Guatemala – 4 Dead, 100s Evacuated After Heavy Rain Triggers Landslides

by in Americas, News

Landslides triggered by heavy rain in Guatemala have caused death and destruction in Huehuetenango and Guatemala Departments.

The country’s disaster authority, CONRED, also reported several incidents of flooding in Quetzaltenango, San Marcos and Sacatepequez departments from 30 October. CONRED added that 12 people have died and almost 5,000 people have been displaced so far in this rainy season that began in May this year.

landslide in Peronia, Villa Nueva, Guatemala, late October 2019.
Photo: Municipal de Villa Nueva

Landslides in Huehuetenango and Guatemala Departments

Heavy rain falling on unstable ground caused a landslide in the village Xenaxicul, Aguacatan in Huehuetenango Department early on 30 October 2019. The landslide buried 4 houses in the village and at least 4 people died. All the victims are thought to be from the same family.

Just days earlier, a landslide hit the settlement of Nuevo Amanecer, in Ciudad Peronia, Villa Nueva in Guatemala Department on 28 October.

Eight houses completely collapsed in the landslide and more than 100 others are still at risk. Around 1,000 people have evacuated. No injuries or fatalities were reported. Authorities have declared a state of disaster.

Floods in Quetzaltenango, San Marcos and Sacatepequez

Elsewhere in the country, heavy rain caused flooding in La Esperanza, Quetzaltenango Department from around 30 October, damaging dozens of homes and leaving 35 people displaced.

In San Marcos Department, over 400 people were affected by flooding from the overflowing Naranjo River in the municipality of La Blanca. Over 60 homes were damaged.

Flooding from 31 October damaged 10 homes in San Pedro Las Huertas near Antigua Guatemala, Sacatepequez Department.

Emergency crews search for victims of a landslide in Huehuetenango Department, Guatemala 30 October 2019. Photo: Bomberos Voluntarios

Social Media