United States: Guajataca Dam fails in Puerto Rico Sep. 22 /update 6

Event

Officials have ordered residents to be evacuated from the Isabela and Quebradillas municipalities after the Guajataca Dam failed at approximately 14:10 (local time) on Friday, September 22. The dam failed due to flooding downstream on the Rio Guajataca River caused by the passage of Hurricane Maria. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), buses are evacuating hundreds of people from the area. The NWS has issued a flash flood emergency for the two municipalities. Individuals are being advised to move to higher ground as quickly as possible due to the extremely dangerous and life-threatening situation.

Hurricane Maria made landfall as a Category 4 storm (scale of 1 to 5) near the Puerto Rican town of Yabucoa at around 06:15 (local time) on Wednesday, September 20, before crossing over the island and moving out to sea later in the afternoon. Officials continue to urge everyone on the island to remain indoors - if in a building that is still structurally sound - until further notice as strong winds and rain continue to batter the island. An overnight curfew has been enacted and will remain in place between 18:00 and 06:00 until the morning of September 23.

Context

According to initial reports, the hurricane caused significant damage in many areas and the governor has requested the federal government declare the island a disaster zone. Southeastern Puerto Rico, where the storm made landfall, is believed to have been the worst hit. At least six fatalities have been confirmed by the government as of September 22, but the death toll is likely to rise as recovery efforts continue.

As of Friday, the entire island was still without power, and the island’s governor has warned that full services may not be restored for several months. Anecdotal reports indicate that the majority of power lines were downed by fallen trees and violent winds. Ongoing water cuts, telecommunication issues, and transportation disruptions are to be anticipated in the coming days and potentially weeks. San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) has been closed since Tuesday afternoon; the airport has reportedly been flooded and could remain closed throughout the coming week.

Advice

Individuals present in Puerto Rico are advised to adhere to all official directives (including evacuation or shelter-in-place orders), to keep abreast of weather alerts, and to avoid coastal and mountainous areas as much as possible until conditions stabilize (risk of flooding and landslides).

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. Finally, because floodwater may also contain wastewater or chemical products, wear boots and try to avoid any contact with the water. All items having come into contact with the water should be washed and disinfected and foodstuffs discarded.