El Salvador sends humanitarian aid to Costa Rica, affected by torrential rains

El Salvador sent a humanitarian aid contingent to Costa Rica on Tuesday with 150 members of the search and rescue group to collaborate with the authorities of that country affected by torrential rains caused by Hurricane Rafaelreported the press office of the presidential house.

The delegation – which left the international airport – is made up of rescuers, firefighters, doctors, soldiers, 15 tons of food and six tons of supplies for emergency care.

On Monday, President Nayib Bukele, who is on a state visit to Costa Rica, offered his Costa Rican counterpart Rodrigo Chaves to send 300 rescuers, food and medicine to help those affected by Hurricane Rafael.

The torrential rains have caused serious damage in Guanacaste and Limón, explained President Chaves during an official event and said that 30 institutions in that country are already working in the area with more than 4,100 officials.

Given this, Bukele offered the support of rescuers, food and medicine that he had offered to the Spanish government for the DANA victims in Valencia and was ready to leave.
“We had a mission ready to go to Valencia with 300 rescuers and medical supplies, food, a full plane, we have had it ready for days. I understand that the government of Spain for some reason is not accepting international aid,” said Bukele.

The contingent sent by El Salvador is part of an urban search and rescue group that in February 2023 traveled to Türkiye to help that country after a powerful earthquake.

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