Since the December 2013 ash eruption of the Chaparratique Volcano in El Salvador, the communities located at its base have been working hard to reestablish themselves and recover from the shocks and stresses caused by the event. Today, these communities are more aware of the risks they face, and with the support of the Red Cross, are becoming better prepared to prevent, respond to, and recover from future emergencies. 

When the volcano erupted and caused thousands to flee their homes, the Salvadorian Red Cross was present and active, providing assistance, guidance, and medical care to those in need. More than a year after the fact, they continue their work with the support of the American Red Cross. 

We work alongside communities to identify and address vulnerabilities, build their response capacities, and strengthen their ability to bounce back from disasters. This means carrying out activities such as first aid workshops, evacuation drills, the development of school protection plans and the organisation of civil protection community commissions, among others.

Communities are now better informed, organised, prepared, safer, and healthier. They are better able to help themselves and each other, and become their own first responders. This is what resilience looks like.