21 Jun 2017 | 01:15 PM UTC
Honduras: Heavy rainfall continues to batter the country
At least six dead and 500 others affected following a week of intense rainfall across various regions of the country as of Tuesday, June 20; further rainfall expected
Event
At least six people were killed and 500 others affected following a week of intense rainfall across various regions of the country as of Tuesday, June 20. The most affected areas are the departments of Ocotepeque, Francisco Morazán, Comayagua, Lempira, Choluteca, Valle, Cortés, Santa Bárbara, Copán, Yoro, Olancho, El Paraíso, and Intibucá. Associated transport and traffic disruptions due to flooded and blocked roads are expected.
Local authorities also indicated that the risk of further flooding remains high (particularly in river-adjacent areas), along with landslides in hilly areas; further rainfall is expected in the next few days due to a tropical wave, especially in the western and southern parts of the country.
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.
