Honduras: Response operations ongoing following flooding in northern regions as of Feb. 17

Event

Response operations are ongoing in northern Honduras as of Feb. 17 after heavy rainfall and strong winds since Feb. 14 caused flooding and disruptions in parts of the region. The affected area includes parts of Atlantida, Colon, Copan, Cortes, Islas de Bahia, Santa Barbara, and Yoro departments. Over 16,000 people across northern Honduras have been affected by flooding. Thousands have been left cut off by flooded roads and hundreds have been evacuated due to their homes being threatened by floodwaters.

Arizona Municipality in Atlantida Department was amongst the worst affected locations due to the overflowing Lean River. Flooding blocked the road between Tela and La Ceiba and damaged or threatened around 500 homes. Local authorities evacuated at least 300 families in Arizona and 110 in Tela. Flooding has also been reported in Omoa in Cortes Department and strong winds and heavy rainfall damaged electricity infrastructure, leading to power outages in parts of the city of San Pedro Sula. Fallen trees and debris blocked several roads in Santa Barbara Department and authorities are monitoring high river levels across the affected area.

Further scattered rainfall is forecast across parts of northern Honduras through Feb. 18, and even light downpours could exacerbate the situation in areas where river levels are high and the ground is saturated by previous rainfall.

Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger further 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-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.

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. Disruptions triggered by inclement weather and resultant hazards, such as flooding, could persist well after conditions have improved - it could take days before any floodwaters recede and/or officials clear debris. If there is severe damage to infrastructure, repair or reconstruction efforts may result in residual disruptions.

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.

Resources

Permanent Contingency Commission of Honduras (COPECO) (Spanish)