Central America: Power outages and disruptions are ongoing across southern Mexico and Central America as of early Oct. 11 following the passage of TD Julia

Event

Disruptions are ongoing across southern Mexico and Central America as of early Oct. 11 following the passage of Tropical Depression Julia. The storm has caused casualties, widespread flooding, power outages, landslides, and structural damages. Affected countries include Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama, as well as Campeche, Chiapas, Oaxaca, Quintana Roo, Tabasco, Veracruz, and Yucatan states in Mexico and Colombia's San Andres island. Recovery operations are ongoing in many areas to restore power, water, road access, and other essential services.

As of early Oct. 11, reports have confirmed at least 10 fatalities in El Salvador, eight in Guatemala, five in Honduras, and two in Panama. The death toll is likely to rise as rescue and recovery efforts progress. Nicaragua has reported more than 1,000,000 people without power and 13,000 homes evacuated. Honduras currently has 9,200 displaced people, while El Salvador has around 1,000.

Damage assessments are ongoing, and it will likely take some time before the full extent of the storm's impact is ascertained.

Protracted transport and business disruptions are almost certain as emergency crews continue recovery efforts; utility disruptions will probably occur over the coming days and weeks. Shortages of fuel and other essential goods are likely. Driving conditions may be difficult on rural routes and regional highways.

The storm made landfall as a Category 1 hurricane near Laguna De Perlas, Nicaragua, early Oct. 9 before tracking across Nicaragua and exiting into the North Pacific Ocean close to the border with Honduras late Oct. 9. The system then moved along the Pacific coasts of El Salvador and southern Guatemala late Oct. 9-early Oct. 10.

Advice

Monitor local media for updates and advisories on weather conditions. Make allowances for possible supply chain disruptions in affected areas. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in case prolonged electricity outages occur.

Use extreme caution in low-lying areas and near streams, creeks, and other waterways due to the potential for flooding. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where flooding has occurred. Confirm flights before checking out of hotels or driving to the airport; clearing passenger backlogs may take several days in some locations.