Guatemala – Rivers Overflow After 2 Days of Heavy Rain

by in Americas, News

Heavy rain in Guatemala over the last few days has caused flooding in 4 departments.

Guatemala’s Instituto Nacional de Sismología, Vulcanología, Meteorología e Hidrología (INSIVUMEH) reports that the La Pasión and Usumacinta rivers in Peten department have both overflowed. Lake Petén Itzáhas also exceeded danger levels in San Jos, Peten.

Mazatenango in Suchitepequez department recorded almost 300 mm of rain in 48 hours to 19 September. Local media say that levels of the Sis River in Mazatenango are dangerously high.

The National Coordinating System for Disaster Reduction (CONRED) reported yesterday that floods have affected areas of Petén, Suchitepéquez, Retalhuleu and San Marcos departments.

Sayaxché in Peten, ​​Cuyotenango in Suchitepequez and Malacatán in San Marcos are among the worst affected areas.

In total, 629 people were affected and 164 displaced. Almost 70 houses have suffered damage. A bridge was also severely damaged near Malacatán.

Samala River, Retalhuleu Guatemela, 18 September. Photo; CONRED

21 Killed in Floods in 2017 Rainy Season

CONRED say that, during this year’s rain and hurricane there have been 260 incidents of flooding, leaving 21 dead and forcing 4,880 people to evacuated their homes.

Image: CONRED

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