[Leon Harris, Cnn Anchor:] We've just been able to establish phone contact with our Susan Candiotti, who is in El Salvador. She's in the capital city San Salvador, where she has been tracking this devastation that is inside Tecla. Let's go to Susan now on the telephone Susan.
[Susan Candiotti, Cnn Correspondent:] Hello, Leon. Yes, telephone service, among other things, continue to work in a spotty fashion at best, and there is mounting frustration among families as they continue to search for the missing. In some cases, you see stunned spectators standing on mountains of mud, while others use whatever means they can to lift debris. Additional heavy equipment is being flown in from outside El Salvador to assist in the effort. And then there are those left homeless by the disaster wandering the area looking for help. Thousands are receiving assistance at government-sponsored as well as privately operated shelters, seeking food along with consolation from others whose are trying to regroup. El Salvador already in the process, also, of burying the dead. Some were able to be identified by relatives who made their way to make-shift morgues. However, some remains have been placed in mass graves, authorities unable to wait for identities of the dead to be known because of health concerns Leon.
[Harris:] Well, Susan, we've been talking this morning about how countries around the world are trying to chip in and offer some assistance. Are authorities there being able to are they getting all the assistance that they need or do they need more?
[Candiotti:] They are seeking additional assistance, especially when it comes to heavy equipment and the like. However, when they are also seeking outside help, they are most concern with getting additional manpower to help in these efforts, as well as monetary donations. They say that in terms of supplies, they can handle that. If they receive too many of them, then they will be saddled with problems of distribution. And so money, they say, to purchase supplies is what they need the most.
[Harris:] And certainly we do wish them all luck. Thanks so much. Susan Candiotti reporting live this morning from San Salvador, El Salvador. And, once again, if you would like to help and chip in, the number to call is at the Red Cross. The number's 1-800-HELPNOW.