El Salvador - GFDRR

III. CROSS-CUTTING ISSUES | 93
Other zones affected by landslides. During the aerial reconnaissance flights, a large number of landslides
were observed in the areas of the towns of Paraíso de Osorio, San Emigdio, Santa Cruz Analquito,
San Ramón and Candelaria, all located east of Lake Ilopango. Most of the landslides were not large or
thick, but together they had a considerable effect while also increasing the level of risk to which the
nearby communities have been exposed. Another zone impacted by landslides was to the north of Lake
Ilopango, where towns such as San Agustín and nearby areas are located.
Damages and losses
The cost of removing the estimated volume of debris (1.2 million m 3 ) exceeds US$12 million. Damages
to infrastructure within the protected areas were estimated at US$62,000, while a preliminary estimate
of losses to ecosystems totals US$1.8 million. The effects on the environment not only include the
accumulation of debris but also the loss of soils that were suitable for agricultural, livestock and forestry
activities; and the silting of rivers and creeks, with the consequent increase in the risk of future floods
due to the loss of natural drainage. The effects on water quality and on aquatic biota, among others,
should be evaluated. Because a detailed analysis of damages and losses to environmental services could
not be conducted for this analysis, it is recommended that a more in-depth assessment be conducted to
help the country determine the real cost of environmental damage. However, additional data provided by
government authorities after the conclusion of the preliminary damage and loss assessment indicate that
environmental damages caused by the event total US$46.06 million, with total damages of US$60.07
million.
It is evident that some communities and small cities have remained at a higher level of exposure to
risks. It is important that risk prevention and mitigation measures as well as environmental protection
measures use a broad perspective, such as a watershed or landscape approach, to make it possible to better
integrate environmental complexity and the interfaces between manmade and natural environments.
a) Damages and Losses to Livelihoods
Because the livelihoods of the population are home based, damages to homes have been used as a
starting point to measure damages and losses in the sector.
According to Civil Protection reports, the evaluated housing damages totaled 1,054 completely destroyed
houses and 2,005 with partial damages, of which 1,200 are considered to have household economic
activity in 5 departments and 59 municipalities (see Housing Sector report).
Damages and losses to livelihoods have been concentrated on completely destroyed houses; these
have been the subject of the present assessment.
As shown in the table, total damages and losses are calculated at nearly US$3 million and include the
sectors of commerce, backyard animal raising, production of foods made from corn cooked in lime-water
(hominy) and the provision of services, all home based.