Tropical Depression Cristina: Storm Warning Issued for El Salvador and Guatemala Coast

A tropical storm warning has been issued for the Pacific coast of Central America, specifically the border region of El Salvador and Guatemala.

Tropical Depression Cristina is currently stationary approximately 85 miles off the coast of El Salvador. The system is sustaining maximum winds of 35 mph but is forecast to track northwestward toward Guatemala.

The storm is expected to bring accumulations of 4 to 8 inches, and some areas could see up to 12 inches of rain. Southern El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras could see heavy flash flooding and potential mudslides in coastal and mountainous areas. It's the third named storm of the year in the eastern Pacific, where warming waters have intensified conditions.

As the storm approaches, Direct Relief has been in communication with local healthcare partners, including the Fundación Salvadoreña para la Salud y el Desarrollo Humano, or FUSAL, in El Salvador, as well as the Pan American Health Organization, or PAHO, the World Health Organization's regional body for the Americas.

Since 2020, Direct Relief has delivered $1.5 million in disaster response and emergency preparedness resources to FUSAL. Past and ongoing aid includes hurricane preparedness packs filled with essential medicines, supplies for vector-borne illnesses, including dengue, and personal protective equipment.
PAHO is scheduled to receive additional field medic packs to equip first responders and two hurricane preparedness packs at its Panama Strategic Reserve warehouse in the coming weeks to bolster ongoing regional emergency response relief efforts.

Direct Relief will continue to monitor medical needs in the region.