Extreme Flooding in Guatemala Displaces Thousands, Kills 31

Extreme weather in Guatemala has caused severe flooding across the country, displacing thousands and killing 31 people, according to the National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction, or Conred.

RELATED:
El Niño Behind High Carbon Emissions: Scientists

Conred reported that four people have been reported missing and 26 remain injured. Meanwhile, 609 schools have been shut down and 17 bridges have been destroyed.

Within the last 24 hours, flooding has been reported in the Panzo municipality, where the Polochic River has overflowed into the communities of Teleman and San Vincente, damaging at least 113 homes and affecting 450 residents.

So far, 186 people have been evacuated from San Jorge, taking refuge in a local school, where the Chixoy river has swelled and threatens 32 homes along the bank.

ALTA VERAPAZ. The overflow of the Polochic river is recorded, affecting the village Teleman, Panzos.

---

Earlier this week, a report from the National Institute of Seismology, Volcanology, Meteorology and Hydrology warned of flooding as the rain continues to fall, raising the levels of the San Pedro, Motagua, La Pasion, and Usumacinta rivers above warning levels.

Conditions nearing mudslide proportions in the Quiche department led to the collapse of three homes, displacing an additional 15 residents.

RELATED:
Guatemalan Rights Groups Demand Justice for 45,000 Disappeared

Conred explained that most of those affected are in communities in the northern department of Alta Verapaz due to the overflow of the Polochic River.

In its daily report, the institution said that rainfall will remain mainly in the country’s northern and central regions, adding that light rains across the country are expected for the next few hours.

Additional reports from the United States National Hurricane Center forecasts an approaching low-pressure system to arrive in the next few days throughout the Central American Caribbean. Within the next five days, the system has a 40 percent chance of becoming a tropical depression.

Conred continues to advise the public to remain on the alert, monitor the organization's websites and stay informed as weather reports develop.