Torrential rains have caused significant devastation along Central America’s Pacific coast since the weekend, resulting in the deaths of 11 people in El Salvador, according to civil protection authorities on Monday. Nearly 900 people have been forced into temporary shelters as landslides and accidents caused by falling trees wreaked havoc across the region.
Luis Amaya, Chief of Civil Protection, reported that the victims, including children, perished due to landslides or accidents involving trees falling onto roads. He urged residents in vulnerable areas to evacuate immediately for their safety. “If you are asked to evacuate, do it. If you live near a slope, move to a safe area,” Amaya emphasised during a news conference. “The number one priority is to be safe.”
The heavy rains have drenched large areas from southern Mexico to western Panama. Forecasters predict continued rainfall throughout the week, potentially worsened by a storm expected to develop over the Gulf of Mexico.
In neighboring Honduras, authorities initiated evacuations, with over 5,000 people affected primarily by flooding in the southern department of Valle, which borders El Salvador. Meanwhile, Panama issued alerts but reported no severe damages.
Social media videos from the region depict streets inundated with fast-moving water, uprooted trees, families and pets being evacuated on trucks, and emergency responders working tirelessly to clear roadways.
Both the Pacific and Atlantic regions have entered the hurricane season. This year’s Atlantic hurricane season is expected to be particularly active due to the combined effects of the La Niña weather pattern and warmer ocean waters.
Melissa Enoch
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