816.48/85
The Chargé in Salvador (Arnold) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received May 22.]
Sir: I have the honor to report that the damage done by the recent earthquake of April 28th is much greater than anticipated, especially in the outlying sections of the city where whole squares of buildings are raised [sic] to the ground. The number of homeless is very large and as the rainy season is approaching, means must be found to give them shelter.
The Red Cross has been reorganized and is working hard to meet the situation. Public kitchens have been organized throughout the city and hundreds are daily being treated at the various dispensaries which have been opened in the different districts. The frame building erected by Minister Long during the last earthquake is one of the Red Cross centers at present.
Lake Ilopango is being drained, as the center of the seismic disturbances is supposed to be located there. It is an old Indian superstition recorded by the conquistadores that the waters of this Lake should not exceed a certain level and until the time of the Presidency of Don Carlos Melendez it had been adhered to. For six years this has not been done and the waters were rising to such a height as to inundate the surrounding country. The people have repeatedly petitioned to the President to have the water removed but without success. President George Melendez immediately after the recent earthquake began operation and in a few days the water will resume its usual height.
The Guatemalan Government donated $10,000. towards the relief of the sufferers and are sending a commission of three to express the condolences of the Government and People of Guatemala. Honduras has also donated $10,000. to aid in the relief work.
Various organizations are being organized among the leading citizens of the country whose object is to secure funds, to aid in relief work and kirmesses are being formed for the same purpose.
[Page 805]The hundred tents which are expected from the American Red Cross in Guatemala will be a good aid toward relieving the sufferings of many of the homeless victims.
I have [etc.]