Tropical Storm Sara has weakened to a tropical depression after making landfall in Belize, following its impact on the northern coast of Honduras. The storm, which had stalled over Honduras since Friday, caused swollen rivers and trapped residents in their homes. Sara is expected to continue losing strength as it moves inland over the Yucatan Peninsula.
Forecasters predict heavy rainfall in Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Mexico's Quintana Roo, with potential totals of up to 15 inches in localized areas. This could lead to flash flooding and mudslides, posing risks to the affected regions.
While Sara moves inland, northern Honduras remains at risk of significant rainfall, with potential totals of up to 40 inches in some areas. The U.S. National Hurricane Center warns of possible catastrophic flooding that could threaten lives in the region.
In the Potrerillos community of northwest Honduras, residents have been evacuated from their homes due to the severe weather conditions. Some have sought shelter in a local school, where they await further instructions as they deal with flooded homes and damaged belongings.
This recent flooding adds to the challenges faced by the Potrerillos community, which was devastated by storms Eta and Iota in November 2020. These powerful hurricanes caused widespread flooding and displacement in northern Honduras, with Eta alone bringing as much as 30 inches of rain to the region.
Residents like Israel Martinez, who had to evacuate during the 2020 storms, are once again grappling with the impact of severe weather. Despite the current shelter accommodating fewer people than during Eta and Iota, the community remains resilient in the face of ongoing challenges.
