Alert in El Salvador due to intense rain forecasted until Tuesday: Civil Protection issues recommendations and suspends activities.

During the weekend and until Tuesday, June 18th, El Salvador is under alert due to the intense rainfall associated with a weather system that has been forecasted by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MARN). This weather situation is a result of a combination of systems in the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, which will generate rains of varying intensity, potentially becoming very strong and even intense, especially in the coastal areas and volcanic mountain range of the Central American country. The head of MARN, Fernando López, has explained that these rains could cause various impacts, such as landslides and urban flooding, in all areas where rainfall is expected. Although the presence of a hurricane or storm off the coasts is not expected, the forecasted amount of rainfall is significant enough to raise concerns. Since early Saturday morning, intermittent rains have been constant in the coastal area, extending to the volcanic mountain range and its surroundings. It is expected that conditions will worsen throughout the day, with an increase in the intensity of rains across the territory, especially in the north, east, and coastal areas. By nightfall, persistent rains are expected to arrive from the south, affecting the entire coast and volcanic mountain range, potentially triggering a storm over the country. In response to this situation, Civil Protection has issued an orange alert, leading to the suspension of activities such as artisanal, industrial, and sports fishing, as well as recreational activities in rivers, beaches, and lakes. The population has been urged to travel with caution, avoid crossing water currents during and after rains, secure their properties against winds generated by storms, and stay alert to the recommendations of authorities. Furthermore, with the aim of safeguarding the population's integrity, it has been decided to suspend in-person classes nationwide on June 18th and 19th, from early childhood education to higher education, in both public and private institutions. The Ministry of Education has recommended institutions to take necessary measures to ensure educational continuity, either through virtual modalities or with work guides at home. Unfortunately, as one of the initial consequences of these intense rains, the deaths of two individuals were reported in the Chagüite River in Ilopango. According to preliminary reports, the victims were extracting sand from the river when a wall of earth collapsed on them, highlighting the importance of extreme caution and safety measures in this adverse weather situation. Authorities are urging the population to stay informed, follow Civil Protection's instructions, and be prepared to act preventively against possible risks. With the coordination and collaboration of all, the impact of the intense rains expected in El Salvador in the coming days can be mitigated.