In Pictures: Helping Quake Victims Cope with Disaster

A Photo Essay by Eros Hoagland

El Salvador, January 29, 2001— Thousands of families are now homeless in El Salvador. The American Red Cross arrived there soon after the earthquake occurred to assist the Salvadoran Red Cross in its relief efforts. Materials were provided to help build much-needed shelters. In addition, American Red Cross mental health specialists traveled to the small country and immediately began training local volunteers. This is particularly important considering that many Salvadoran residents are grieving for lost loved ones and friends and that life in a mass-shelter can be traumatic for children. The photos below demonstrate some of the tireless efforts of Red Cross staff.

Photos

These boys are three of thousands living in Salvadoran soccer parks that have been turned into makeshift shelters by the displaced.
	Community members help each other to complete a neighbor's temporary home.
The earthquake destroyed many homes, leaving thousands without a roof over their heads. The American Red Cross plastic sheeting provides for temporary shelter from wind and dust, exceptionally heavy during the present dry season.
	Their town in shambles after a 7.6 earthquake leveled homes and buildings — legacies of family members long gone — a father and daughter wait their turn to receive much needed plastic sheeting from the American Red Cross.
Langdon Greenhalgh, International Response Team member, distributes plastic sheeting alongside Salvadoran Red Cross volunteers in Santiago de María to 300 displaced families.
	Olga Bellido de Luna, International Response Team member, helps complete the shelter where two families, six people are living after the earthquake destroyed their homes.