El Salvador declares national emergency due to drought

El Salvador has entered a six-month national state of emergency following a severe meteorological and agricultural drought. The decree, approved by the Legislative Assembly and published in the Official Gazette on October 7, 2026, aims to protect food security and mitigate damage to crops, agro-industry, and livestock.

The crisis is driven by a lack of rainfall and extreme temperatures, exacerbated by El Niño phenomena. In May, rainfall deficits reached 41%, and August saw periods of up to 19 consecutive days without rain. Extreme heat has also been recorded, with temperatures reaching 43.9 ºC in Santa Rosa de Lima.

To manage the crisis, state institutions are authorized to reallocate resources. The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock will focus on food security and storage, while the Ministry of National Defense will coordinate the logistics of humanitarian aid distribution. The National Civil Police and the Armed Forces will also support operations to assist affected communities.