Honduras: Torrential rain, flooding June 15-18

Event

Torrential rain brought on by a tropical wave has resulted in significant flooding the city of San Pedro Sula (Cortés department) beginning on Thursday afternoon, June 15. More rain is forecast for this and other areas through at least Sunday and further flooding is likely (particularly in river-adjacent areas), along with landslides in hilly areas.

The national disaster response agency COPECO (Comisión Permanente de Contingencias) issued yellow alerts late on Thursday for the departments of Francisco Morazán (home to the capital Tegucigalpa), Copán, and Choluteca; the alerts are set to remain in place for a total of 72 hours. Lesser green alerts are in effect for 11 other departments (Valle, Lempira, El Paraíso, Comayagua, Yoro, Cortés, La Paz, Intibucá, Santa Bárbara, Ocotepeque, Olancho).

Associated transportation disruptions due to flooded or blocked roads are likely.

Context

Tropical waves, along with depressions, tropical storms, and hurricanes, are common in the Caribbean region during the Atlantic Hurricane Season, which runs from June 1 to November 30.

Advice

Individuals present in affected areas are advised to keep abreast of weather reports and to follow any instructions issued by the local authorities. Remember 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.