The country also has many rivers, lakes in the valleys of volcanoes and lagoons. Lago de Coatepeque (Coatepeque Lake) occasionally turns turquoise due to the bacteria in the lake!
The rainy season allows for crops like sugar, coffee and corn to flourish. The crops provide sustenance and income for the people of El Salvador. The rain also enhances the beauty of waterfalls like Seven Waterfalls.
Tourism is a growing part of the economy that normally peaks in the dry season. The beach is a great resource for not only rest and relaxation, but also provides fish and tourism. Even the volcanoes have some benefits. Volcano hiking has become an increasingly popular tourist attraction, stimulating the local economy.
The volcanic nature of the land has led to multiple natural disasters. For example, San Salvador, the capital, was destroyed twice by eruptions in 1756 and 1854. Earthquakes can also cause major damage. An earthquake in 2001 killed almost 1,000 Salvadorans.
The rainy season also brings flooding, landslides, power outages and infrastructure damage. This can disrupt life and pose a threat to homes, roads and agriculture. It also brings an increase in mosquito-borne illnesses.
To minimize earthquake fatalities, you will find various earthquake meeting spots painted on the ground to keep everyone safe. During the rainy season, locals are used to having multiple methods of managing water, such as waterproof clothing, rain boots and umbrellas.
