Salvador and its history marked by the fury of tsunamis: lessons of vulnerability and resilience in the face of nature.

El Salvador, a Central American country bathed by the waters of the Pacific Ocean, has witnessed the fury of nature in the form of tsunamis throughout its history. With a total of 23 of these phenomena recorded in the last century and a half, the vulnerability of its coasts becomes evident. From the remote year of 1859 to more recent events such as the one in 2014, El Salvador has faced the onslaught of giant waves generated by distant but devastating earthquakes. According to the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MARN) of El Salvador, a tsunami is a wave or series of waves that occur in a body of water when violently pushed by a force that displaces it vertically. These events can be triggered by earthquakes, landslides, meteorites, explosions, or even volcanic eruptions. In the case of El Salvador, all recorded tsunamis have been the result of earthquakes, specifically those that occur on the seabed and displace tectonic plates vertically. The first tsunami on record in El Salvador dates back to August 25, 1859, triggered by an earthquake in Guatemala. Over the years, other events of varying magnitudes have impacted the Salvadoran coasts, each leaving its mark on collective memory and highlighting the fragility of coastal populations in the face of the sea's fury. One of the most devastating tsunamis for El Salvador occurred in 1902, just two years into the 20th century. Originating from an 8.3 magnitude earthquake in Guatemala, this tsunami caused the deaths of 185 people and left a trail of destruction in its wake. With Acajutla being one of the most affected areas, this event marked a turning point in the Salvadoran population's awareness of the constant threat posed by tsunamis. In subsequent years, events such as the 1950 earthquake in Costa Rica, the 1960 earthquake in Chile, and the 1985 earthquake in Mexico also generated tsunamis that impacted the coasts of El Salvador, although without causing significant damage. However, the history of tsunamis in the country continues, and more recent events like the one in 2014 in the Gulf of Fonseca continue to remind the population of the importance of being prepared for these natural threats. Faced with this reality, El Salvador has identified 29 coastal districts at risk of tsunamis, with Acajutla, La Libertad, and Usulután being the most vulnerable areas. The need for effective early warning systems and clear evacuation plans becomes imperative to protect the lives of those living in these exposed areas. In a world where climate change and seismic activity are becoming more frequent, the history of tsunamis in El Salvador is a reminder of humanity's fragility in the face of nature's forces. Learning from these past events and being prepared to face future challenges is crucial to ensuring the safety and well-being of the coastal communities in this Central American country.