Guatemala: Increased risk of landslides, mudslides, and flooding in aftermath of Tropical Depression Eta November 8 /update 1

Event

Further rainfall is forecast in the areas of Alta Verapaz, Peten, and Izabal through Sunday, November 8, with authorities warning that the additional rainfall presents an increased risk of landslides, mudslides, and flooding across multiple departments. A State of Calamity is currently in effect in the departments of Huehuetenango, Petén, Quiché, Alta Verapaz, Izabal, Chiquimula, Zacapa, Jutiapa, El Progreso, and Santa Rosa. Evacuations are underway for communities in Huehuetenango, Petén, Quiché, Alta Verapaz, Izabal, Zacapa, and El Progreso.

Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammatteri stated on Saturday, November 7, that around 100 people are feared dead, in addition to the 50 confirmed dead, in Queja (Alta Verapaz department) following the passing of Hurricane Eta and its damaging effects. Dozens of houses are known to have been buried under a landslide near San Cristobal Verapaz (Alta Verapaz department) with dozens of people believed to be trapped inside. Heavy damage has also been reported in the northern department of Quiche, where multiple people remain unaccounted for. Dozens of emergency teams from the National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction (CONRED) have been deployed across multiple areas of the country to assist in rescue and recovery efforts.

Further weather-related disruptions are expected across Guatemala in the near term. Localized disruptions from ongoing emergency response and recovery operations are also likely in storm-affected areas.

Context

Guatemala is semi-regularly affected by tropical storm systems, which can approach from its Caribbean coast from June through November. These storms can be particularly ravaging for rural areas, many of which have suffered catastrophic damage from winds and flooding in the past.

Advice

Those in affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, anticipate transportation disruptions, avoid areas directly affected by flooding, confirm road conditions before setting out, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, including evacuation orders. Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters.