Writer Local offices of the American Red Cross are among the many organizations providing aid in the aftermath of the massive magnitude-7.6 earthquake in El Salvador that has killed nearly 700 people. Alyx McNeal, spokeswoman for the Riverside County Red Cross chapter said Tuesday that monetary donations are being accepted. The agency has had a delegation in El Salvador for more than two years helping facilitate programs in water, sanitation, community health and disaster preparedness. Dian Dial of the Southwest County Red Cross office in Temecula said the agency doesn't have the facilities or the ability to transport items such as clothing or food, but said the office is accepting monetary donations earmarked for El Salvador. As of Tuesday afternoon, however, the Temecula office had yet to receive any, she said.
Local residents have a number of ways to make donations.
The death toll from the quake had topped 670 Tuesday and is expected to rise as authorities reach communities isolated by landslides. Officials said more than 2,500 people were injured by Saturday's quake, and nearly 45,000 had to be evacuated. Officials had counted 666 bodies in El Salvador and at least six more in Guatemala. No major damage or injuries were reported. With more than 46,000 houses damaged or destroyed Saturday, Nicaragua's president visited neighboring El Salvador to appeal for international aid.