The Agatha storm, that hit the country in May, put the soil at risk, and the subsequent rains have increased the level of water in the fields, thus destroying crops. In addition, mangroves are also flooded, which prevents fisherfolk to work.

This is what Jose Acosta, from CESTA-Friends of the Earth El Salvador, said to Real World Radio. CESTA is one of the organizations that work with the communities of Bajo Lempa and Bahia de Jiquilisco.

“Government institutions, such as local municipalities, only pay attention to the needs of the population in emergency situations, but then they forget”, said the environmental activist in an interview with Real World Radio.

Acosta said that this is not uncommon for the inhabitants of the area, since they suffer from floods each winter. But this year, the situation is different in that the rains have been heavier and more frequent.

“Other inhabitants of the region are also analyzing the situation. Gilberto Berrios thinks that this winter is a proof of the fact that climate change is real. Government authorities have also linked the rains with climate change, and said that the situation will be worse in the next months”, said Acosta.

And he added: “the main political leaders of the world will continue meeting to negotiate climate change agreements or to avoid making commitments. Lost crops, scarce food, and diseases don´t mean anything to them, as long as the affected are poor people".