El Salvador’s National Director of Civil Protection, Luis Amaya, on Monday presented a preliminary assessment of the impacts caused by heavy rainfall recorded between June 5 and June 7, which was linked to a low-pressure system that generated intense precipitation across parts of the country.

According to the report, authorities responded to five landslides, 38 fallen trees, 34 blocked roads, and 55 flooded homes. Officials also recorded three houses with minor damage, six urban flooding incidents, and 11 vehicles affected by floodwaters.

The severe weather also caused two rivers in the department of Santa Ana to overflow, increasing concerns about potential flooding in nearby communities.

Authorities urged residents to exercise caution when crossing rivers and streams, warning that water levels can rise suddenly even if rainfall is not occurring in the immediate area. Officials noted that precipitation upstream can rapidly increase river flow and create dangerous conditions.

Amaya stated that all institutions within the National Civil Protection System remain fully activated and prepared to respond to emergencies generated by the ongoing weather conditions.

Public Works Minister Romeo Rodríguez said the government has more than 1,300 pieces of equipment available to clear roads and respond to infrastructure-related emergencies.

“We are ready to ensure that the country’s roads remain accessible. We will be monitoring conditions closely to keep highways and roads open,” Rodríguez said.

The minister also renewed calls for the public to avoid throwing garbage onto streets and drainage systems, stressing that improper waste disposal contributes significantly to urban flooding, particularly in densely populated areas.

Authorities continue to monitor weather conditions as forecasts indicate the possibility of additional rainfall in the coming days.

El Salvador’s Civil Protection authorities urged residents living in high-risk areas to comply immediately with evacuation orders as Tropical Storm Cristina continues to bring heavy rainfall and dangerous conditions across the country.

Civil Protection Director Luis Amaya announced on Monday that 180 pre-equipped shelters are ready to receive families living in vulnerable communities, providing temporary refuge while the threat from the storm persists.

“If authorities ask you to evacuate, please do not refuse,” Amaya said. “While flooding may cause material losses, protecting human life and ensuring people’s safety must remain the top priority.”

Heavy rains and increased wave activity along the Pacific coast have already caused flooding in parts of La Libertad. According to official forecasts, Tropical Storm Cristina is expected to influence weather conditions throughout the week.

Amaya noted that the populations most at risk are those living near rivers, streams, and areas prone to landslides or slope failures.

To address concerns about personal property, the official stated that the National Civil Police and the Armed Forces have joined the emergency response plan to safeguard homes and belongings left behind by evacuees.

“We can guarantee that their belongings will remain safe and that their possessions will be protected while they stay in the shelters,” Amaya said.

He also highlighted the participation of several government institutions in the emergency response, including the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education, the Office of the First Lady, the National Civil Police, and the Armed Forces, among others.

As part of the National Contingency Plan, authorities have activated evacuation routes and shelter networks across the country to facilitate the safe relocation of residents from areas exposed to flooding, landslides, and other storm-related hazards.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will prioritize event security and the protection of attendees over immigration enforcement during the 2026 World Cup, according to its director, Tom Homan.

The tournament will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19, 2026, and is expected to draw millions of visitors across the three countries.

Speaking in an interview with ABC, Homan said the agency’s main responsibility during the competition will be to prevent any security threats that could disrupt one of the world’s largest sporting events.

“We have a national security responsibility that we are going to carry out,” Homan stated, emphasizing that ICE operations during the tournament will focus on intelligence, prevention, and the protection of critical infrastructure rather than immigration enforcement actions targeting undocumented individuals.

He added that the agency’s priority will be safeguarding players, teams, fans, and stadiums throughout the event.

However, Homan clarified that immigration status could still be taken into account in cases where national security concerns arise. “If we find a national security issue and it involves an illegal alien, of course we will take action,” he said.

The comments came in response to questions about concerns from international visitors regarding possible immigration enforcement activity during the tournament.

Homan reiterated that ICE’s operational focus will remain strictly on security-related matters. Known as the “border czar” within the U.S. administration, he said the agency will concentrate on preventing risks and ensuring the safety of all participants and spectators.

The 2026 World Cup will be the first edition of the tournament to feature 48 national teams, significantly increasing travel and logistical demands across the host nations. As a result, authorities are coordinating extensive security preparations involving federal, state, and international agencies.

Officials have described the tournament as one of the most complex security and organizational challenges ever undertaken in North America, with preparations already underway to ensure its safe and orderly execution.