Heavy rains have caused significant devastation in Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador this week, resulting in a tragic loss of life. Authorities in each country have reported a total of at least 30 fatalities due to the severe weather conditions.
In El Salvador, the storms have claimed the lives of 19 individuals, with the director of Civil Protection confirming the casualties. Among the victims were two children who tragically perished when their home was engulfed by a landslide in the Soyapango district, located approximately six miles from the capital, San Salvador.
Over 2,500 residents in El Salvador have been forced to evacuate their homes and seek refuge in shelters as a safety measure against the ongoing inclement weather.
In Guatemala, the death toll stands at 10, with more than 350 individuals evacuated and currently housed in shelters, as reported by the country's National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction (Conred). The Guatemalan authorities have also noted extensive damage, including nearly 2,900 homes, 225 roads, and 27 schools that have been affected by the relentless rains.
Meanwhile, in Honduras, one fatality has been recorded as a result of the adverse weather conditions, with over 1,200 people evacuated from their homes. The country's Permanent Contingencies Committee (Copeco) is actively monitoring the situation and coordinating response efforts to assist those impacted by the ongoing rainfall.
The forecast indicates that the heavy rainfall is expected to persist in the region, posing continued challenges for Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador as they navigate the aftermath of the destructive storms.
