BCIE approved USD 500,000 for El Salvador's response to the drought linked to El Niño

The Central American Bank for Economic Integration approved emergency aid of USD 500,000 for El Salvador. (Illustrative Image Infobae) The Central American Bank for Economic Integration (BCIE) reported this Tuesday the approval of USD 500,000 in emergency aid to support El Salvador's response to the effects of meteorological and agricultural drought associated with the El Niño phenomenon. The resources will be used to complement measures promoted by authorities to protect food production and reinforce water access in affected areas. The regional body announced the decision amid low rainfall, prolonged dry periods, and temperatures above historical records in the country. According to the BCIE, these conditions reduced water availability and affected agricultural activities. The contribution comes after the declaration of a National State of Emergency in El Salvador, established in response to the effects of lack of rain. The assistance seeks to expand the capacity to support communities facing greater difficulties in sustaining their crops and guaranteeing food supply. The Salvadoran government declared a National State of Emergency due to the scarcity of rain and water stress. (REUTERS/Jose Cabezas) The drought has especially impacted the production of basic grains, an activity upon which thousands of Salvadoran families depend. The BCIE indicated that the deterioration of climatic conditions compromises rural livelihoods and poses risks to the population's food security. The funds approved by the regional entity will complement national actions aimed at mitigating the consequences of the emergency. Among the stated objectives is strengthening access to water for agricultural purposes, a central issue in areas where periods without precipitation reduced planting capacity and crop yields. The assistance focuses on protecting local food production against a scenario of water stress. The continuation of the drought can affect subsistence harvests and increase the vulnerability of families who depend on agriculture for their consumption and income. The regional body's funds will reinforce the supply and access to water for agricultural purposes in the communities. (REUTERS/Jose Cabezas) The BCIE maintained that the operation is part of its support for El Salvador to preserve national food production and address the effects of extreme climatic phenomena. The institution linked the disbursement to strengthening the resilience of its member countries against events affecting the agricultural sector. "The BCIE's contribution will help expand the scope of care and mitigation actions, benefiting the most affected communities," the entity stated in its communiqué. The bank emphasized that the priority is to respond to the effects of the drought on crops and water access for productive activity. The El Niño phenomenon usually alters rainfall and temperature patterns in different regions. In the Salvadoran case, the combination of scarce precipitation and high temperatures reduced the availability of water resources at a sensitive time for agricultural activity. The Vice Minister of Agriculture, Óscar Domínguez, celebrated the approval of the resources by the regional body. "Thank you, BCIE. We will continue supporting more subsistence families," the official expressed in a social media post.