Honduras: Disruptions due to flooding and landslides are ongoing across multiple regions as of Sept. 22

Event

Disruptions due to flooding and landslides are ongoing across many parts of Honduras as of Sept. 22. Heavy rainfall associated with the ongoing rainy season has triggered flooding and caused rivers to overflow in several areas. Amongst the worst-affected area is the Sula Valley in the northwest of the country, where the two main river basins of the Ulua and Chamlecon Rivers have risen to dangerously high levels. As of Sept. 21, authorities have evacuated more than 3,400 people from vulnerable areas along the Ulua River in Cortes and Yoro departments. Heavy rainfall has cut iff communities due to damaged roads in Copan Department in western Honduras and authorities have declared an emergency situation due to the adverse weather in six municipalities of the department. Key routes have also been cut off by flooding in El Paraiso Department in the south.

In central Honduras more than 200 people were evacuated in the cities of Comayagua and Siguatepeque in Comayagua Department due to flooding after heavy rainfall late Sept. 19 caused rivers to overflow. Officials reported one fatality in Siguatepeque amid the flooding. In Tegucigalpa more than 2,000 people have been evacuated from the Guillen neighborhood and surrounding areas due to the threat of landslides. Recent downpours have saturated the ground and many parts of the capital are vulnerable to landslides due to its elevated terrain. Hundreds of homes across Tegucigalpa have been damaged by landslides since the rainy season began in May.

Further moderate-to-heavy rainfall and possible thunderstorms are forecast over much of the country Sept. 22-23. Further downpours are likely during the remainder of the rainy season, which runs through the end of October.

Hazardous Conditions
Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.

Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood- or landslide-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.

Advice

Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.