Nearly 3,000 people have been affected by flooding in Guatemala after heavy rain fell between 27 and 29 September. Guatemala’s meteorological department (INSIVUMEH) more rain is expected over the next 4 to 5 days, bringing with it the threat of further flooding and landslides.
The flooding struck across several of the country’s departments, including Escuintla (thought to be the worst hit), Chimaltenango, San Marcos, Baja Verapaz, Jutiapa, Huehuetenango and Guatemala. According to Guatemala’s CONRED (Coordinadora Nacional para la Reducción de Desastres ) around 561 houses have been damaged or destroyed.
Five people have been reported as killed. Two of the deaths occurred as a result of a landslide in San Marcos. CONRED have warned of further possible landslides.
The heavy rain caused the Paz River to overflow in Moyuta, Jutiapa, where over 400 people had to evacuate their homes. The Coyolate River overflowed near Nueva Concepción, Escuintla department, damaging over 4 homes. Further evacuations took place in Tectitán, Huehuetenango, where 81 people have moved from their homes which are thought to be at risk of landslides.
