April 26, 2001

El Diario de Hoy reports that El Salvador is now experiencing the largest exodus of its population since the end of the civil war in 1992.  350% more people are requesting visas.  Unemployment and the worsening economic situation following the earthquake are the principal motivations.  While some emigrate legally, other's pay "coyotes" up to $4,500 to smuggle them into the United States.

Elizabeth Dole visited Rio Roldan, a small rural community in Usulutan, yesterday.   There, she and other dignataries saw the first Roundhouses to be built in El Salvador.  Dole is honorary chairperson of Project Roundhouse.

La Prensa Grafica reports that 60% of businesses in El Salvador have not received their environmental certification from the government.  Those that fail to do so by May 12, including one government department, face fines.

April 24, 2001

The New York Times reports on maquilas - manufacturing plants - on which the Salvadoran government "pins its economic future" for recovery from the earthquakes.  80% of the workers in maquilas are women, and most do not earn enough to support their families even at the poverty level.

April 20, 2001

El Diario de Hoy reports that a Red Cross study finds that the mental health state of El Salvador has worsened, leading to increased suicide and other problems.   Many people remain in denial about the earthquake.

April 19, 2001

La Prensa Grafica reports that investigations into El Salvador's Agricultural Development Bank continue.  It apparently lost $34 million dollars in bad loans to politically connected clients during the 1990s.

April 17, 2001

El Diario de Hoy reports that world coffee prices have fallen so low that it costs more to produce coffee in El Salvador now than it is worth.

La Prensa Grafica reports that 100 communities in Usulutan are in danger of landslides or flooding during the rainy season, which begins next week.  This includes communities in Puerto el Triunfo and Jiquilisco.

April 3, 2001

La Prensa Grafica reports that figures from the Salvadoran Foundation for Social and Economic Development indicate that 50% of El Salvador's population now lives in poverty, due to the earthquakes.  55,000 lost their jobs as a direct result of the quakes, with the largest group (10,000) concentrated in Usulutan department.