However, distribution to some specific affected areas is problematic. With ground transport opening up, food distribution is likely to improve in the near future. On January 16, the Legislative Assembly approved legislation to freeze prices of the basic food basket for 90 days. The Mexican military has set up a kitchen there, where they are providing food and water. Furthermore, the Mexicans are providing medical assistance at Cafetalon, where sanitary facilities have increased to 61.
Additional landslides are likely to occur as aftershocks continue.
The military airport in Ilopango is the base of operation for humanitarian airlifts. PAHO's assessment reveals the need for immunizations, restoration of the cold chain, and emergency rehabilitation measures in health facilities. The Salvadoran Red Cross is coordinating with COEN and is providing support to 46 emergency shelters, with assistance from some 1,000 volunteers. A World Bank assessment team will begin assessing damages in El Salvador this week. This disaster declaration opened the door for the provision of USG assistance, outlined below.