Guatemala: Floods - Jul 2023

Heavy rainfall and strong winds have been affecting most of Guatemala since the beginning of the rainy season in May 2023. The severe weather has resulted in flooding, landslides and significant damage. According to the National Coordination for Disaster Reduction (CONRED), as of 27 July, weather-related incidents have affected more than 916,000 people, leaving at least 16 people dead, 4 injured and forcing the evacuation of some 3,084. (OCHA, 31 July 2023)

The humanitarian impact continues to increase in the most parts of Guatemala following the rainy season that has been affecting the country since May 2023. As of 3 August, 22 people died in nine Departments, one is still missing, and four have been injured. In addition, 4,224 people have been evacuated and almost 1,281,000 others affected. Over the next 24 hours, more rainfall with locally heavy rain is forecast over central and southern Guatemala. (ECHO, 4 Aug 2023)

On 25 September, heavy rain affected the Guatemala City area causing the overflow of the El Naranjo River and resulting in casualties and damage. According to the Coordinadora Nacional para la Reducción de Desastres, three people died, 15 others are still missing and six houses have been severely damaged by the flood event. National authorities are conducting the search and rescue operations. On 26-27 September, scattered thunderstorms are forecast over the affected area. (ECHO, 26 Sep 2023)

Since 1 November 2023, above-average rainfall has been severely affecting Guatemala, mainly because of a cold front passing through the country and El Niño intensifying the rainy season (ICC accessed 14/11/2023; INSIVUMEH accessed 14/11/2023). This rainy season has extended beyond the typical May–October period. As at 20 November, the heavy rains had resulted in 67 people dying, 13 being reported missing, and seven suffering from injuries. An estimated 4.5 million people had been affected by the heavy rain, 24,000 people had been directly affected, and 15,000 were at risk to be also impacted (CONRED accessed 20/11/2023). The most affected areas are the northeastern departments of Alta Verapaz, Izabal, and Petén (Ojoconmipisto 10/11/2023; SWI 06/11/2023). The figures of affected people have already surpassed those of the 2022 rainy season. (ACAPS, 26 Nov 2023)

As a result, according to WHO/PAHO, as of 14 December, at least 72 people have been displaced in six shelters due to a landslide that occurred in San José La Colonia Cobán Municipality, in Alta Verapaz Department. In addition, several houses have been damaged. Damage assessment and needs analysis are still ongoing. (ECHO, 14 Dec 2023)