Central America: Tropical Storm Nate strikes region /update 2

Event

Tropical Storm Nate has passed over northeastern Nicaragua and Honduras and is located - as of 04:00 (local time) on Friday, October 6 - approximately 125 km (75 mi) north of the Honduran department of Colón. The storm has dropped massive amounts of rain - up to 75 cm (30 in) in some areas - over parts of Nicaragua, Honduras, Costa Rica, Belize, Panama, Guatemala, and El Salvador, leading to deadly floods and landslides. Numerous roads are blocked throughout the region and a number of bridges and homes have been damaged or destroyed. Further rain is expected in the region on Friday.

• In Nicaragua, 11 people have been confirmed dead and seven other people have been reported missing; some 10,000 people are estimated to be affected.
  
• In Costa Rica, eight people have been confirmed dead and 17 others have been reported missing; some 5000 people are estimated to have evacuated their homes. The government has declared a nationwide state of emergency, closed schools, and suspended all nonessential services. The country’s airports remain open but flight disruptions are likely; major rail and road transportation disruptions are also to be anticipated. Nearly 400,000 people are currently without running water. The government has warned citizens to be alert for crocodiles displaced by flooding.
  
• Additionally, three people have been killed in Honduras and several others are missing. As of early Friday, tropical storm warnings remain in place along the northern coast between Punta Castilla and the Nicaraguan border.
  
• One person was killed in a landslide in El Salvador.
  

Context

The Atlantic Hurricane Season officially runs from June 1 to November 30, with a peak of storms typically observed in late August and September. This year’s rainy season in Central America has been particularly intense, resulting in a very saturated ground prior to Nate’s arrival and significantly exacerbating its effects - increasing the risk of flooding and landslides.

Advice

Individuals in the above areas are advised to avoid areas hit by flooding and landslides, follow local weather forecasts, adhere to any advice issued by regional authorities, and confirm travel plans. Keep in mind that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult.