Tegucigalpa: Central American nations are on high alert as Tropical Storm Sara nears the region, with Honduras poised to face the initial impact of the storm. The system, which formed over the Caribbean, is moving westward at a speed of 10 mph (16 kph) and is expected to weaken in the coming days, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC).
Sara is forecast to bring “life-threatening and potentially catastrophic” flash floods and mudslides to Honduras, with rainfall amounts expected to reach 10-20 inches (25-51 cm), and localized areas potentially receiving up to 30 inches. The storm is predicted to continue its course, impacting Belize by Sunday, and then spreading through El Salvador, eastern Guatemala, western Nicaragua, and the southern Mexican state of Quintana Roo into early next week.
The NHC has warned that heavy rainfall from Sara will likely disrupt critical agricultural regions, particularly in areas known for significant coffee production. Emergency response measures have already been activated in these countries as authorities prepare for the storm’s devastating effects.
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As of Thursday night, the storm was situated 130 miles (209 km) southeast of the Honduran island of Guanaja. The National Risk Management System in Honduras has issued a “red alert” for the northern region, anticipating Sara could remain nearly stationary off the country’s Caribbean coast until Sunday morning.
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Authorities across the region are urging residents to remain vigilant as Sara moves toward land, with significant flooding and storm surges expected in the coming days.
