More than 100 people killed in El Salvador flooding

The government in El Salvador says approximately 124 people have lost their lives following recent floods that hit the area. The people who died were killed as a result of landslides and flooding.

A national emergency has been announced by President Mauricio Funes who says it's impossible to calculate the amount of devastation caused. San Salvador, the capital of El Salvador, and San Vicente were affected worst. Houses and vehicles were left crushed by mudslides and massive rocks in Verapaz, a small town. Rescue workers stayed there after darkness attempting to save anyone who may have been trapped underneath. The weather conditions are said to be due to low pressure around the area of the Pacific. Hurricane Ida contributed to the low pressure and the storm was set to move on to Mexico. The floods have left approximately 7,000 people in need of shelters which have been set up. A lack of electricity and clean drinking water are still affecting significant parts of El Salvador, and these areas are still unable to get government assistance. Poorly constructed homes played a part in the devastation, as these easily became victim to mudslides. As many as 60 people are still said to be missing following the disaster. According to the BBC, President Mauricio Funes, "The images that we have seen today are of a devastated country."