Tropical Storm Sara made landfall in Honduras, causing catastrophic flooding and mudslides. The storm is expected to bring up to 30 inches of rain to Honduras and affect neighboring countries. Over 20,000 residents have been impacted, with numerous evacuations underway. Meteorologists project the storm will continue inland, affecting Guatemala, Belize, and Mexico before reaching western Florida next week.
Tropical Storm Sara made landfall in northern Honduras on Thursday night, unleashing heavy rainfall that resulted in catastrophic flooding and mudslides by Friday morning, as confirmed by the National Hurricane Center. Dramatic footage depicted brown waters surging through urban streets, nearly engulfing parked vehicles. Forecasts suggest that Honduras may receive up to 30 inches of rain by Monday, while surrounding regions in Belize and Nicaragua might experience rainfall ranging from 6 to 12 inches. Currently, the storm is producing winds of 50 mph and has impacted over 20,000 residents in Honduras, with hundreds evacuated and several individuals reported missing, according to data from the UN’s ReliefWeb. Previously, Sara had already drenched Panama and Costa Rica, both of which are still reeling from the aftermath of Hurricane Rafael earlier this month. Meteorologists project that Tropical Storm Sara will continue its inland path through Central America, affecting northern Guatemala, central Belize, and southern Mexico over the weekend. Although the storm is expected to decelerate post-landfall, its trajectory indicates it will persist in moving through the Gulf of Mexico, potentially reaching the western Florida coast by the middle of the following week.
The ongoing weather patterns in Central America have resulted in increased susceptibility to storms and flooding, significantly affecting countries like Honduras, Belize, and Nicaragua. The impact of previous storms, including Hurricane Rafael, has left these nations vulnerable, leading to heightened concerns regarding disaster preparedness and response. The accompanying rainfall from storms such as Sara exacerbates existing challenges faced by these nations, necessitating urgent humanitarian assistance and infrastructure support to mitigate damage.
In conclusion, Tropical Storm Sara presents a critical threat to Central America, particularly Honduras, with severe rainfall leading to flooding and mudslides. The storm not only affects local populations but also signals the ongoing challenges faced by the region in terms of disaster preparedness. The projected path indicates further risks to countries like Guatemala and Mexico, underscoring the need for vigilance as the situation develops.
Original Source: wng.org
