Tegucigalpa: As Tropical Storm Sara pounded Honduras on Friday, residents along the northern coast were forced to wade through waist-deep water, carrying their belongings and pets to safety amid widespread flooding. The storm, which churned ominously near the Caribbean coast, is also impacting neighboring Belize and Guatemala.
Widespread Flooding and Threats of Mudslides
Sara, currently located 35 miles (56 km) southwest of Guanaja Island, is expected to dump between 15 and 25 inches (38-63 cm) of rain on northern Honduras over the coming days, with isolated areas potentially receiving up to 35 inches. The U.S. National Hurricane Center has warned of “life-threatening and potentially catastrophic flash flooding and mudslides,” as the storm intensifies.
Impact on Honduras’ Coffee Production
As the storm continues its path, it could also threaten the region’s vital coffee industry, which makes Honduras the top producer in Central America. The heavy rainfall could damage crops and disrupt harvests, affecting local farmers and the economy.
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Shelters Open, National Emergency Declared
Authorities report that more than 1,000 people in Honduras have sought refuge in shelters, prompting the government to declare a national emergency. Jose Jorge Fortin, the head of risk management, urged residents to stay away from flood-prone areas and emphasized that those living near riverbanks are especially vulnerable to both flooding and landslides.
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Storm Forecast and Path
Packing winds of 50 mph (80 km/h), Tropical Storm Sara is expected to strengthen slightly over the next few days if it remains offshore. Meteorologist Victor Ortega forecasts that the storm will shift northwest toward Belize by Sunday, potentially bringing up to 15 inches of rain to parts of the region. After passing through Honduras, Sara will likely impact Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Mexico’s Quintana Roo state, continuing to pose significant risks in the coming days.
