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Double storm causes widespread destruction

Poor farmers in El Salvador could have half their crops wiped out after the country was battered by two storms in less than a week.

Every school and university has been shut in the wake of Hurricane Mathew and tropical storm Nicole, reports children's charity Plan International.

Following a severe rainy season, 60 per cent of the kidney bean crop is at risk and 40 per cent of corn destroyed - both main staples of the Salvadoran diet.

"Damage to other produce crops has also been reported and this year's Salvadoran coffee crop has been severely damaged," says Plan's country director in El Salvador Rossana Viteri.

"Also, basic grains are going up in price due to speculation and there is a high possibility of a food crisis for the end of the year."

Hurricane Mathew brought nearly seven inches of rain last Friday (24), triggering 101 landslides.

More than 2,350 people were forced to flee their homes as rivers burst their banks and three people were killed.

Then on Wednesday (29), tropical storm Nicole dumped nearly nine inches of rain across El Salvador.

Many families are now staying in flimsy palm huts without floors and walls, with food in short supply.