North and Central America and Caribbean

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• Natural disasters
• General
 

Natural disasters

Volcanoes

 
El Salvador has a number of active volcanoes.  The last notable eruption was the Santa Ana (Ilamatepec) volcano, which erupted on 2 October 2005, prompting a government alert, which lasted for several months before the activity died down and local residents returned to the area. 
 
You should seek local advice before climbing any volcanoes in El Salvador and monitor local media for any updates on increased volcanic activity.

For further information on volcano warnings please check with the Humanitarian Early Warning System.

Rainy Season

Heavy rain over the weekend of 7 and 8 November has caused heavy flooding in the San Salvador and San Vicente regions of the country. The President has declared a State of Emergency whilst cleanup and ongoing operations continue to assist thousands of displaced people.  The international airport is open, but local travel by road may be interrupted by landslides and flooding. Please contact our Honorary Consul for more localised travel information.

The rainy season in El Salvador normally runs from June to November, coinciding with the hurricane season in the Caribbean.  Mountain areas are particularly vulnerable to landslides in the rainy season.  You should monitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation and the US National Hurricane Centre.   Please also see Tropical Cyclones for more detailed information about what to do if you are caught up in a hurricane.
 

Earthquakes

 
El Salvador is subject to frequent minor earth tremors and occasional earthquakes. 
 
You should ensure that you know what action to take should an earthquake occur.  If staying in a hotel read their earthquake instructions.  During an earthquake, you should drop to the ground and take cover under sturdy furniture, in a doorway or next to an inside wall, away from windows or objects which may fall.  Cover your head with a pillow or your arms and wait for the earthquake to stop, before moving to a safe area outside.
 
Further advice may be found on the Red Cross website.