Guatemala: Flooding prompts red alert in Izabal department Jan. 30-Feb. 1

Event

The Guatemalan Coordinadora Nacional para la Reducción de Desastres (CONRED) issued a red alert (indicating an emergency weather situation, in which individuals in affected areas are advised to evacuate dangerous areas and remain in emergency shelters) for Izabal department on Tuesday, January 30, due to flooding caused by recent heavy rains. The red alert remains in effect as of Thursday, February 1. Among the areas most affected by the flooding in Izabal department are El Estor, Morales, and Puerto Barrios.

In total, over 26,500 people have been affected by heavy rains in Izabal (the most affected department), Alta Verapaz, Baja Verapaz, Quiché, Petén, and Huehuetenango departments in recent days; over 500 people have been evacuated, and nearly 300 remain in emergency shelters. At least two people from Quiché department remain missing as of Thursday. Flooding, landslides, and consequent transportation disruptions have been reported in the abovementioned departments. Further flooding - particularly in low-lying areas and near rivers - and associated disruptions are expected to continue as additional rainfall is forecast in the affected areas in the coming days.

Context

A cold front has brought heavy rain to parts of Guatemala and neighboring Honduras in recent days. In 2017, Guatemala recorded significantly above-average rainfall accumulations during its rainy season, which typically runs from May through November.

Advice

Individuals in the abovementioned areas are advised to follow local weather forecasts and to adhere to any advice issued by the regional authorities (e.g. potential evacuation orders).

In the event of flooding, keep in mind that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products.