Honduras: Heavy rain in northern departments December 15-16

Event

A cold front has brought heavy rain to departments in northern Honduras since Saturday, December 15, resulting in flooding and landslides. As of Sunday, December 16, the Honduran Comisión Permanente de Contingencias (COPECO) had issued a yellow alert (the second-highest level on a three-tiered scale, indicating that there is an imminent risk to people in affected areas and that evacuation orders may be issued shortly) for Colón department, and a green alert (lowest level on a three-tiered scale, indicating that authorities have forecast dangerous weather phenomena in the area) for the departments of Atlántida and Cortés.

The cold front is forecast to bring rainfall accumulations totaling 14-15 cm (5.5-6 in) to parts of the abovementioned departments along the Atlantic coast through Monday, December 17. Associated flooding damages and transportation disruptions are expected, and evacuations and power outages are possible, in the affected areas in the coming days.

Context

The rainy season in Honduras generally runs from October to February.

Advice

Individuals in northern Honduras are advised to monitor local weather forecasts, confirm travel reservations, and adhere to all advice 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; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.